NBA on Jan. 25: Harden scores 35 in Rockets' 121-119 win over Raptors

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James Harden scored 35 points for his 22nd straight game with 30 or more to help the Rockets to a 121-119 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

After averaging 52.2 points over the last five games, capped by a franchise-record 61 in Wednesday's win over the Knicks, Harden's torrid scoring pace slowed a bit as all of Houston's starters scored 10 points or more.

Eric Gordon led that group with 24 and P.J. Tucker added 18 and Austin Rivers scored 13.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets speaks in a court-side interview after his team win over the Toronto Raptors in their NBA game in Houston, Texas, U.S., January 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Houston led by 11 points after two free throws by Harden with 1:14 remaining before the Raptors made three straight three-pointers to cut the lead to 121-119 with 27:3 remaining. Gordon missed a three to give the Raptors a chance, but Kawhi Leonard's three-point attempt was short as he was defended by Harden.

It's the 22nd straight game in which Harden has led his team and Houston's opponent in scoring, which moves him past Michael Jordan for the second-longest streak in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain, who did it in 40 in a row.

James Harden (R) of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against Danny Green (L) of the Toronto Raptors during their NBA game in Houston, Texas, U.S., January 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Danny Green, who led Toronto's effort to slow Harden down thought they did a "decent job" on him.

"We wanted the other guys to beat us and they did, and they did well," he said. "They shot well and Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker, and Faried, we made those guys look really good tonight. We have to do a better job of ... doing both — stopping one guy and limiting the other guys from getting into a rhythm as well."

Harden's stretch of 30-point games is the fourth-longest in league history, behind three streaks by Chamberlain of 25, 31 and 65 games. Harden was 15 of 15 on free throws, but struggled from long-range, shooting just two of 13 on three-point attempts.

Kenneth Faried (C) #35 of the Houston Rockets battles with Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors during their NBA game in Houston, Texas, U.S., January 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

Other results on Friday: (away teams mentioned first)

Washington Wizards 95-91 Orlando Magic

New York Knicks 99-109 Brooklyn Nets

Miami Heat 100-94 Cleveland Cavaliers

LA Clippers 106-101 Chicago Bulls

Sacramento Kings 99-96 Memphis Grizzlies

Detroit Pistons 101-106 Dallas Mavericks

Charlotte Hornets 99-108 Milwaukee Bucks

Phoenix Suns 95-132 Denver Nuggets

Minnesota Timberwolves 102-106 Utah Jazz

Source(s): AP