Chandler Parsons' career night helped Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets down the New York Knicks 131-103 in Houston on Friday in the first clash between Lin and his former National Basketball Association team.

Lin, who became a breakout star with the Knicks last season but ended up in Houston when New York declined to match a Rockets' offer, dominated the headlines coming into the contest.

But Parsons stole the show, scoring a career-high 31 points on 13-of-17 shooting.

Parsons grabbed five rebounds, handed out four assists and added four steals in a block in the convincing win.

James Harden scored 33 points and went 16-of-16 from the free-throw line for the Rockets, who have now won six in a row against the Knicks.

Elsewhere in the NBA, it was: Hawks 101, Bobcats 91; Magic 108, Cavaliers 104; Celtics 108, Thunder 100; Nets 86, Clippers 76; Pistons 91, Raptors 90; Grizzlies 106, Lakers 98; Spurs 104, Pacers 97; Nuggets 102, Warriors 91; Suns 111, Hornets 108 (in overtime); Jazz 104, Kings 102; and Trail Blazers 103, Timberwolves 95.

In Houston, all five of the Rockets starters scored in double figures, including Lin's 13 points with seven rebounds and one steal.

Lin, the first American of Taiwanese or Chinese heritage to play in the NBA, became a sensation in New York last season, coming off the bench to bolster an injury-depleted team and scoring at least 20 points nine times over a 10-game stretch from February 4-20.

Lin, who was undrafted graduating from Harvard, saw his campaign end prematurely after 35 games - 25 starts - because of a knee injury.

In the offseason, Houston signed the restricted free agent to a three-year, US$25 million offer sheet, which the Knicks opted not to match.

The Knicks brought an 8-2 record into the contest, but even Anthony's 37 points - which included seven 3's - couldn't prevent New York from losing a second consecutive game for the first time this season.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)