Check out the box scores for the Rockets and Hornets from tonight's showdown. 

The @houstonrockets survive @hornets 2nd half rally for 100-96 victory on Harden's 30, Asik's 15 & 12. Vasquez with 24 & 9 for Hornets.

— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2012

Greivis Vasquez misses his first three-ball of the night, as the Rockets squeak out a 100-96 win—evening their record out at 4-4 on the season.

The Hornets, with the loss, are pushed back to .500 with a 3-3 overall record. Not a bad performance by the Hornets though, who came back from down 21 points thanks to Greivis Vasquez's solid leadership and play.

The real difference maker tonight was James Harden's 30 points and Omer Asik's fourth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hornets just didn't have an answer for the Rockets' in the 2nd quarter, and unfortunately, it was too little, too late for New Orleans as they tried to get back into the game late in the fourth.

It's not often you can shoot 40.5 percent from the field and win, and that's why the Hornets ultimately came out with the loss. 

Rockets 100, Hornets 96

The Hornets don't get a quality shot off out of the timeout, and it looks like the Rockets are going to walk away with the win here. Lucky for the Rockets, after blowing a 21-point lead. 

Rockets 100, Hornets 96—2.7 remaining in the 4th quarter

Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Chandler Parsons does his best James Harden impersonation and hits a fade-away as the shot-clock is winding down.

Ryan Anderson clanks a three ball.

Rockets 100, Hornets 96—18.6 remaining in the 4th quarter. 

Phew, nothing like an 8-0 run for the Hornets in the last minute and a half.

Greivis Vasquez with 24 points on 8-14 shooting, 3-3 from beyond-the-arc.

Rockets 98, Hornets 96—1:25 remaining in the 4th quarter.

Rockets ball ... Pretty sure Harden's getting this one. 

Eight  quick points by Greivis Vasquez (5) and Ryan Anderson (2) and we've got a five-point game. 

Rockets 98, Hornets 96—1:23 remaining in the 4th quarter

Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Harden surpasses the 30-point mark for the third time this season.

The kid is in a league of his own right now. There are few players that can get into the paint like he can. Just goes to show how important it is for players to get a legitimate chance at leading a team.

Rockets 98, Hornets 88—3:26 remaining in the 4th quarter

James Harden with a buzzer beater at the end of the 24-second shot clock. I think Harden's beard enables him to score from anywhere on the court. 

Rockets 95, Hornets 88—3:54 remaining in the 4th quarter

After a stellar start to the game for Harden, he's seriously cooled off in the 2nd half.

Scoring just 10 points in the 2nd half, missing his four last shots, including a wide-open three and a layup. Maybe it's time to trim the beard, it looks like it's getting in the way.

Rockets 93, Hornets 88—5:01 remaining in the 4th quarter

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Anthony Davis just doesn't have the NBA post-moves yet. Only 8 points on 2-7 shooting isn't going to cut it.

Rockets 93, Hornets 85—5:54 remaining in the 4th quarter

I think shot-clock violations should result in a team losing two points. I mean, come on, these guys are professionals. One of them should be able to get a shot up withint 24 seconds.

Rockets 91, Hornets 85—7:30 remaining in the 4th quarter

You'll be seeing this one on ESPN a lot tonight. Just thought I'd prepare you for the dunk of the night. 

This one is going back and forth, with James Harden finishing smoothly in the paint.

Rockets 89, Hornets 83—8:59 remaining in the 4th quarter.

Impressive stuff from the Hornets, showing their resilience—which is always encouraging for a young team. 

Yuck! Ryan Anderson launches up an air ball. He's look very "un-Ryan Anderson" like tonight.

Rockets 86, Hornets 78—10:16 remaining in the 4th quarter. 

Carlos Delfino should probably stop shooting the ball. 0-4 from the field, 0-3 from beyond-the-arc.

Luckily, Toney Douglas picks up where Delfino left off, knocking down 4-5 from beyond-the-arc. Helping the Rockets extend their lead to nine as the Rockets and Hornets head into the 4th quarter.

Rockets 85, Hornets 76—at the end of the 4th quarter. 

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Rockets 82, Hornets 70—2:40 remaining in the 3rd quarter

Marcus Morris is doing his best Ryan Anderson impression, hitting 3-4 from beyond-the-arc.

Ryan Anderson is doing his best non-Ryan Anderson impression, shooting 1-5 from beyond-the-arc.

If you're wondering what James Harden's wristbands say, just check this tweet out. 

James Harden @jharden13 #IJNIP #InJesusNameIPlay #Houston #Rockets #NBA instagr.am/p/Rx5Wk_BCct/

— Active Faith Sports (@Active_Faith) November 8, 2012

Asik's got 5 dunks on the night. That certainly helps his 5-8 shooting percentage. Looks like all his misses were non-dunks. Makes sense.

Rockets 80, Hornets 64—4:00 remaining in the 3rd quarter

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

What a block by Omer Asik!

Clean block by Asik, called a foul and sends Anthony Davis to the line.

Rockets 72, Hornets 62—5:45 remaining in the 3rd quarter—Rockets have been scoreless now for a few minutes. Maybe they saw my post about their terrible defense. 

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Debate question:

What kind of impact do you think Royce White would have on the Houston Rockets if he were to actually get some minutes for them?

The Hornets give up the NBA's third least points-per-game, with an average of 88.6 points.

That's looking like a fluke, with the Hornets dropping 72 on them at the midway point in the 3rd quarter.

Rockets 72, Hornets 56—7:33 remaining in the 3rd quarter

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Talk about disparity here—Rockets shooting 51.0 FG%, Hornets shooting 38.1FG%. 

Pretty sure that's the difference maker here. 

Rockets 70, Hornets 51—8:40 remaining in the 3rd quarter

In other NBA news, the Detroit Pistons got their first win tonight, at the hands of the Andrew Bynum-less 76ers.

The @detroitpistons pick up first W, defeating @sixers 94-76 on Greg Monroe's 19 points & 18 rebounds. Lavoy Allen with 14 for 76ers.

— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2012

The 3rd quarter is under way, with both the Rockets and Hornets starters back on the court. 

Should be interesting to see if the Hornets can get back into this one.

Rockets 65, Hornets 47—10:23 remaining in the 3rd quarter