James Harden pushes Rockets past Pacers

James Harden scored 28 points and the Houston Rockets used a huge third quarter to turn a close game into a blowout in a 112-86 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night at Houston.

Harden scored 16 in the Rockets’ 38-point third quarter, which turned a three-point lead into a 29-point advantage. He also got into a dustup with Evan Turner that resulted in both players receiving technical fouls.

Harden and Dwight Howard, who had 15 points, went to the bench for the fourth quarter and watched their teammates wrap up Houston’s fourth consecutive win. David West had 15 points for the Pacers, losers of three straight for the first time this season.

at Dallas 103, Portland 98: Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points, Devin Harris hit the go-ahead shot in the final minute and the Mavericks rallied in the fourth quarter after blowing a 30-point lead.

The Mavericks nearly tied the franchise record for their biggest blown lead. They lost to the Lakers, 105-103, on Dec. 6, 2002, in Los Angeles after leading 66-36 early in the third quarter.

Memphis 85, at Chicago 77: Marc Gasol had 18 points and 10 rebounds and held the Bulls’ Joakim Noah in check in the final minutes.

at Boston 91, Brooklyn 84: Rajon Rondo’s 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds helped the Celtics overcome a season-high 28 turnovers.

at New York 108, Utah 81: Carmelo Anthony scored 18 of his 29 points in the first quarter to lead the Knicks.

at Charlotte 101, Cleveland 92: The Bobcats got their sixth straight win at home after owner Michael Jordan praised his team during a pregame locker-room speech.

at Toronto 99, Sacramento 87: Terrence Ross’ 18 points led the Raptors, who spoiled Rudy Gay’s return to Toronto.

at Minnesota 114, Detroit 101: Kevin Love had 28 points and 14 rebounds as the Timberwolves coasted after leading by 31 points in the third quarter.

at New Orleans 112, Milwaukee 104: Anthony Davis had 29 points and 14 rebounds to lift the Pelicans.

at Golden State 111, Atlanta 97: David Lee had 18 points, one of five Warriors players in double figures, and Golden State used a 66-50 edge in points in the paint to prevail.