James Harden scores 26 points to help Houston hold off Warriors, 116-112

Houston Rockets' Dwight Howard, back, shoots over Golden State Warriors' Andrew Bogut during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (The Associated Press)

Golden State Warriors' Harrison Barnes, right, drives past Houston Rockets' Terrence Jones (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (The Associated Press)

OAKLAND, Calif. – James Harden had 26 points and nine assists, Chandler Parsons scored 23 points and the Houston Rockets held off the Golden State Warriors 116-112 on Friday night.

Dwight Howard finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds while spending most of the night in foul trouble for the Rockets, who led by 13 points late in the third quarter before the Warriors briefly rallied ahead in the fourth. Patrick Beverley scored nine of his 16 points in the final period to help Houston hand Golden State its second loss in a week.

David Lee had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Stephen Curry collected 20 points and nine assists for the Warriors, who outrebounded the Rockets 56-32. But Houston outshot Golden State 49.4 to 47.8 percent and made more big plays late.