James Harden wouldn't admit he was thinking about last season in Houston's first game against Portland since the Trail Blazers eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs in the first round. Dwight Howard was certain he was. "I know it's kind of like a weight off his back because of what happened in the playoffs against Portland," Howard said. "And (Monday) he just destroyed them." Harden scored a season-high 44 points to help the Rockets cruise to a 110-95 victory and snap a two-game skid. Read more http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578703