James Harden scored 35 points, added seven assists, and six rebounds to help the Houston Rockets defeat the win-less Sixers 88-87 Friday night at the Toyota Center. Harden went on a shooting clinic at the charity stripe converting 14 out of 16 from the line. Dwight Howard recorded yet another double-double, chipping in 21 points and 16 rebounds for the Rockets.

Trevor Ariza was the lone man in double digits besides Harden and Howard with 13 points and nine boards. Houston forced 26 turnovers and converted those miscues to 36 points. The Rockets also made it difficult for the Sixers to operate in the paint, blocking 11 shots. Dwight Howard navigated Houston's defense blocking seven shots. In addition, the Rockets hijacked the ball 17 times against the Sixers' 11 steals.

Tony Wroten led the way for the Sixers with 19 points and eight assists. Henry Sims and Hollis Thompson added 14 points and 12 points respectively for the Sixers who are win-less after eight outings. Michael Carter-Williams chalked up 13 markers and five dimes for the Sixers, who allowed 37 costless throw attempts. However, the Sixers shot better from the field, converting 42 percent of their shots compared to the Rockets' 37 percent. 

Philadelphia took a 68-63 lead at the end of the third quarter after outscoring the Rockets 21-16. The game was tied at 84 with 51 ticks left in the contest, but Tony Wroten made a three-point basket to give his team a three-point lead. Harden scored the last four points, including a game-winning layup to settle with an 88-87 victory. The Rockets enrich their winning total to seven while the Sixers drop to 0-8. 

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About the author
John Carlo Villaruel
John Carlo Villaruel studies Journalism at University Of San Jose-Recoletos.