HOUSTON — For one unsightly stretch in the second quarter on Sunday night in Dallas, the Houston Rockets presented a strong case for James Harden as league MVP, stumbling about against the lowly Dallas Mavericks while coughing up what was once a 15-point lead.
The Rockets (52-14) rebounded in short order, produced eight third-quarter 3-pointers, and ultimately rolled to a 23-point victory despite Harden being sidelined by a sore left knee.
Harden is expected to return to the starting lineup on Monday when Houston hosts the San Antonio Spurs (37-29) at Toyota Center.