By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA (AA) – The Houston Rockets rallied to defeat the Miami Heat on Thursday evening 121-118 behind superstar James Harden's 58 points.
The Heat — coming off a buzzer-beating victory against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night — led the game starting from the second quarter, when they go on a 37-22 run.
However, Harden and co. went on a 14-0 run, in which Harden scored 10 points, in the fourth quarter to lead 117-113 with 6.18 remaining.
Chris Paul's jumper with 46 seconds to go gave Rockets 121-118 lead, which sealed the match after the Heat were unable to find a three-pointer to extend the match to overtime.
Harden scored 58 points, made 10 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds in the victory. The reigning MVP scored 50+ points for the sixth time this season.
Chris Paul scored 14 points, while Austin Rivers added 17 points in Rockets' 37th win of the season.
For Miami, seven players scored in double-digits but it was not enough to beat the Rockets.
– Cedi Osman on fire
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 125-118 behind four Cavs players scoring 20+ points.
Kevin Love scored 26 points, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson each scored 22 points and Cedi Osman continued his recent strong performance with 21 points as the Cavs get their 15th win of season.
Turkish international Cedi Osman also pulled down 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists in an all-around showing.
Osman averaged 18 points in his last five games.
Here are the Thursday results:
Indiana Pacers – Minnesota Timberwolves: 122-115
Orlando Magic – Golden State Warriors: 103-96
New York Knicks – Cleveland Cavaliers: 118-125
Houston Rockets – Miami Heat: 121-118
Oklahoma City Thunder – Philadelphia 76ers: 104-108
Denver Nuggets – Utah Jazz: 104-111
