Dwight Howard's double-double propels Houston Rockets past Dallas Mavericks in preseason, 100-95

Thomas Campbell/Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 21, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives against Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

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Published: 21 October 2013 07:33 PM

Updated: 21 October 2013 11:25 PM

HOUSTON (AP) — Dwight Howard had 15 points and 17 rebounds and James Harden scored 19 to help the Houston Rockets to a 100-95 win over the Dallas Mavericks on in a preseason game on Monday night.

Houston coach Kevin McHale moved Howard to power forward on Monday to get 7-foot center Omer Asik in the lineup with the team's new acquisition. Asik had four points and nine rebounds in his first game this season after dealing with a calf injury.

The game was tied late in the third before the Rockets used a 7-0 run to take a 77-70 lead and hold on for the win.

Dirk Nowitzki had 11 points and four blocked shots before he was ejected late in the third quarter after drawing a flagrant two foul for knocking Omri Casspi to the ground on a fast break