HOUSTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Chase Budinger scored a season-best 22 points Friday to help the Houston Rockets overcome an early deficit and defeat Toronto 114-105.
Budinger came off the bench to hit 8-of-10 shots from the field, three of which were 3-pointers. He was within two points of equaling the highest output of his career, having twice reached 24 points during his rookie season of 2009-10.
Houston outscored Toronto 42-21 in the second period to overcome a 14-point deficit after one quarter. Kevin Martin added 20 points for Houston and was one of six Rockets in double figures.
Houston won just three of its first 14 games this season, but with this win pulled even at 16-16. The Rockets will try to move above the breakeven mark for the first time Sunday when they visit Portland.
The Rockets overcame a 37-point performance by DeMar DeRozan, who made 12-of-21 shots from the field and 13-of-14 from the line.
