James Harden: 'Dwight Howard makes games easier for teammates'

James Harden has praised Dwight Howard for making games easier for his Houston Rockets teammates.

The center scored 29 points and had 13 rebounds during the team's 116-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last night.

Harden, who added 33 points, told reporters: "Dwight makes the whole game so much easier for each teammate. He draws double teams. He's a great passer. He dominates the post and he can score it. He does everything."

Head coach Kevin McHale added: "That was a tough one but we got a big win here tonight. James and Dwight had tremendous games."

The Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow.