Rockets' Howard leaves win against Suns with ankle sprain

The Houston Rockets got by the red-hot Phoenix Suns without starting center Dwight Howard. 

Howard sprained his right ankle in the first quarter of Friday's game and did not return, but James Harden came through with a clutch shot as time expired to sink the Suns 113-111.

Although Howard was spotted in a walking boot following the contest, he said he was already feeling better since he rolled his ankle and was forced to leave the game. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers, but his status should be considered questionable as of now. 

Howard was off to a strong start, scoring five points and hauling in three rebounds in eight minutes before suffering the injury. 

Harden's game-winning basket snapped the Suns' four-game winning streak, and helped the Rockets bounce back from an ugly loss to the Golden State Warriors their last time out.