The Houston Rockets (49 - 23) won their third straight game in Friday’s 120 - 110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (16 - 56). The win clinched a playoff berth for the Rockets, who are currently half a game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the two seed. The Rocket converted a season - high 20 three - pointers on 44 attempts, accounting for more than half their shots. In his bid for the MVP trophy, James Harden produced 33 points, eight assists, five steals, four rebounds, and six three - pointers in 37 minutes. Josh Smith nearly recorded a triple - double, compiling 16 points, a team - high 11 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and three three - pointers in 40 minutes as the starting power forward, taking the injured Donatas Motiejunas’ spot. Motiejunas is expected to miss 1 - 2 weeks with lower back issues. Dwight Howard played 20 minutes in his second game since returning from a knee injury and scored 18 points. Potential Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins scored 31 points, dished out four assists, grabbed four rebounds, and hit one three - pointer in 41 minutes. His rookie teammate, Zach LaVine, played a team - high 42 minutes and notched 11 points and eight assists. Chase Budinger provided 23 points off the bench in 29 minutes, increasing his average to 13 points per game over the last eight contests. The Timberwolves attempted double the amount of free throws as the Rockets, sinking 30 - of - 34 as a team. The Rockets begin a two - game road trip Sunday against the Washington Wizards, Trevor Ariza’s former employer. The Timberwolves conclude a two - game road trip Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
["TeamStat(G,'Rockets') has 23 Losses ,has 120 Total points ,has 49 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Timberwolves') has 56 Losses ,has 110 Total points ,has 16 Wins ."]