NBA: Rockets defeat Hawks, Harden's 30-point run ends

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Houston Rockets toppled Atlanta Hawks 119-111 in Monday's NBA game as All-Star point guard James Harden's 30-point streak ended.

Harden racked up 28 points against Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center in Houston, ending his 32-game run during which he produced at least 30 points for Rockets.

Earlier this season, Harden tallied 29 points against Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 11. His 30-point streak started on Dec. 13 when he scored 50 points in 126-111 win against Los Angeles Lakers.

During this streak Harden scored a career-high 61 points in a win against New York Knicks on Jan. 23. His points average in those 32 games was 41.1 points per game.

In addition to Harden, Rockets guards Chris Paul and Eric Gordon were the key players in Monday's game against Hawks.

Paul scored 20 points with eight assists and Gordon produced 16 points.

Meanwhile Hawks guard Trae Young tallied 36 points and eight assists. Hawks forward John Collins made double-double in this match as he racked up 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Houston.

In Portland, Oregon, the Trail Blazers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-100.

C.J. McCollum scored 35 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Damian Lillard chipped in with 21 points and 8 assists.

For Cavaliers, Cedi Osman scored 27 points and pulled down 7 rebounds in a losing effort. Kevin Love also contributed with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

The Eastern Conference leader Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls 117-106, Turkish international Ersan Ilyasova scored 10 points and 6 rebounds.

- Lebron makes history, Lakers lose

The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies 110-105, putting their playoffs bid in jeopardy in the tough Western Conference.

Lakers are now at 29 wins and 31 losses.

Meanwhile, Lebron James is now moved to 10th place in all-time made assists in NBA history, becoming the only player to be in the top 10 all-time in each points and assists category.

- Here are the results of Monday’s games:

Charlotte Hornets - Golden State Warriors: 110-121

Cleveland Cavaliers - Portland Trail Blazers: 110-123

Detroit Pistons - Indiana Pacers: 113-109

Brooklyn Nets - San Antonio Spurs: 101-85

Miami Heat - Phoenix Suns: 121-124

Chicago Bulls - Milwaukee Bucks: 106-117

Houston Rockets - Atlanta Hawks: 119-111

Memphis Grizzlies - Los Angeles Lakers: 110-105

Minnesota Timberwolves - Sacramento Kings: 112-105

New Orleans Pelicans - Philadelphia 76ers: 110-111

Los Angeles Clippers - Dallas Mavericks: 121-112