Small ball came through in a big way for the Rockets on Tuesday night.
Houston beat Miami 115-102 despite the absence of Dwight Howard, who was serving a one-game suspension for making contact with an official on Saturday.
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James Harden had a big game with 26 points (on 10-for-19 shooting) and a career-high 14 assists. He headed a three-guard lineup with Cory Brewer and Patrick Beverley. Josh Smith took care of things at center, with the 6-8 veteran scoring 19 points.
The Rockets are now 7-4 without Howard. Could they be better without him?
Stud of the Night
Kobe Bryant turned back the clock against the Timberwolves. He scored a season-high 38 points as the Lakers won 119-115 to snap a 10-game losing streak and avoid setting a franchise record for consecutive losses. He was especially effective from 3-point range, hitting 7 of 11 attempts. He also added five rebounds and five assists.
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Duds of the Night
Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony combined for just 26 points and shot 8 of 27 as the Knicks fell 97-89 to the Celtics.
Highlight of the Night
Markieff Morris’ time under Earl Watson got off to a good start Tuesday. The Suns' interim coach inserted the disgruntled forward into the starting lineup and Morris responded with 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in the Suns’ 104-97 loss to the Raptors. This dunk wasn't bad, either.
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Looking ahead
Warriors (44-4) at Wizards (21-25), 8 p.m. ET: This game will be fun to watch. It features two of the league's top point guards in Golden State's Stephen Curry and Washington's John Wall.