Jeremy Lin scored 10 points for the Houston Rockets on Wednesday in a 99-93 win over the Washington Wizards that ended a three-game losing streak.
The 24-year-old, who sprained his left ankle during practice a day earlier, made four of eight shots from the floor, including two of four from the free-throw line. He also had six assists, five rebounds and three turnovers in his 30 minutes on court.
The Rockets, playing at home, had a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but allowed nine turnovers and saw their opponents close the gap to tie the game at 42-42 with 35 seconds left before halftime.
Going into the fourth quarter 68-64, the Rockets at one point had a double-digit lead, before they managed to conclude the game six points ahead to avoid a fourth straight loss, which would have been their third straight defeat at home.
“We’re glad we got the win, but we see we have a lot of areas to shore up,” Lin, the first NBA player of Taiwanese descent, was quoted as saying on the team’s Web site. “Better energy. I think we were just like kind of sluggish. Offensively, the ball wasn’t swinging around. Then I think defensively, just getting people off their spots.”
James Harden, who dumped in 17 points in the first quarter alone to give the Rockets a 10-point lead, had a game-high 31 points, making 10 of 20 from the floor.
Harden, who sat out the previous game with a sprained right ankle, said: “Obviously, it’s good to win, but from the way we were playing it’s not going to get it done against the very good teams.”
“We have to really lock in on what we need to do. The small details, we have to pay attention to those and be ready to go Friday,” he said, referring to an upcoming game against the Boston Celtics in Houston.
WARRIORS 97, HEAT 95
In Miami, Draymond Green made a layup with 0.9 seconds left to give the streaking Golden State Warriors a win over the Miami Heat.
Klay Thompson tied a season high with 27 points to lead the Warriors, who have won five straight.
LeBron James led Miami with 31 points, reaching the 20-point mark for the 25th consecutive game — the longest current streak in the NBA.
Warriors guard Jarrett Jack dribbled the ball at the top of the key as the clock ticked down, before finding Green, who caught a quick pass from Jack underneath the basket and made the layup.
James then missed a baseline jumper, sending Miami to only their second loss in 12 home games.
David Lee had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Jack added 20 points for the Warriors.
Chris Bosh had 21 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, but Dwyane Wade was limited to 14 points on five-for-11 shooting and had five turnovers.
THUNDER 92, HORNETS 88
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kevin Durant scored 35 points as Oklahoma extended their winning streak to nine games with a victory over New Orleans.
The Thunder rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit to match their longest winning streak since the franchise moved from Seattle.
At 18-4, the Thunder also matched the second-best start in franchise history. Seattle started 20-2 in the 1993-1994 season and the Thunder started 18-4 last season.
Brian Roberts scored 16 points to lead the Hornets, who lost their fifth straight game overall and seventh straight against Oklahoma City.
CLIPPERS 100, BOBCATS 94
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Chris Paul had 19 points and 10 assists to help the Clippers extend their longest winning streak in two decades to eight with a victory over Charlotte.
Blake Griffin and Matt Barnes also scored 19 points for the Clippers, who maintained sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division.
Byron Mullens had 19 points and eight rebounds, while Kemba Walker chipped in with 17 points to lead the stumbling Bobcats, who have lost nine straight since starting the season 7-5.
The Bobcats trailed 78-71 entering the fourth quarter and got as close as three, before Barnes scored on a fast break dunk and hit a three-pointer to push the lead back to eight.
NETS 94, RAPTORS 88
In Toronto, Joe Johnson scored 23 points, while Andray Blatche had 14 points and nine rebounds to help Brooklyn end a five-game losing streak with a win over Toronto.
C.J. Watson scored 16 points and Deron Williams added 12 as the Nets won for the first time since Nov. 30 in Orlando, Florida.
Former Raptors Reggie Evans and Kris Humphries both had big games for the Nets. Evans had nine points and 11 rebounds, while Humphries scored 11 points, making nine of 10 free throws.
Ed Davis matched his career high with 24 points and added 12 rebounds, while Jose Calderon had 10 points and 15 assists for the Raptors, who have lost six straight and 12 of 13.
Wednesday’s other results:
‧ Jazz 99, Spurs 96
‧ Celtics 117, Mavericks 115,
second overtime
‧ Suns 82, Grizzlies 80
‧ Bulls 96, 76ers 89
‧ Bucks 98, Kings 85
‧ Pacers 96, Cavaliers 81
‧ Timberwolves 108, Nuggets 105
‧ Hawks 86, Magic 80
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