Harden & the Rockets take down Pistons on opening night

On the same day he agreed to a five-year contract extension after being traded from Oklahoma City, James Harden dominated the Detroit Pistons with an all-around game of 37 points and 12 assists in leading the Houston Rockets to a 105-96 victory in the season opener for both teams. For the third straight season, the Pistons have dropped their season opener.

Former Piston Carlos Delfino had 15 points, including shooting 4-for-5 in 3-pointers in the 4th quarter and former New York Knick Jeremy Lin finished with 12 points and eight assists.

The Pistons took an 81-72 lead into the 4th quarter, but they allowed 33 points in allowing the Rockets to shoot 65% from the field. The Rockets scored nine points off turnovers and outrebounded the Pistons, 13-3, in the final quarter.

Brandon Knight led the Pistons with 15 points & four assists, Greg Monroe had 14 points & eight rebounds, and Jason Maxiell and Kyle Singler added 10 points each.

The Pistons will begin their 6-game road trip on the west coast, starting with this Friday night when they face the Phoenix Suns. They'll be back home at the Palace on November 12th when they host Oklahoma City.