CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- James Harden scored 29 points, Josh Smith had a double-double and the Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets for the ninth straight time 100-90 on Monday night.
Harden was only 7 of 20 from the field, but did plenty of damage from the free throw line where he was 14 of 16.
Smith added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who moved back into a tie with San Antonio for first place in the Southwest division with one game remaining in the season.
Jason Terry had 13 points and Trevor Ariza and Corey Brewer chipped in with 11 for the Rockets (55-26).