AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Jeremy Lin wasn’t the only offseason acquisition by the Rockets eager to prove his worth.
James Harden agreed to a big new contract extension — and he certainly looked worth it in his first game with Houston. Harden had 37 points and 12 assists in a stirring debut for his new team, and Lin, the former Knicks overnight phenomenon, added 12 points and eight assists to lift the Rockets to a 105-96 victory over the Pistons last night.
Detroit led 83-72 early in the fourth, but Harden and Carlos Delfino brought the Rockets back. Houston acquired Harden on Saturday night in a trade with Oklahoma City and agreed yesterday on a five-year, $80 million contract extension with him.
“I think I just wanted to get out there and play,” Harden said. “All the talking and all the craziness that has been happening this last week — I just wanted to go out there and play basketball.”
Lin started and played 35 minutes in his first regular-season action since injuring his knee March 24 against the Pistons. He signed a three-year, $25 million contract with Houston this offseason after the Knicks declined an opportunity to match the deal.
Harden, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, fell just short of his career high of 40 points, and his 12 assists were a career best. Not bad for a guy still adjusting to new teammates and a new situation.
Harden started only seven games in three seasons in Oklahoma City, as he developed into an indispensable reserve. But he was in the starting lineup last night and looked ready to play a bigger role with Houston.
The Rockets won without Patrick Patterson, who was out with a left quad strain.
Brandon Knight led Detroit with 15 points.