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Harden lifts Howard-less Rockets over Mavericks in Parsons' return

Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets entered their Southwest Division clash against the Dallas Mavericks without Dwight Howard, and they eventually lost Patrick Beverley, too.

Though, James Harden didn't seem to mind.

Harden poured in 32 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the Rockets to a 95-92 victory. The All-NBA shooting guard even played some impressive defense down the stretch, which helped set up his game-winning three-point play.

Afterwards, Harden took control of the Rockets' in-arena PA system to address the Houston crowd.

Harden grabs the mic after the win.

Coincidentally enough, former Rocket Chandler Parsons took the foul on Harden's game-winning drive in his first game back in Houston. Parsons' ugly return also included an eight-point, 3-of-9 shooting performance.

As for the Rockets, they improved to 10-3 with the win, holding the league's most potent offense to a measly 92 points on 39.8 percent shooting.

Howard's recovery from a platelet-rich plasma injection on his injured right knee and Beverley's re-aggravated hamstring injury will concern Rockets fans, but if they can defend anywhere near the level they did Saturday, the team should be able to survive their absences for now.

Beverley scored 20 points before leaving the game, while Donatas Motiejunas chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets.

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