NBA: Harden gets help from Brewer as Rockets rout Mavs

James Harden and the Rockets got some much-needed help off their bench from Corey Brewer, who tallied a dozen fourth-quarter points as Houston beat Dallas at Toyota Center in Game 1 of their Western Conference first round series, 118-108.

Brewer nailed three three-pointers during a three-minute stretch in the fourth to help carry the Rockets to a 1-0 series lead.

The Rockets held on despite center Dwight Howard being plagued by fouls. He compiled 11 points, five rebounds and five blocks in just 17 minutes. Howard picked up his fifth foul at the 8:08 mark of the fourth, but instead of folding like they did without Howard in the second quarter, the Rockets rallied.

Harden finished with 24 points and 11 assists while Brewer added 15 points in 23 minutes off the bench. Rockets forwards Trevor Ariza (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Terrence Jones (19 points, nine rebounds) contributed to the scoring balance, keyed in part by former Mavericks guard Jason Terry, who nailed four three-pointers and had with 16 points. - Reuters