MAVERICKS-JAZZ
Jazz pull away from Mavericks in 2nd half for 109-92 victory
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ Rudy Gobert had 20 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks to help the Utah Jazz beat the Dallas Mavericks 109-92 on Monday night in the final game of the season in Salt Lake City.
Both teams were extremely short-handed with the coaches deciding to sit several stars. Gordon Hayward (Achilles tendon), Trey Burke (back) and Derrick Favors (coach’s decision) did not play for the Jazz. Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis were all rested for the Mavs.
Gobert dominated the paint and had his 25th double-double of the season. Bryce Cotton scored a career-high 21 off the bench.
J.J. Barea led the Mavs with 18 off the bench while Charlie Villanueva finished with 15 points and Amar’e Stoudemire chipped in 15.
ROCKETS-HORNETS
Harden scores 29, Rockets beat Hornets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) _ James Harden scored 29 points, Josh Smith had a double-double and the Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets for the ninth straight time 100-90 on Monday night.
Harden was only 7 of 20 from the field, but did plenty of damage from the free throw line where he was 14 of 16.
Smith added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who moved back into a tie with San Antonio for first place in the Southwest division with one game remaining in the season.
Jason Terry had 13 points and Trevor Ariza and Corey Brewer chipped in with 11 for the Rockets (55-26).
The Rockets rested center Dwight Howard.
Brian Roberts scored 23 points off the bench for the Hornets, who have lost five straight games.
Charlotte played without starters Al Jefferson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller and reserves Lance Stephenson and P.J. Hairston due to injuries.