Harden leads Rockets over Memphis as Howard sits

Oct 9, 2014, 11:29 pm

HOUSTON -- James Harden scored 21 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 113-93 preseason victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night.

The All-Star guard was 6 for 12 from the field and added four assists. Center Dwight Howard was held out with a bruised knee.

Second-year forward Terrence Jones scored 15 points, while University of Memphis product Tarik Black pulled down 15 rebounds and added 10 points.

Houston took a 27-point lead midway through the third quarter, then pulled away again after Memphis pulled within seven with 7:20 to play.

Jarnell Stokes led Memphis with 12 points. Zach Randolph played eight minutes for the Grizzlies, scoring two points.