The Houston Rockets (52 - 24) edged out the Dallas Mavericks (46 - 30), 108 - 101, on Thursday at the American Airlines Center. In a back - and - forth contest between division rivals, Houston saved its best for the fourth quarter to put the game out of Dallas' reach. Monta Ellis could n't shake off his shooting slump at a crucial moment in the fourth, missing an open look from three that could have tied the game with under 30 seconds remaining. Houston's James Harden did n't quite sustain the momentum from Wednesday's 51 - point outing against Sacramento, but was still able to put up 24 points along with six assists and four rebounds. The Rockets clinched the season series over the Mavericks 3 - 1, but it might not be the last time these teams meet this season. Houston moved into second place in the West with Thursday's win while Dallas stayed put in the seventh spot. Houston did n't need James Harden to be at his best to win this game, as several Rockets players made major contributions. Trevor Ariza had another all - around performance with 19 points, six assists, six rebounds, and two steals and Crey Brewer added 14 points off the bench. Dwight Howard continues to be on a minutes restriction as he works his way back into game shape, but was able to post eight points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes on the floor. The Rockets are now a half game ahead of the Grizzlies for the second seed in the West, but staying in that spot will be a tough task. Houston will return to action Sunday in Oklahoma City before a kicking off a home - and - home set with San Antonio on Wednesday. Dallas notched an important win over eighth - seeded Oklahoma City on Wednesday, but could n't close out Houston on Thursday. The Mavericks took a seven point lead into the fourth, but were outscored 31 - 18 in the final stanza. Monta Ellis had 19 points on the night, but that came on 7 - of - 21 shooting from the floor - - including 0 - for - 7 from beyond the arc. Chandler Parsons exited the game in the third quarter with knee soreness and did not return. The Mavericks will be off Friday before hosting Golden State on Saturday.
["TeamStat(G,'Mavericks') has 30 Losses ,has 101 Total points ,has 18 Points in 4th quarter ,has 46 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Rockets') has 24 Losses ,has 108 Total points ,has 31 Points in 4th quarter ,has 52 Wins ."]