Harden fuels Rockets

HOUSTON - The Rockets are on a roll, putting their terrible start behind them.

James Harden scored a season-high 43 points and Clint Capela added 27 on Wednesday night to help Houston withstand a late run by the Pistons and get their fifth straight victory, 126-124. The Rockets have won eight of 10 to improve to 9-7. They led by 14 with about five minutes left, but Blake Griffin made five 3-pointers that helped Detroit cut the lead to four points with about 90 seconds left.

Houston struggled to contain Griffin late after defensive stopper PJ Tucker was ejected in the third quarter after being handed two technical fouls for arguing with officials.