James Harden gave the Houston Rockets a quick start as they eased to a 112-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center in the NBA.
The shooting guard, who is the league's top scorer, scored 15 of his 31 points in the first quarter as the home side pulled away at the start of the game, leaving the Thunder with too much to do to get back in contention.
Reigning league MVP Kevin Durant tried to give Oklahoma City some hope, adding 24, but the Rockets did not trail after the first quarter.
A run of six unanswered points in the final five minutes cut Houston's lead to 11 late on, but the home side defended well to ensure that Durant and Russell Westbrook could not complete the comeback.
The win gives the Rockets a 28-12 record, while the Thunder, who have now lost three of their last four, slip to 18-20.
