Harden, Smith lead Rockets
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - James Harden had 32 points and 10 assists, and Josh Smith scored 21 points in his Rockets debut, as Houston beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-111 in overtime on Friday night.
Trevor Ariza added 15 points and former Timberwolves player Corey Brewer 13 for the Rockets, who took over the top spot in the Western Conference's Southwest Division.
Dwight Howard scored only six points but made four free throws in overtime. He grabbed 11 rebounds.
Smith signed with the Rockets after the Pistons released him. He signed a four-year, $54 million contract with Detroit in July 2013.
Marc Gasol led Memphis with 29 points. He missed a jumper at the buzzer at the end of regulation.
HIGHLIGHTS
• DAVIS POWERS PELICANS: Anthony Davis had 22 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, leading the host Pelicans to a 97-90 victory over the slumping San Antonio Spurs. The Pelicans took consecutive wins over the Spurs for the first time in team history. They also won 100-99 in San Antonio on Nov. 8. Ryan Anderson scored 22 points for New Orleans and Jrue Holiday added 15 points and seven assists. Tim Duncan had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Cory Joseph also scored 20 for the Spurs, who have lost six of seven.
• PISTONS END SKID: Greg Monroe had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Andre Drummond scored 20 points and the Detroit Pistons ended a four-game skid with a 119-109 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers. Roy Hibbert paced Indiana with 19 points, but foul trouble sent him to the bench in the third quarter, and the Pistons took advantage. They outscored the Pacers 36-29 in the period to take an 11-point lead into the fourth.
