NBA Scores: Rockets spring past Celtics, Nets survive Pistons in 2OT

Rockets 101, Celtics 89
Houston began the game 17-4, gave it all back to the Celtics in the second quarter and still came away with a double-digit win. James Harden was the top scorer for the Rockets with 21 on 6-17 shooting, and Greg Smith was once again amazing (20 points, 8-9 shooting). Chandler Parsons flirted with a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds and a team-high eight assists. The Boston side of the equation wasn't totally as usual: the team fell behind with Kevin Garnett on the floor, and half of its comeback came with him on the bench. He was a -9 on the game; the Celtics were -2 when he was off the court. But note that most of Smith's damage came opposite Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger.

Nets 107, Pistons 105 (2OT)
Brooklyn really, really tried to let the Pistons take Friday's match-up, but Detroit wouldn't participate. In the end, Joe Johnson wrote the epilogue with a buzzer-beating jumper in the second overtime to push the Nets ahead. Brooklyn went on a 21-1 run in the second quarter, but it fell apart in the third as Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe took over. Gerald Wallace was incredible with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, two steals and more great defensive possessions that you could count. Brook Lopez played just 24 minutes in his first game back; he had nine points and four rebounds.

Lakers 102, Wizards 96
Kobe Bryant shot 9-29 from the floor, Jodie Meeks scored 24 and, yes, L.A. only beat the worst team in the NBA by six. Progress.

Nuggets 99, Grizzlies 94
This was an absurdly late game for Memphis (9:30 p.m. start local time), and it was full of swings. Andre Iguodala proved to be the best player on the floor late to help Denver to the win. He finished with 20 points, seven assists and five steals.

Raptors 95, Mavericks 74
Linas Kleiza partied like it was 2009 (20 points) as Toronto just obliterated the visiting Mavs. This was a long, slow burn for Toronto. The team's best lineup included DeMar DeRozan and four reserves, including Kleiza and rookie Terrence Ross, who finished with 18 in 23 minutes.

Magic 99, Warriors 85
The South Beach Flu strikes again. After beating the Heat on Wednesday, Mark Jackson kept his team in Miami instead of leaving for Orlando. Whoops.

Pacers 95, Sixers 85
Paul George was spectacular with 28 points, and George Hill registered his first career triple-double. I don't know how the Sixers can win without Jrue Holiday and Andrew Bynum. I don't they know either.

Thunder 113, Kings 103
Isaiah Thomas singlehandedly made this game interesting late, pulling Sacramento to within five in the fourth quarter. He finished with 26 points in 16 minutes. Who wants to bet he'll get a DNP-CD on Sunday?

Bucks 90, Cavaliers 86
A solid road win for Milwaukee, who got Kyrie Irving's best effort (26 points) and responded with a 33-point night from Monta Ellis. The Bucks have won four straight.

Timberwolves 113, Hornets 102
A career night for Nikola Pekovic (31 points), but look at Austin Rivers with 27 points on 9-14 shooting and Greivis Vasquez with 15 points and 17 assists. Holy moly.

Suns 99, Jazz 84
Bad effort by Utah, strong game by Jared Dudley.

Check out all of our team blog recaps at SBNation.com/NBA-Scores.