Harden’s 41 lead Rockets past Thunder 118-110

HOUSTON (AP) – James Harden had 41 points with nine assists to help the Houston Rockets improve their playoff chances with a 118-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

With 30 seconds left, Harden stole a pass from Kevin Durant and found Patrick Beverley for a transition dunk to give Houston an eight-point lead and the Rockets held on for an important victory.

The Thunder led by six early in the fourth until Harden hit back-to-back 3s to tie the game at 93.

The inconsistent Rockets have alternated wins and losses for six straight games as they desperately chase a trip to the postseason.

Oklahoma City lost for just the second time in the past three weeks and had won nine of its previous 10 entering Sunday.

Durant had 33 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder.