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Harden records triple-double, Rockets clinch No. 2 seed

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to James Harden's triple-double in a 117-97 win over the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets got a little help from the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday.

The Pelicans' defeat of the San Antonio Spurs combined with the Rockets' win clinched the No. 2 seed for Houston in the Western Conference. 

Next up: a first-round battle with their other Texas rival, the Dallas Mavericks.

Harden, who finished second in league scoring to Russell Westbrook, put up 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season, a number that trails only Westbrook. 

Unlike Westbrook, Harden is heading to the postseason.

Dwight Howard added 14 points and eight rebounds. In addition to the second seed, the win gives the Rockets the Southwest Division title over the Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies. It's their first division title since they won the old Midwest Division in their first NBA championship season of 1993-94.

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