Lowry's triple-double carries Rockets past Jazz
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The Houston Rockets nudged past Utah in the battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a tense 110-108 victory over the Jazz on Sunday.
The Rockets claimed their 11th win in the last 14 games to move half a game in front of the Jazz and within a one and half games of the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and last post-season position.
Kyle Lowry recorded a triple-double of 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Houston as it held off a late rally from the Jazz.
"Right now he's playing great, not only from a statistical standpoint, but (also) from a leader standpoint," teammate Chuck Hayes said. "He's our floor general."
Kevin Martin scored a team-high 34 points and made all 18 of his free throw attempts.
The Rockets scored their last 13 points from the free throw line, including six by Martin, while Lowry made two with just under seven seconds remaining to give the Rockets a four-point buffer.
Raja Bell made a layup as time expired for Utah.
Paul Millsap returned from a five-game absence brought on by knee tendonitis and put up 35 points and 10 rebounds for the Jazz (36-34) who lost for the third time in their last five games.
Millsap made two successive three-pointers in the final minute to pull Utah within three points, but the Rockets (37-34) clinched the game at the free throw line.
C.J. Miles had 19 points while Al Jefferson recorded 17 points and 19 rebounds for the Jazz who have struggled to a record of 5-11 since coach Jerry Sloan resigned last month.
Houston, however, has picked up momentum in the last month, including a 16-point victory over the Boston Celtics last Friday.
Millsap tied the game at 77-77 early in the fourth quarter before Houston reserve Patrick Patterson scored six successive Rockets' points to restore the lead.
Elsewhere in NBA, it was: Lakers 84, Trail Blazers 80; Raptors 95, Thunder 93; Bucks 100, Knicks 95; Suns 108, Clippers 99; Mavericks 101, Warriors 73; Hawks 104, Pistons 96; Kings 127, Timberwolves 95; and Wizards 98, Nets 92.
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