ATLANTA, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- James Harden turned in his second straight huge game Friday and Houston pulled away down the stretch to down Atlanta 109-102.
Harden was dealt from Oklahoma City to Houston just prior to the start of the season and he backed up a 44-point performance in the Rockets' season opener with a 45-point showing against the Hawks.
He made 14-of-19 from the field and 15-of-17 from the free throw line. Jeremy Lin contributed 21 points for the Rockets, who with the addition of two star players have become an instant force in the Western Conference.
The game was tied with less than 4 minutes remaining, but Harden ignited a closing surge by scoring five straight points. A 3-pointer by Chandler Parsons gave the Rockets a six-point cushion with 1:58 remaining.
Atlanta outshot Houston and committed fewer turnovers than did the Rockets, but the Hawks were overwhelmed on the boards 58-36. Houston claimed 23 offensive rebounds.
Lou Williams scored 22 points to lead the Hawks in their season opener.
