Dwight Howard carries Rockets over Spurs despite loss of James Harden HOUSTON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Dwight Howard stepped up with 23 points and 16 rebounds Tuesday, helping Houston overcome the loss of James Harden and beat San Antonio 97-90. Terrence Jones provided 21 points and nine rebounds for the Rockets, who were playing without their leading scorer due to a thumb injury. Jeremy Lin contributed 18 points and eight assists as Houston claimed the season series against the Spurs for the first time since 1996-97. Boris Diaw netted 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for San Antonio, which was dealt a second straight loss for the first time this season. Tim Duncan finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds.