Rockets vs. Hornets recap: Houston holds off rally for 100-96 win

Thanks to a huge second quarter, the Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night, 100-96, despite being outscored 51-36 in the second half.

Leading scorer James Harden scored seven of his 30 points in a second quarter that saw the Rockets outscore New Orleans, 39-18. Despite shooting just 1-7 from behind the arc, Harden was 10-of-20 from the field and added a 9-of-11 performance from the free throw line.

Led by Greivis Vasquez and Ryan Anderson, the Hornets slowly worked their way back into the game. With less than three minutes left, Vasquez, who led New Orleans with 24 points, dropped in two three-pointers to bring the deficit to just 98-96. But New Orleans would not score again, and Houston held on for the win.

Omer Asik scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win, while Chandler Parsons added 13 points and ten rebounds of his own.

The Rockets embark on a three-game road trip Friday, playing Portland, the L.A. Lakers, and the Utah Jazz in four nights.