NBA: Houston 109, New York 96

NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Jeremy Lin pumped in 22 points and distributed eight assists in his return to New York Monday, boosting the Houston Rockets over the Knicks 109-96.

Lin, who created a sensation for the Knicks last season before being let go as a free agent in July, returned to Madison Square Garden and helped the Rockets deal first-place New York its first home loss of the season.

James Harden supplied 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who broke a seven-game road losing streak.

Chris Copeland, starting in place of the injured Carmelo Anthony for the second straight game, netted 29 points for New York, which fell to 10-1 at home.