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Brooks' hot shooting leads Rockets past Timberwolves

Nov 24, 2013 - 6:51 AM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Aaron Brooks nailed six 3-pointers and netted 26 points as the Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-101, on Saturday night.

Terrence Jones tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds, Jeremy Lin poured in 19 points and Dwight Howard added 11 points, 13 boards and four blocks for the Rockets, who have won four of their last five game.

Houston was without its leading scorer James Harden, who was held out of the lineup with a sore foot. He is also expected to miss Hosuton's next game at Memphis.

"I think the difference was that about two days prior you knew that James (Harden) wasn't going to play so mentally you're more prepared for what's about to happen," said Brooks, who started in place of Harden.

Kevin Love had 27 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota, which has dropped four of its last six tilts.

Jones had seven quick points as the Rockets raced out to a 14-2 start before a 13-2 Minnesota swing brought the Timberwolves within 16-15 midway through the first.

Houston then closed the frame on a 9-3 flurry as the hosts took a 25-18 advantage after a quarter of play.

The Rockets led 55-42 at the break and 82-74 after three before blowing the game open with a 9-0 run to begin the fourth.

Omri Casspi, Lin and Brooks nailed triples on three consecutive trips down the floor as Houston took a commanding 91-74 advantage.

The Rockets led by as many as 19 down the stretch.

"They (Rockets) just shot the ball really well from the three and we just didn't play well enough," said Minnesota head coach Rick Adelman.

Game Notes

Patrick Beverley knocked down five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points for Houston ... Houston turned the ball over 24 times, which led to 37 Minnesota points ... Corey Brewer netted 22 points for the Timberwolves.