Houston sneak past Spurs in NBA

Dwight Howard finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds, overcoming a frustrating personal offensive effort that included missing 10-of-15 shots, as Houston defeated San Antonio 97-90.

The Spurs (33-12) led 46-39 at the break the advantage evaporated quickly as the Rockets (30-17) out-scored San Antonio 33-18 in the third quarter.

Elsewhere, Anthony Davis led all scorers with 30 points, seven rebounds and eight blocks in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 100-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The New York Knicks got revenge for their worst loss of the season from the Boston Celtics by romping over their Atlantic Division rivals 114-88.

Brandon Jennings scored 20 points – the fourth straight game he has reached the 20-point mark – and the Detroit Pistons snapped a four-game losing streak with a romp past the Orlando Magic 103-87.

The Memphis Grizzlies led from start to finish in a 98-81 pounding of the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Indiana Pacers bounced back from a disappointing road loss to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-82.

Washington point guard John Wall hit a tie-breaking three-pointer with 1:28 to go and the Wizards watched as the Golden State Warriors missed three long-range attempts down the stretch, allowing the Eastern Conference visitors to pull out a 88-85 victory.