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James Harden scored 28 points, including seven in overtime, to help the Houston Rockets outlast the Orlando Magic for a 119-114 victory on Wednesday night.
It was a wild, back-and-forth game that was tied 18 times and featured 22 lead changes.
Dwight Howard and Harden made back-to-back layups to get things going for Houston in overtime and make it 114-110. Evan Fournier made a basket for Orlando before a three-point play by Harden pushed the lead to 117-112.
Shabazz Napier cut the lead to 117-114 with a jump shot with 2 1/2 minutes left in OT. But the Magic didn't score after that and Harden made a pair of free throws with 0.9 seconds left to secure the victory.
Fournier finished with 29 points and four assists.
Corey Brewer missed two free throws with 12 seconds left in the fourth and Fournier tied it at 110 with two free throws with 1.1 seconds remaining. Houston had a chance to win it in regulation, but Howard couldn't hold onto the inbounds pass.
It was Houston's second straight win after a 0-3 start and the Magic's fourth loss of five points or less this season and the second overtime game.
Howard had 23 points and 14 rebounds. Trevor Ariza scored 19 points with four 3-pointers.
Aaron Gordon scored five points in a row to give Orlando a 106-103 lead with about 4 minutes left. But Ty Lawson scored four quick points for Houston to put the Rockets back on top 107-106.
Harden crashed hard to the court when he was fouled by Fournier with about 8 minutes remaining. He remained on the floor for a couple of minutes before slowing getting to his feet and making one of two free throws that put Houston up 98-97.
The Rockets led 68-59 at halftime. Gordon's jump shot left the Magic down by 2 entering the fourth quarter.
TIP-INS
Orlando: Gordon finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. ... Victor Oladipo had 18 points and seven rebounds. ... Orlando scored 58 points in the paint.
Houston: Howard received a flagrant 1 foul in the second quarter after knocking Gordon to the ground as he drove to the basket. ... Marcus Thornton had 18 points in his third straight start. ... Patrick Beverley was not feeling well and did not return after halftime. He had three points in the first half.
UP NEXT
Magic; Host Toronto on Friday.
Rockets: Visit Sacramento on Friday.
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