Houston, we have liftoff

Updated: 2017-01-04 07:59

By Associated Press in Houston(China Daily)

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball to the basket as Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center in Houston, US on Jan 2, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Harden, Gordon do the damage against Wizards

James Harden had another triple-double on Monday night, though this one wasn't record-setting like his last one.

Still, it was enough to help the Houston Rockets to their fifth straight win.

Harden had 23 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and Eric Gordon scored 31 points to lead the Rockets to a 101-91 win over the Washington Wizards.

Harden's ninth triple-double of the season was a rocky follow-up to a brilliant New Year's Eve performance that saw him score 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds against the Knicks and became the first player in NBA history with a 50-15-15 game.

In this one, Harden committed six turnovers and was just 2 for 11 on 3-pointers after going 9 for 16 against New York.

"The beauty of it is, when my shot isn't falling and when I'm not shooting the ball well, I've got other guys around me who can make up for it," Harden said. "Tonight, Eric and Ryan (Anderson) stepped up for us and made big plays."