Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press Image 1 of / 349 Caption Close

Image 2 of 349 Work crews change out a basket after it was discovered it was bent during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) less Work crews change out a basket after it was discovered it was bent during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. ... more Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

Image 3 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Washington Wizards forward Nene (42) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Washington Wizards forward Nene (42) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric ... more Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

Image 4 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) dunks the ball over Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) less Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) dunks the ball over Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric ... more Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

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Image 6 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard takes a shot during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard takes a shot during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

Image 7 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden goes for a dunk against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden goes for a dunk against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric ... more Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

Image 8 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (8) defends Washington Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin as he attempts a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (8) defends Washington Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin as he attempts a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP ... more Photo: Patric Schneider / Associated Press

Image 9 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a shot over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a shot over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 11 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a shot over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a shot over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 12 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) puts up a shot in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) puts up a shot in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 13 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 14 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) scores on a fast break in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) scores on a fast break in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 16 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a three pointer over Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) puts up a three pointer over Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 17 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 18 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) scores on a fast break in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) scores on a fast break in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 21 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) and Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) passes the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) passes the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 23 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) puts up a three-point-shot against Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) puts up a three-point-shot against Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 24 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) loses the ball against Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) loses the ball against Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 26 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13), Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) are introduced before the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13), Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) are introduced before the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) cheers on this team before the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) cheers on this team before the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 28 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reaches for a ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson (9) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reaches for a ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson (9) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 29 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends the shot of Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends the shot of Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 31 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) blocks the shot of Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) blocks the shot of Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 32 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives the ball down the court in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives the ball down the court in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 33 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) battle for a rebound in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) battle for a rebound in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 34 of 349 Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives past Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives past Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 36 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) and Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson (9) dive for the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) and Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson (9) dive for the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 37 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) and Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson (9) dive for the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) and Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson (9) dive for the ball in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 38 of 349 Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale looks up at the scoreboard in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale looks up at the scoreboard in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 39 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) blocks the shot of Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) blocks the shot of Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Image 41 of 349 Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale talks with referee Michael Smith (38) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale talks with referee Michael Smith (38) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 42 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) steals the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) steals the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Gary Neal (12) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) grabs the rebound against Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Houston. The Rockets are currently 21-9 playing the 10-22 Hornets. The Rockets have played on 12 straight New YearâÄôs Eve nights dating back to 2002. Houston has gone 9-3 in those games. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) grabs the rebound against Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in the second quarter as the Houston Rockets played the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 349 Dec. 28: Spurs 110, Rockets 106 Rockets guard James Harden, left, shoots against Spurs forwards Tiago Splitter, right, of Brazil, and Tim Duncan. less Dec. 28: Spurs 110, Rockets 106 Rockets guard James Harden, left, shoots against Spurs forwards Tiago Splitter, right, of Brazil, and Tim ... more Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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Image 46 of 349 Spurs forward Tim Duncan, center, shoots against Rockets forwards Donatas Motiejunas, left, of Lithuania, and Josh Smith. Spurs forward Tim Duncan, center, shoots against Rockets forwards Donatas Motiejunas, left, of Lithuania, and Josh Smith. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 47 of 349 Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, center, of Argentina, drives between Rockets center Dwight Howard, right, and forward Trevor Ariza. Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, center, of Argentina, drives between Rockets center Dwight Howard, right, and forward Trevor Ariza. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 48 of 349 Rockets forward Corey Brewer, left, shoots against Spurs forward Boris Diaw, of France. Rockets forward Corey Brewer, left, shoots against Spurs forward Boris Diaw, of France. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 49 of 349 Rockets guard Jason Terry shoots over Spurs guard Patty Mills, of Australia. Rockets guard Jason Terry shoots over Spurs guard Patty Mills, of Australia. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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Image 51 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden (13) goes up with the ball between Tim Duncan (21), Matt Bonner (15) and Danny Green. Rockets guard James Harden (13) goes up with the ball between Tim Duncan (21), Matt Bonner (15) and Danny Green. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 52 of 349 Spurs guard Danny Green, rear, defends Rockets guard James Harden. Spurs guard Danny Green, rear, defends Rockets guard James Harden. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 53 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden, right, drives around Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, of Argentina. Rockets guard James Harden, right, drives around Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, of Argentina. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 54 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard, center, grabs a rebound between Spurs guard Cory Joseph, right, and forward Tim Duncan. Rockets center Dwight Howard, center, grabs a rebound between Spurs guard Cory Joseph, right, and forward Tim Duncan. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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Image 56 of 349 Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, right, of Argentina, passes around Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania. Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, right, of Argentina, passes around Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 57 of 349 Spurs guard Cory Joseph, left, shoots Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley. Spurs guard Cory Joseph, left, shoots Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 58 of 349 Spurs guard Danny Green, center, and forward Matt Bonner, right, defend Rockets guard James Harden. Spurs guard Danny Green, center, and forward Matt Bonner, right, defend Rockets guard James Harden. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

Image 59 of 349 Spurs guard Patty Mills, right, of Australia, drives around Rockets guard Jason Terry. Spurs guard Patty Mills, right, of Australia, drives around Rockets guard Jason Terry. Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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Image 61 of 349 Dec. 26: Rockets 117, Grizzlies 111 (OT) Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) knocks the ball loose from Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) as Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos helps on defense during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Dec. 26: Rockets 117, Grizzlies 111 (OT) Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) knocks the ball loose from Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) as Grizzlies center Kosta ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 62 of 349 Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale, right, talks with forward Josh Smith before his debut NBA basketball game with the Rockets, against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale, right, talks with forward Josh Smith before his debut NBA basketball game with the Rockets, against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 63 of 349 Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol scores against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol scores against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 64 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots past Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9), center Marc Gasol (33) and forward Jon Leuer (30) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots past Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9), center Marc Gasol (33) and forward Jon Leuer (30) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

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Image 66 of 349 Memphis Grizzlies guard Quincy Pondexter (8) dunks the ball over Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Memphis Grizzlies guard Quincy Pondexter (8) dunks the ball over Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 67 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard dunks during the first half against the Memphis Grizzles in an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard dunks during the first half against the Memphis Grizzles in an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 68 of 349 Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter, right, keeps the ball from Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter, right, keeps the ball from Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 69 of 349 Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

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Image 71 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) works for position against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) works for position against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 72 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, left, and Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince, right, watch the ball get away during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, left, and Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince, right, watch the ball get away during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 73 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith warms up before his debut with the NBA basketball game, against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith warms up before his debut with the NBA basketball game, against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 74 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

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Image 76 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 77 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reaches for the ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reaches for the ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 78 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP ... more Photo: Brandon Dill / Associated Press

Image 79 of 349 Dec. 22: Rockets 110, Trail Blazers 95 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) looks to pass over Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Dec. 22: Rockets 110, Trail Blazers 95 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) looks to pass over Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) during the first half of an NBA ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 81 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled going to the basket by Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled going to the basket by Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 82 of 349 Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale argues a call during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale argues a call during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 83 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Alexey Shved (88) on the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Alexey Shved (88) on the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 84 of 349 Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) battles for a loose ball with Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) and Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) battles for a loose ball with Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) and Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 86 of 349 Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) tosses the ball back to Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland (19) as Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) defends the goal during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) tosses the ball back to Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland (19) as Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) defends the goal during the first half of an ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 87 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of an NBA game atToyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of an NBA game atToyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 88 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after being fouled after scoring a basket during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after being fouled after scoring a basket during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 89 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 91 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) goes up for a dunk in the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) goes up for a dunk in the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 92 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) slings around Portland Trail Blazers guard Will Barton (5) during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) slings around Portland Trail Blazers guard Will Barton (5) during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 93 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after he comes out of the game during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after he comes out of the game during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 94 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) reacts after hitting a three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) reacts after hitting a three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 96 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates his 2,000th three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates his 2,000th three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 97 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) battles with Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake (25) and Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland (19) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) battles with Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake (25) and Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland (19) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 98 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates his 2,000th three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates his 2,000th three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 99 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates his 2,000th three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) celebrates his 2,000th three-pointer during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 101 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) holds the ball over Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe's head during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) holds the ball over Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe's head during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 102 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after one of his three-pointers during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after one of his three-pointers during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 103 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 104 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 106 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) runs the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) runs the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 107 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) tries to get the crowd fired up during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) tries to get the crowd fired up during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 108 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes the basket over Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) makes the basket over Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) during the second half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 109 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) tries to get his hands on Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum's ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) tries to get his hands on Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum's ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 111 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) chases a loose ball with Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) and Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) chases a loose ball with Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) and Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 112 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) passes the ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) passes the ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 113 of 349 Dec. 20: Hawks 104, Rockets 97 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) goes up for a basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Dec. 20: Hawks 104, Rockets 97 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) goes up for a basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the first half of an NBA game at ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 114 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives around during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives around during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 116 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) falls to the ground after an attempt at the basket during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) falls to the ground after an attempt at the basket during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 117 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) passes the ball around Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) passes the ball around Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 118 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 119 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) battles against Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) battles against Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 121 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) chase a loose ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) chase a loose ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 122 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) chase a loose ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) chase a loose ball during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 123 of 349 Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) goes up to the basket over Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) goes up to the basket over Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 124 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) brings the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) brings the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 126 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) brings the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) brings the ball up the court during the first half of an NBA game at Toyota Center, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 127 of 349 Dec. 18: Pelicans 99, Rockets 90 Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) battles against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Dec. 18: Pelicans 99, Rockets 90 Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) battles against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half of an NBA ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 128 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 129 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) tries to get around New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) tries to get around New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 131 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after falling to the ground during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after falling to the ground during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 132 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) charges to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) charges to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 133 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) reacts after getting poked in the eye during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) reacts after getting poked in the eye during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 134 of 349 New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) tries to pass against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard's defense during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) tries to pass against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard's defense during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 136 of 349 New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) tries to pass against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard's defense during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) tries to pass against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard's defense during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 137 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) argues that a foul should have been called during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) argues that a foul should have been called during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 138 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) runs up the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) runs up the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 139 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball around New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball around New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 141 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball around New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball around New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 142 of 349 New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) runs into Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) runs into Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 143 of 349 New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) passes the ball over Houston Rockets guard Isaiah Canaan (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) passes the ball over Houston Rockets guard Isaiah Canaan (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 144 of 349 Former Houston Rockets Tracy McGrady in the court side seats during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Former Houston Rockets Tracy McGrady in the court side seats during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 146 of 349 during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 147 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) chat during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) chat during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 148 of 349 Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 149 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) grabs a rebound over New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) grabs a rebound over New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 151 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) runs the ball after a steal during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) runs the ball after a steal during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 152 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts with head coach Kevin McHale after it was announced that Howard had surpassed McHale in blocked shots during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts with head coach Kevin McHale after it was announced that Howard had surpassed McHale in blocked shots during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 153 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) passes the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) passes the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 154 of 349 New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) tries to get past the double coverage of Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) tries to get past the double coverage of Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) during the second half of an NBA ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 156 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) watches New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) watches New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 157 of 349 Houston Rockets fans make noise as New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) shoots a free-throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets fans make noise as New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) shoots a free-throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 158 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reaches for a ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reaches for a ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 159 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) battles against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) battles against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 161 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts in the final seconds during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts in the final seconds during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 162 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) goes up to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) goes up to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 163 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) hangs from the basket after a dunk over New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) hangs from the basket after a dunk over New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 164 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates his three-pointer during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates his three-pointer during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 166 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates his three-pointer with Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates his three-pointer with Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 167 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) works under the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) works under the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 168 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) goes up against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) goes up against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 169 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) goes up against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) goes up against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Image 171 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after getting a foul called on him after colliding with New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after getting a foul called on him after colliding with New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 172 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play with Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a play with Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, in Houston. ( ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 173 of 349 Dec. 17: Rockets 115, Nuggets 111 (OT) DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is fouled by Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less Dec. 17: Rockets 115, Nuggets 111 (OT) DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is fouled by Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 174 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Donatas Motiejunas #20 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot over Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Donatas Motiejunas #20 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot over Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

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Image 176 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Kevin McHale of the Houston Rockets leads his team against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Kevin McHale of the Houston Rockets leads his team against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 177 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Arron Afflalo #10 of the Denver Nuggets is called for an offensive foul against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets by referee Joe Crawford at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Arron Afflalo #10 of the Denver Nuggets is called for an offensive foul against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets by referee Joe Crawford at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 178 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 179 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot against the defense of Timofey Mozgov #25 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot against the defense of Timofey Mozgov #25 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

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Image 181 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Donatas Motiejunas #20 of the Houston Rockets blocks the path to the basket for Timofey Mozgov #25 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Donatas Motiejunas #20 of the Houston Rockets blocks the path to the basket for Timofey Mozgov #25 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 182 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Darrell Arthur #00 of the Denver Nuggets is called for a foul on James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets resulting in technical fouls for Arthur and head coach Brian Shaw of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Darrell Arthur #00 of the Denver Nuggets is called for a foul on James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets resulting in technical fouls for Arthur and head coach Brian Shaw of the ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 183 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza, center, fights his way through a pick set by Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, left, of Russia, to defend forward Wilson Chandler in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza, center, fights his way through a pick set by Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, left, of Russia, to defend forward Wilson Chandler in the first quarter of an NBA ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 184 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard moves past Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, of Russia, for a shot during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard moves past Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, of Russia, for a shot during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

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Image 186 of 349 From left, Houston Rockets guard James Harden drives for a shot past Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried as Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania, and Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler watch during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less From left, Houston Rockets guard James Harden drives for a shot past Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried as Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania, and Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler watch during ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 187 of 349 Houston Rockets center Tarik Black, front right, has a rebound slip through his hands as Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, left, of Russia, and forward J.J. Hickson watch during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets center Tarik Black, front right, has a rebound slip through his hands as Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, left, of Russia, and forward J.J. Hickson watch during the first quarter of an NBA ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 188 of 349 Houston Rockets center Tarik Black, right, takes a hand to the head as he drives for a shot past Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, of Russia, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets center Tarik Black, right, takes a hand to the head as he drives for a shot past Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov, of Russia, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 189 of 349 Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, right, reaches out to pull in a pass as Houston Rockets guard James Harden defend during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, right, reaches out to pull in a pass as Houston Rockets guard James Harden defend during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

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Image 191 of 349 Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale confers with forward Trevor Ariza during break in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale confers with forward Trevor Ariza during break in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 192 of 349 DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) less DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets at Pepsi Center on December 17, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ... more Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

Image 193 of 349 Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard questions officials after being called for a foul against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard questions officials after being called for a foul against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 194 of 349 Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza, left, pulls in a loose ball as Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried watches during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza, left, pulls in a loose ball as Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried watches during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Denver. (AP ... more Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

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Image 196 of 349 <center><b>Dec. 13: Rockets 108, Nuggets 96</center></b> <h3></h3>Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled by Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first half. <center><b>Dec. 13: Rockets 108, Nuggets 96</center></b> <h3></h3>Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled by Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 197 of 349 Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) helps up James Harden (13) after Harden was fouled by Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) in the first half. Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) helps up James Harden (13) after Harden was fouled by Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 198 of 349 Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) out rebounds Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) and guard Erick Green (11) in the first half. Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) out rebounds Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) and guard Erick Green (11) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 199 of 349 Rockets guard Nick Johnson (3) misses the shot while Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) gets the rebound in the first half. Rockets guard Nick Johnson (3) misses the shot while Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) gets the rebound in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

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Image 201 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots around Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) in the first half. Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots around Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 202 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dribbles against Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) in the first half. Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dribbles against Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 203 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles around Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) in the first half. Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles around Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 204 of 349 Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) fights for position against Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the first half. Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) fights for position against Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

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Image 206 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden (13) splits Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) and guard Erick Green (11) in the first half. Rockets guard James Harden (13) splits Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) and guard Erick Green (11) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 207 of 349 Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) out rebounds Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) while forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) and forward Darrell Arthur (00) watch in the first half. Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) out rebounds Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) while forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) and forward Darrell Arthur (00) watch in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 208 of 349 Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) shoots over Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first half. Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) shoots over Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 209 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) out rebounds Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) and Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the first half. Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) out rebounds Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) and Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

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Image 211 of 349 Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) shoots over Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the first half. Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) shoots over Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the first half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 212 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots against Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the second half. Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots against Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 213 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) misses a lay up against Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the second half. Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) misses a lay up against Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 214 of 349 Rockets guard Nick Johnson (3) splits Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) and Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) in the second half. Rockets guard Nick Johnson (3) splits Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) and Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

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Image 216 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots against Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) in the second half. Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots against Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 217 of 349 Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives to the basket against the Nuggets in the second half. Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) drives to the basket against the Nuggets in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 218 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots against Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the second half. Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots against Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 219 of 349 Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) splits Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) and Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the second half. Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) splits Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) and Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

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Image 221 of 349 Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) shoots over Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the second half. Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) shoots over Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 222 of 349 Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives against Nuggets forward Alonzo Gee (1) in the second half. Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives against Nuggets forward Alonzo Gee (1) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 223 of 349 Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) drives against Denver guard Gary Harris (14) and guard Arron Afflalo (10) in the second half. Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) drives against Denver guard Gary Harris (14) and guard Arron Afflalo (10) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

Image 224 of 349 Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) shoots against Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) in the second half. Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) shoots against Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) in the second half. Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For The Chronicle

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Image 226 of 349 Dec. 11: Rockets 113, Kings 109 (OT) Rockets guard Patrick Beverley, right, loses the ball to Sacramento Kings forward Reggie Evans during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less Dec. 11: Rockets 113, Kings 109 (OT) Rockets guard Patrick Beverley, right, loses the ball to Sacramento Kings forward Reggie Evans during the first quarter of an NBA ... more Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Image 227 of 349 Houston Rockets center Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania, left, shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less Houston Rockets center Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania, left, shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif. on Thursday, Dec. 11, ... more Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Image 228 of 349 Houston Rockets center Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania, second from left, tries to block the shot of Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less Houston Rockets center Donatas Motiejunas, of Lithuania, second from left, tries to block the shot of Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, ... more Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Image 229 of 349 Houston Rockets center Joey Dorsey, right, goes to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less Houston Rockets center Joey Dorsey, right, goes to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, ... more Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

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Image 231 of 349 Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry, right, drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry, right, drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, ... more Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Image 232 of 349 Houston Rockets guard James Harden, right, is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less Houston Rockets guard James Harden, right, is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich ... more Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Image 233 of 349 The Houston Rockets' Jason Terry (31) acknowledges the Sacramento Kings fans as he's booed on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) The Houston Rockets' Jason Terry (31) acknowledges the Sacramento Kings fans as he's booed on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) Photo: Hector Amezcua / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 234 of 349 The Sacramento Kings' Rudy Gay (8) drives to the basket as he's defended by the Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza (1) on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) less The Sacramento Kings' Rudy Gay (8) drives to the basket as he's defended by the Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza (1) on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector ... more Photo: Hector Amezcua / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Image 236 of 349 The Sacramento Kings' Jason Thompson (34) shoots against the Houston Rockets' Joey Dorsey on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) The Sacramento Kings' Jason Thompson (34) shoots against the Houston Rockets' Joey Dorsey on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) Photo: Hector Amezcua / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 237 of 349 The Sacramento Kings' Ben McLemore (23) shoots against the Houston Rockets' Jason Terry (31) on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) The Sacramento Kings' Ben McLemore (23) shoots against the Houston Rockets' Jason Terry (31) on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) Photo: Hector Amezcua / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 238 of 349 The Sacramento Kings' Ben McLemore, right, attempts to control the ball as he drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets' Patrick Beverley on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS) less The Sacramento Kings' Ben McLemore, right, attempts to control the ball as he drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets' Patrick Beverley on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, ... more Photo: Hector Amezcua / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 239 of 349 Dec. 10: Warriors 105, Rockets 93 Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball over Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less Dec. 10: Warriors 105, Rockets 93 Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball over Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Image 241 of 349 OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Patrick Beverley #2 of the Houston Rockets drives on Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Patrick Beverley #2 of the Houston Rockets drives on Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Image 242 of 349 OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot against Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot against Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Image 243 of 349 OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot against Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot against Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Image 244 of 349 OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets drives on Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Tarik Black #10 of the Houston Rockets drives on Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Image 246 of 349 OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors tries to drive on Patrick Beverley #2 of the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors tries to drive on Patrick Beverley #2 of the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on December 10, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO ... more Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Image 247 of 349 OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 10: Patrick Beverley #2 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warrior