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Howard, Rockets down Wolves in Mexico City

Nov 13, 2014 - 7:56 AM Mexico City, MX (SportsNetwork.com) - Dwight Howard returned to the court and posted 22 points with 10 rebounds, leading the Houston Rockets in a 113-101 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Mexico City.

Howard also blocked four shots for the Rockets, who improved to 7-0 this season when the eight-time All-Star is in the lineup. He missed Saturday's 98-87 loss to the Warriors with flu-like symptoms.

James Harden overcame a difficult night shooting and an injury scare in the third quarter, finishing with 23 points and 10 assists on 8-of-23 from the floor, and Trevor Ariza added 19. Harden briefly left the game after landing awkwardly on his ankle but returned and played just under 40 minutes.

"We love playing here," said Harden. "The fans in Mexico are great."

Houston also became the first team in NBA history to make 10 or more 3- pointers in each its first eight games. Kostas Papanikolaou and Jason Terry helped in that area, sinking four and three triples, respectively, off the bench without a miss.

Corey Brewer scored 18 points off the bench and Andrew Wiggins had 15 for Minnesota, which has not won since point guard Ricky Rubio went down with an ankle injury in Friday's overtime loss to Orlando.

The young Wolves played Houston tough in the first half. Both teams shot 20- for-44, and Houston owned a slim 53-49 lead.

Houston finally created some separation with a 10-4 run to open the second half. Isaiah Canaan capped the burst by splitting two defenders and flying in for a layup at 7:14.

Wiggins made two free throws later in the frame to get Minnesota back within four, but Howard scored at the rim and Terry potted a corner 3-ball and it was back to nine. Terry drilled another trey at 1:11 and Tarik Black beat the buzzer with a layup as the Rockets owned a comfortable 84-70 advantage after three.

Minnesota's deficit just grew after that, with Terry's third triple 10 seconds into the fourth setting the tone for the final period.

Game Notes

The Rockets were once again without starting guard Patrick Beverley (hamstring) and forward Terrence Jones (leg). Both players will be re- evaluated later in the week ... Rookie Zach LaVine made his second career start at point guard for the Wolves and had nine assists ... Nikola Pekovic had 11 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota.