Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis

James Harden scored 46 points, Dwight Howard had 20 points and 20 rebounds and the Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 109-105, in controversial fashion at the Staples Center on Saturday night.

The Clippers were without Chris Paul, who was nursing a groin injury. The Rockets were missing Patrick Beverley (concussion) and Terrence Jones (lacerated eyelid).

With the Rockets leading 107-105 with 17.2 seconds remaining, Blake Griffin attempted a shot near the basket that bounced over the rim. Howard swatted the ball away while it appeared to be over the cylinder, but because no goaltend was called at the time of the play, it could not be reviewed.

Houston was awarded the basketball after the ball went out of bounds off of a Los Angeles player, and Ty Lawson hit two free throws to seal the deal.

For Harden, it was his second straight 40-point effort. He scored 43 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.

He shot 14-of-26 from the floor against the Clippers, draining five three-pointers and going 13-of-14 from the free-throw line.

The loss for the Clippers marked the second straight game they blew a 10-point lead.

Los Angeles blew a 10-point fourth quarter edge against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday evening. This time around, it led by 10 in the third period.

Houston would actually build a double-digit lead of its own in the fourth quarter and held off a late rally to secure the win.

Griffin tallied 35 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who shot 48 percent from the field as a team.

The Rockets shot just 44 percent, but made 26 free throws to only 17 for the Clips.

Houston's next game will be on Wednesday when it hosts the struggling Brooklyn Nets.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.