Rockets' Howard returns in win over Nuggets

Dwight Howard returned to the Houston Rockets' lineup with a bang.

Howard, who missed 11 consecutive games with a right knee strain, reintroduced himself Saturday with a 26-point, 13-rebound, three-block performance in a 108-96 win over the Denver Nuggets.

Rockets head coach Kevin McHale told reporters before the game that he planned to use Howard sparingly, in four- to five-minute stints and for only 20-24 minutes total, but the All-NBA big man ended up logging 30 minutes.

The Rockets aren't back in action again until a Wednesday rematch with the Nuggets, so Howard's knee will get some rest after his first game action in nearly a month.