Harden leads Rockets past OKC

(The Sports Xchange) – James Harden scored 19 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 69-65 points victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Rockets improved to 9-1 on the season while the Thunder fell to 3-8 as they continue to play without the injured Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

It was the second straight game for the Thunder to lose in the final seconds at home.

With the score tied at 65 in the closing two minutes, Harden drained a three-pointer and added a free throw to seal the win for Houston.

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Bucks 91, Heat 84

The Milwaukee Bucks won for the third time in four games, dominating the second half and defeating the slumping Miami Heat.

Milwaukee (5-5) outscored Miami 53-38 in the second half.

Point guard Brandon Knight hit three huge three-pointers in the final three minutes to lead Milwaukee and finished with a game-high 20 points.

Miami (5-5) played without Dwyane Wade for a second straight game, out with an injured hamstring, and Mario Chalmers led the team in scoring with 18 points.

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Knicks 109, Nuggets 93

The New York Knicks halted their seven-game losing streak, knocking off the Denver Nuggets.

Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith poured in 28 points for the Knicks (3-8), who reached the century mark for the second straight game. Smith was making his first start of the season.

Denver (2-7) had five players in double figures, led by shooting guard Arron Affalo’s 18 points, but they have now lost seven of their last eight.