BOSTON (AP) — James Harden had 42 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter and the Houston Rockets held on the beat the Boston Celtics 115-104 on Sunday for their fifth straight victory.
Harden made six 3-pointers and scored 40 or more points for the 24th time this season. Houston entered the day in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, a game behind of fourth-place Oklahoma City.
Eric Gordon added 32 points and had eight 3-pointers.
Boston has lost five of last six. Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists.