Harden flies, Rockets flop

HOUSTON Rockets’ James Harden (left) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets’ Treveon Graham during their NBA game Wednesday. AP

HOUSTON— Spencer Dinwiddie scored 25 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and the Brooklyn Nets spoiled James Harden’s 58-point National Basketball Association night with a 145-142 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

The Rockets shot an NBA-record 70 treys, making just 23

Harden had his second straight season high after scoring 57 in a victory over Memphis on Monday night, but was only five of 19 from 3-point range. The Rockets shot an NBA-record 70 treys, making just 23.

Harden has scored at least 30 points in 18 straight games and has reached 40 in nine of the last 12. He was 16 of 34 overall from the field, made 21 of 23 free throws and had 10 rebounds and six assists.

Dinwiddie forced overtime, making three 3-pointers in the last 30 seconds of regulation. In the extra period, he hit the go-ahead basket with 28 seconds left.

Houston had a chance to tie it at the buzzer, but Gerald Green’s shot clanged off the rim.

After Houston blew an 11-point lead, Harden’s 3-point attempt bounced off the rim to send it to overtime.

The Rockets broke their own record for 3-point attempts after shooting 61 against New Orleans on 16 December 2016. Houston also holds the record for most 3-pointers made after hitting 26 in a win over Washington this season. Green, who did not attempt a 2-point basket, made 5 of 15.

In Oakland, California, Stephen Curry scored 41 points with nine 3-pointers to become the first player in NBA history to make eight or more threes in three straight games and the Warriors held off the Pelicans, 147-140, for their sixth straight win.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis went down hard beneath the Warriors basket with 2:22 left but was able to walk off after a few minutes and quickly returned.

Davis had 30 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in nearly 41 minutes for New Orleans, coming off a 46-point and 16-rebound gem Monday night despite starting 0 for 5 with just four points in the first quarter.

Nikola Mirotic scored 29 points, Jrue Holiday added 25 points and seven assists while Elfrid Payton dished out 12 assists.

Harden has scored at least 30 points in 18 straight games and has reached 40 in nine of the last 12.

The Pelicans and Warriors combined for an NBA-record 43 3s, breaking the mark by two that Sacramento and Golden State accomplished Jan. 5 at Golden 1 Center.

In Boston, Kyrie Irving hit a foul-line fadeaway to give Boston the lead, then made a 31-foot 3-pointer to finish with 27 points and lead the Celtics past Toronto, 117-108.

Returning after missing the last game with a bruised right leg, Irving had 10 points and six of his career-high 18 assist in the fourth quarter — including passes to set up Boston’s last three baskets in a game-ending 17-4 run. Al Horford scored 24 points to help Boston rebound from three straight road losses.

Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points, and Serge Ibaka had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors.