Big shots late lift Rockets, who cool off Hornets

Kevin Durant poured in 35 points on 14-for-20 shooting as the Houston Rockets fended off the host Charlotte Hornets for a 105-101 victory in the first game after the All-Star break Thursday night.

Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points and Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard both scored 13 points for the Rockets, who benefitted from 16 Charlotte turnovers. Houston has won five consecutive road games.

The Hornets had won 10 of their previous 11 games, but they had too many rough patches that prevented them from sweeping the season series.