BOX SCORE

Synopsis
Carlos Delfino made quite the statement in his comeback game. In 29 minutes, Delfino scored 22 points and had eight assists. He shot 8-for-10, including 6-8 from distance. Of course, he wasn't the sole reason the Rockets won 123-104, but his impact was noticeable.

James Harden had his 13th straight game with at least 20 points, and the Rockets snapped their two-game skid, sending out 2012 in style.
 
Turning point
Trailing 31-30, the Rockets ripped off a 16-0 run as part of a bigger 28-6 run that blew the game open. The Hawks would make it closer at various stretches of the game, but it was during this second-quarter stretch where the Rockets established the Hawks' need to play catch-up.

From the field
The Rockets shot 45-for-84 for 54 percent. From three-point land, they shot 16-for-29 (** percent).
 
At the line
After a few subpar games, the Rockets recovered to shoot 17-22 from the charity stripe (77 percent).
 
Highlight reel
Marcus Morris had a nice dunk during the first half that made it 58-37 (the Rockets' biggest lead). Omer Asik and Greg Smith had nice second-half flushes.

Up next
The Rockets open up 2013 with a home game against the Hornets on Wednesday night. New Orleans currently sits in the cellar of the division, but obviously boast the top overall draft pick in Anthony Davis.