Some things don't change. Chris Paul comes back. James Harden's 3-point touch abandons him. The Rockets spend the night chasing the Magic.
One way or another, Harden keeps scoring.
The more recent constant has been that when the Rockets get in a close game, they nearly always win it. When Harden, who had made one bucket in the second half, dropped in a 3-pointer and a mid-range jumper in the final 74 seconds, the Rockets topped the Magic, 103-98, giving the Rockets eight wins in their past 10 games decided by five points or fewer.
Harden scored 40 points, stretching his streak of games scoring at least 30 points to 23, adding 11 rebounds, six assists and three blocked shots, including one in the final half minute with the Rockets up five.