Rockets blast Blazers, 118-103

Posted: February 8, 2013 -- 10:50 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX -- James Harden was spectacularly efficient Friday night; and, the Portland Trail Blazers had no answer for The Beard. Harden scored 35 points on 13 for 16 field goal shooting (4 for 5 on three); pulled down seven rebounds; and dished 11 assists to help lead the Rockets to a 118-103 victory over the Blazers.

A modest Harden described the reasons for his great game: "Just being aggressive; and, the shots are falling; so, it's opening everything else up. Teammates are knocking down shots; and, it's tough to guard us. When my teammates are knocking down shots, I'm getting easy lay-ups. It was a good team effort tonight."

"He was really efficient," said Kevin McHale of Harden's performance. "He's done quite well. He's making shots; and, he's making plays. The thing I like about it is he had 11 assists. It was really impressive."

Harden's stellar showing outshined the 31 points and 11 boards by Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge.

The Rockets (28-24) shot 59.5% (47 for 79, 12 for 26 from the three-point line) for the ball game and never trailed.

The Blazers (25-25) had no answer for Harden.

"When he (Harden) is making his threes, he had a very efficient night," said Blazers head coach, Terry Stotts after the game. That is as efficient a night as you will see. He had 20 points on eight shots at the half. He doesn't miss a shot in the first half; doesn't miss a free throw; and, he was efficient with his passes. He had a fantastic night."

Blazers forward Nicholas Batum added, "This year he (Harden) is incredible. I don't know if he's the best shooting guard in the league right now; but, maybe he is. He's had a great year for them."

Jeremy Lin played Blazers' rookie-sensation, Damian Lillard, to a statistical draw.

Lin finished the game with 16 points (6 for 10 field goals) and four assists in 26 minutes while Lillard scored 18 points (7 for 13 fgs) and added six assists in 33 minutes.

Chandler Parsons added 20 points (8 for 14 field goals). Patrick Patterson scored 16 points (8 for 11 field goals). Omer Asik scored nine points and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.

The Rockets next three games before the All-Star break are on the road. First up is a Sunday night game against the Sacramento Kings followed by a Tuesday matchup versus the Golden State Warriors. The trip concludes Wednesday night, in Los Angeles, against the Clippers.

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