The Beard ``exploded`` in NBA New Year`s Eve

New Year in NBA started so crazy. Best show was seen in Toyota Center home of Rockets.

Incredible 290 points in game, that was some special show really. The Houston Rockets stormed back from an 11-point deficit after three quarters to score a 148-142 double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The first quarter looked more like an All-Star Game than the regular season as the teams combined for 81 points thanks to a lot of high-flying offense and shaky defense. That`s really great basketball for watching.

NBA scoring leader James Harden ``exploded`` tallied 40 points and 11 assists before leaving with an injury in the fourth quarter as the Rockets went on to snap a five-game losing streak. Chris Paul added 28 points and 10 dimes in his second game back from a groin injury, while Eric Gordon chipped in 14 points off the bench.

James Harden

Houston coach Mike D’Antoni said it was too early to speculate about the severity of Harden’s injury.

“I don’t think we’ll know until (Monday),” D’Antoni said. “I don’t think they’ll be able to assess it until (Monday) morning.”

The Lakers, who were without Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brook Lopez, got 29 points and 15 rebounds from Julius Randle. Josh Hart provided a spark with a career-high 26 points and fellow rookie Kyle Kuzma continued his strong play with 23 points, five boards and three assists.

Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers

Looking ahead, the Rockets (26-9) return to action Wednesday night with a road game against the Orlando Magic.

The Lakers (11-24) are right back on the floor Monday night for a New Year's Day contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves.