BOX SCORE

Synopsis
James Harden marked his return to the Rockets lineup with 31 points, including 17 in the first quarter, as Houston defeated the Wizards 99-93. This was by no means pretty. The Rockets turned the ball over 18 times and shot 45 percent from the field. The important thing, though, is that the team broke a three-game losing skid. Toney Douglas scored in double digits off the bench for the fifth straight game.
 
Turning point
It was a game of runs, but the bench was responsible for the one that turned the game. Up only 68-64 heading into the fourth, Kevin McHale used a lineup that included Omer Asik and four bench players. That lineup bumped the lead up to 78-68 and the lead stayed on the Rockets' side for the rest of the contest.

From the field
The Rockets shot 34-76 from the field for 45 percent. From distance, they shot 9-24.
 
At the line
The Rockets were up and down here. They started 10-10, but from that point on, they were only 12-20. They finished 22-30 for 73 percent.

Up next
The Rockets remain at home for Friday's game, when the Celtics come to town.