Houston Rockets edge past New York Knicks

The Houston Rockets survived a late fightback from the New York Knicks to secure a 109-106 victory at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

James Harden made an impact on his return from a one-game absence as he scored 36 points to earn Houston their sixth win of the season.

The Rockets were leading by just one at half time but it seemed like the triumph was secured with just under four minutes left in the game when Harden scored seven points in a row to stretch the advantage to nine.

However, the Knicks continued to battle in the closing stages and Carmelo Anthony was denied a four-point play when officials decided he attempted a shot after being fouled by Harden.

Anthony ended the game with 45 points, a season-high for any player in the NBA, but he could not prevent the Knicks from slipping to a fourth loss at home.