Harden scores 41 as Rockets beat Nuggets 115-11 in overtime

DENVER — James Harden couldn't quite fight his way through traffic and just barely missed getting his hand in the face of Arron Afflalo as the Nuggets swingman knocked down a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end regulation.

No big deal, though. Harden more than atoned in overtime.

Harden scored eight of his 41 points in the extra period, and the Houston Rockets beat Denver 115-111 on Wednesday night after Afflalo's late theatrics sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Just Harden being Harden.

"When he's in attack mode, nobody can guard him," Dwight Howard said. "He played amazing. Hit some tough shots."

Harden was far from alone. Patrick Beverley sealed Houston's seventh win in eight games by hitting four straight free throws in the final 17.8 seconds.

"This team doesn't give up. We're resilient," said Harden, who was 18 of 21 at the free throw line and had 10 assists. "We've been that way all year."

Wilson Chandler scored 23 points and Ty Lawson dished out 16 assists for the struggling Nuggets, who've dropped seven of their last eight.

"We didn't win the game, but I commend our guys," Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said. "I'm proud of the guys and the way they played, so these kinds of losses, I can stomach a little bit better."

After sending the game to OT, Afflalo had a chance to come up big again with 24 seconds remaining and his team trailing 109-107, but he hit just one of two free throws. He later knocked down a 3-pointer to keep the Nuggets close, only to have Beverley drain two free throws.

"Heck of a game," said Rockets coach Kevin McHale, whose team trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half. "Our guys just kept battling away."

Harden's 3-pointer with 10.4 seconds left in regulation gave the Rockets a 98-96 lead. He then stole a pass from Kenneth Faried and was immediately fouled, sending him to the line with a chance to wrap up the win. But Harden made just one of two free throws, giving the Nuggets time for one last chance.

"It's basketball. People are going to hit tough shots," Howard said. "Luckily, we had a chance to redeem ourselves and get a win."

Houston beat Denver last Saturday, with Harden recording a triple-double — 24 points, 10 rebound and 10 assists.

He torched the Nuggets for three quarters Wednesday, but was held quiet in the fourth until his late 3-pointer, his only one of the game.

Jason Terry didn't make the trip to Denver. Instead, he headed for Dallas to be with his wife, who is expecting the couple's fifth child.

Faried (strained ankle) and Danilo Gallinari (bruised knee) were back on the floor after being hobbled by ailments. They also were energized after conversations with Shaw. Both players voiced their frustration over their recent roles and Shaw listened.

"It was definitely a good game for me, but we didn't win," Gallinari said. "I'm not happy, but onto the next one."

TIP-INS

Rockets: Francisco Garcia (calf, strained Achilles) and Terrence Jones (left leg nerve inflammation) didn't play. ... McHale has become a mentor for Shaw, with the two talking every so often about their two favorite subjects — hoops and fishing. "I wish him all the luck in the world, except when we're playing him," McHale said.

Nuggets: Of his meetings with Faried and Gallinari over their roles, Shaw said, "We tried to find a common ground and go from there." ... The Nuggets have played more overtime games against Houston (14) than any other team.

BULLIED AROUND

UP NEXT

Rockets: Host New Orleans on Thursday.