Howard, Harden lead Rockets past Timberwolves in Mexico City

For the second time in as many years the Minnesota Timberwolves travelled south of the American border for a game in Mexico City. 

Last year's game was cancelled because of smoke inside the Mexico City Arena. This time around, Minnesota was smoked off the court. 

Dwight Howard scored 22 points and hauled in 10 rebounds, while James Harden dropped 23 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 113-101 win over the Timberwolves. Harden added 10 assists in the victory for his third double-double of the season. 

Howard did it all. He made a step-back jumper just inside the 3-point line in the fourth quarter that drew the Rockets' bench to their feet, and he was also protecting the rim as usual. 

Rookie Andrew Wiggins - who learned the hard way not to take it at Howard - led all Minnesota scorers with 15 points. 

The contest marked the first of two regular-season games that will be played outside of the United States or Canada as part of the NBA's Global Games schedule. The Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks will play in London, England on Jan. 15.