Houston: Dwight Howard took advantage of some extra space to roam, scoring 32 points as the undefeated Houston Rockets trounced the short-handed San Antonio Spurs 98-81 on Thursday.
Howard also had 16 rebounds against the Spurs as he was able to move freely without having to worry about being guarded by San Antonio superstar Tim Duncan, who coach Gregg Popovich decided needed some extra rest. The Spurs also gave Manu Ginobili the night off.
Without Duncan or Ginobili to worry about, the Rockets ran their record to 6-0 for the first time since the 1996-97 National Basketball Association season.
Howard shot 12-of-18 from the field and eight-of-13 from the foul line for the Rockets, who have won all six of their contests by double digits. The only other team to accomplish that feat was the 1985-86 Nuggets.
James Harden finished with 20 points, six boards and six assists, and Jason Terry added 16 points off the bench in the win.
Tony Parker scored just six points for the Spurs, who never led and trailed by as many as 31.
Cory Joseph led San Antonio with 18 points, while Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green combined to shoot just five-of-24 from the field.
