Harden helps handcuff Hornets

James Harden had another big offensive night for Houston, though the All-Star guard was more excited about the Rockets' effort on the other side of the ball.

Harden had 30 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and the Rockets forced 22 turnovers that led to 27 points in a 107-95 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night.

"Our communication was really good," Harden said. "We switched off and contained the ball and contained their shots and closed out. And we made tough shots and took care of the basketball.

"If we do all of those consistently, we'll be a very good team."

They already are.

Patrick Beverley had 17 points and Montrezl Harrell added 15 off the bench as the Rockets improved to 39-17.

It was the 25th time Harden has scored at least 30 points, along with his league-high 44th double-double. Harden shook off a 2-of-11 start from the field with a big third quarter.

"They're not going to shut him out the whole game," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He's pretty good. He's pretty special."

Harden was just 8 of 21 from the field and had nine turnovers but picked up his play in a decisive third quarter as the Rockets erased a nine-point deficit by outscoring the Hornets 36-22.

Charlotte had 12 turnovers in the third quarter alone.

"That's just too much, especially against that team - a team that can score," said Hornets guard Nic Batum, who finished with a team-high 15 points and 10 assists.

Kemba Walker had 14 points and a season-high six turnovers for the Hornets, who have lost eight of nine.

Eric Gordon (back soreness) and Nene (shoulder) did not play for the Rockets.

Houston only used eight players, but six finished in double digits in scoring.

"This is what we need in games like that. Everybody stepped up tonight and was playing well," said Rockets forward Ryan Anderson, who had 14 points.

"Everybody was aggressive and making shots. This is what we needed to win the game again."

Charlotte coach Steve Clifford felt Beverley was the difference in the game, hitting two big 3-pointers in the second half.

"He ran their team. He was their secondary pick-and-roll player and outside of Harden, he was the key to the game," Clifford said.