CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) -The Houston Rockets roared past Cleveland in the fourth quarter for a 105-93 win Wednesday night over the Cavaliers, who played their sixth straight game without LeBron James.
James Harden scored 21 points, Dwight Howard had 17 points and 19 rebounds and the Rockets broke away with a 15-5 run in the fourth quarter to hand the Cavs their seventh loss in nine games. Corey Brewer made a pair of 3-pointers and scored eight consecutive points in Houston’s spree.
Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 38 and Kevin Love added 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Cavs, who lost their fourth straight at home. J.R. Smith didn’t score in 19 minutes in his Cleveland debut. The unpredictable guard was acquired earlier in the week from the Knicks along with guard Iman Shumpert.
James said he’s on target to return in a week from a strained back and knee.
The Cavaliers have filled their biggest need, acquiring center Timofey Mozgov from the Denver Nuggets for two future first-round draft picks.