NBA schedule: Thunder, Rockets winners on Friday

The Warriors came back from a 13-point deficit but the Rockets valiantly held on for the win. Dwight Howard scored 18 points on six shots, hit all seven of his free throw attempts and even hit a corner-three. This was a bit of an anomaly, but fun nonetheless. Below is his three-point attempt. If you were playing a drinking game, this is the “Finish Your Drink” cue:

Been there, big fella. Not a fun or proud moment on this end, so I know how you feel.

The nets were set ablaze in the first quarter. The teams combined for 23-of-42 from the field for 59 points. Harden’s dunk at the end of the first capitalized an exciting first 12 minutes:

That early hot shooting halted for Golden State in the second quarter as Houston jumped out to a 13-point lead. The Warriors shot just 7-of-17 in the second quarter but closed the gap to 10. Lee scored on a roll to the rim with time expiring to bring the score to 58-51, the halftime count.

Kobe Bryant, who started at point guard in an injury-depleted Lakers backcourt, scored four points and dished out 13 assists, but turned the ball over seven times.

Durant’s 12 points and Westbrook’s 11 powered the Thunder to a 38-28 advantage after the first quarter. As a team, Oklahoma City shot 14-of-25 from the field. Bryant, playing the role as facilitator, launched just one shot attempt, instead opting to run the team as point guard.

Here, we’ve sifted through the 13-game slate to help you decide what to watch.

7 p.m. ET