The host Houston Rockets narrowly took down the visiting Brooklyn Nets on Monday, 122 - 118. Houston (18 - 7) is one of the league's hottest teams, having won 12 of its last 14 contests. On Monday, the struggling Nets gave the Rockets a surprising run for their money; however, superstar James Harden was able to shoulder the load en route to victory. Harden scored 36 points and had eight rebounds and 11 assists as he led the Rockets offense to 17 three - pointers and 46 percent shooting. It was an uncharacteristically poor night for him at the line, however, as he shot just 8 - of - 12 on free - throw attempts. This seemed to be a theme for the entire team on Monday, as the Rockets hit only 58 percent from the line. Brooklyn (6 - 17), meanwhile, finds itself in the opposite situation of Houston, having lost 12 of its last 14 games. The Nets have struggled mightily since an unexpectedly hot start in the season's opening week, though the team did see a positive in Houston as guard Jeremy Lin was able to play for the first time after suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Lin saw 20 minutes of play time and had 10 points and seven assists. The Nets shot over 52 percent from the field as a team, but had turnover issues, committing 19 by the game's end. Big man Brook Lopez led the team in scoring with 26. The Nets will host the Lakers on Wednesday while the Rockets will host the Kings.
["PlayerStat(G,'Brook Lopez') has 26 Assists ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Jeremy Lin') has 7 Assists ,has 20 Free throws attempted ,has 10 Free throws made ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'James Harden') has 11 Assists ,has 12 Free throws attempted ,has 8 Free throws made ,has 36 Minutes played ,has 8 Points ."]