Power Shift: Rockets outduel Spurs in Texas showdown

Nov 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dwight Howard (12) and guard James Harden (13) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the AT

The San Antonio Spurs had opened the season with seven-straight home wins — until Saturday night. They ran into the other team in Texas — the Houston Rockets.

James Harden scored a game-high 31 points and Chandler Parsons added 25 points as the Rockets (13-5) overcame a late second half comeback attempt by the Spurs (14-3) to hand them their first home loss of the season 112-106.

The Spurs outscored the Rockets 39-26 to open the second half, but ultimately fell short in their comeback attempt. Tony Parker had 27 points, Tim Duncan added 20 and Marco Belinelli scored 18 for the Spurs.

Harden hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 106 with 46 seconds left. After a Parker miss, the Rockets converted on back-to-back scores at the basket to open up a 110-106 lead with 16 seconds left. 

Dwight Howard finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, Terrence Jones added 10 points and 16 boards, and Patrick Beverley had 11 points in the winning effort.

Lastly, here is a rim-rocking dunk by Howard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxRtuz5f0pU

Also, Here’s Gregg Popovich getting mad at Kevin McHale because he walked in front of Tim Duncan…or something:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv32TWKYFx0