NBA: Rockets' Harden pours in 44 points to beat Suns

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Houston Rockets defeated Phoenix Suns 118-110 in the NBA on Monday as Rockets' All-Star point guard James Harden scored 44 points.

In the away game, Harden was again came up big in Rockets' victory as he also added eight rebounds and six assists to his brilliant scoring performance.

This season Harden, 29, is on fire as he managed to score at least 30 points in 27 NBA games in a row.

Western Conference powerhouse Houston Rockets had their 31st win this season.

Another star for the Rockets, Chris Paul scored 18 points, while Kenneth Faried produced 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the victory.

Suns were unable to avoid the loss despite individual efforts.

Suns forward Josh Jackson scored 25 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. produced 23 points and center Deandre Ayton had 15 points and 11 rebounds against Rockets.

Rockets star Harden will play in the 68th NBA All-Star Game to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, Feb. 17.

Separately, Milwaukee Bucks beat Brooklyn Nets 113-94 to go on their lead in the Eastern Conference standings.

In the Eastern Conference showdown, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo made "double double" as the Greek international scored 30 points and took 15 rebounds.

Antetokounmpo's Turkish international teammate Ersan Ilyasova scored four points and had nine rebounds.

Home team Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell -- who has recently been selected as an All-Star, replacing injured Victor Oladipo -- put up 18 points in the loss.

Nets guard Shabazz Napier tallied 15 points.

- Results:

Detroit Pistons - Denver Nuggets: 129-103

Washington Wizards - Atlanta Hawks: 129-137

Brooklyn Nets - Milwaukee Bucks: 94-113

New Orleans Pelicans - Indiana Pacers: 107-109

Phoenix Suns - Houston Rockets: 110-118

Sacramento Kings - San Antonio Spurs: 127-112