Harden scores 48 points, Rockets win 9th in row

Portland, Ore. • James Harden scored 48 points and the Houston Rockets won their ninth straight, overcoming a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 124-117 on Saturday night.Harden was 16 of 29 from the field and had eight rebounds to help the Rockets (20-4) win for the 12th time in 13 road games this season. Chris Paul added 24 points, and Trevor Ariza had 13.Damian Lillard tied a franchise record with nine 3-pointers and had 35 points for Portland (13-12). C.