Harden helps Rockets beat Nets 117-103

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- James Harden scored 20 of his 37 points in the first quarter to lead the Houston Rockets past the Brooklyn Nets 117-103 in NBA actions on Monday.

Harden also had 10 rebounds and eight assists as the Rockets reeled off their fifth straight win. Clint Capela added 20 points for Houston, and Chris Paul had a season-high 14 assists.

Ryan Anderson had 13 points, and Eric Gordon scored 12 points off the bench for Houston.