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Howard helps Rockets down Bucks

Feb 9, 2014 - 6:03 AM Milwaukee, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Dwight Howard finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to lead the Houston Rockets to a 101-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

James Harden netted 22 and Jeremy Lin scored 18 for the Rockets, who have won five straight. Patrick Beverley contributed 15 points in the victory.

Brandon Knight poured in 23 and Khris Middleton had 20 points and eight assists for the Bucks, who have lost 17 of their last 19. Nate Wolters added 19 points and seven boards and John Henson contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Rockets led, 98-92, with 46.6 seconds left to play before Lin fouled Middleton beyond the arc. Middleton capitalized from the line as he knocked down all three and brought the Bucks within a possession.

Lin then missed a 12-footer, which would've gave Houston a five-point lead, however, Knight missed a layup on the other end. Howard grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 10.1 seconds left. He made 1-of-2 from the charity stripe and extend the Rockets' lead to 99-95.

Knight then missed a 9-footer, which Howard brought down as well and again was fouled and sent to the line. Howard made the pair and sealed the outcome.

"We just couldn't get over the hump," Milwaukee head coach Larry Drew said. "I thought for the most part we hung in there"

Milwaukee started the second half with a 12-2 surge to get within 58-57, however, Houston fired back to go ahead six with 10:18 left in the third.

The teams traded baskets and the Bucks trailed by five with just under four minutes on the clock in the third, however, Houston pulled away with an 11-4 run to carry a 81-69 lead into the final frame.

With 6:17 left in the first half Chandler Parsons nailed a trey to give Houston a 12-point lead. The Rockets then rattled off eight straight points later in the quarter to go ahead by 15. The Bucks trailed 56-45 at halftime.

The Rockets scored the first seven of the game, which was the largest lead in the first 12 minutes. There were three ties and two lead changes in the opening quarter.

"Just glad we got that win. That was not our best game. We had a lot of possessions offensively where we didn't move the ball and defensively they kind of got what they wanted for a while," said Rockets coach Kevin McHale.

Game Notes

The Bucks outrebounded Houston 47-38 ... The Rockets shot 8-for-25 from long distance, while Milwaukee went 6-for-15 from behind the arc ... Houston will face the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday ... The Bucks host the Boston Celtics on Monday.