Harden drops 43 points in 3 quarters, Rockets rout Kings

James Harden scored a season-high 43 points in three quarters, and the Rockets routed the Kings 129-103 on Tuesday night after DeMarcus Cousins was ejected for vehemently arguing with an official.

Harden helped Houston go ahead by 25 points in the first quarter, 31 in the second and 33 in the third. He shot 11 of 20 from the floor, made 15 of 16 free throws and added eight assists, three steals and two rebounds.

Dwight Howard left briefly after banging his right knee but returned to finish with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Cousins had 16 points and six rebounds for the Kings before needing to be restrained after getting ejected in the third quarter. He picked up his NBA-leading 14th and 15th technical fouls.