The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 123-112, at Toyota Center on Monday,

While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for the Rockets, they did win or tie each of the first three quarters en route to a 25-point lead. The key quarter was the second, outscoring the Knicks 36-24 and leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half after that. Houston ended up shooting percent from the 50 field while holding New York to just 44 percent shooting. In addition, the Rockets went 16-of-48 from three-point range while the Knicks hit just 11-of-29.

The Knicks (17-40) were led by R.J. Barrett, who generated 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle collected 17 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Dennis Smith 'Jr got a start and provided 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Mitchell Robinson came off the bench to accrue 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.

The Rockets (37-20) were led by James Harden, who tallied 37 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Eric Gordon amassed 16 points, two assists and two steals. Robert Covington totaled 11 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Russell Westbrook was scratched right before tip-off with a thumb issue. Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore each reached double figures in scoring off the bench.

Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Houston playing host to the Memphis Grizzlies and New York remaining on the road to face a struggling Charlotte Hornets team.