Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots over the outstretched...

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots over the outstretched arm of San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, in Houston. Credit: AP/ Bob Levey

HOUSTON — James Harden had 20 points and the Houston Rockets slowed down the soaring San Antonio Spurs with an 88-84 victory Friday night.

The improved Houston defense held the Spurs to a season low in points to snap their season-best seven-game winning streak.

Houston used an 8-2 run to take a 78-71 lead with about 5 minutes left. Tim Duncan made a hook shot after that, but Harden hit a 3-pointer. A layup by Duncan came next before Harden brought the crowd to its feet with an off-balance 3-pointer from the corner that made it 84-75.

The Spurs resorted to the Hack-A-Howard tactic soon after that, intentionally fouling Dwight Howard on two straight possessions. He missed all four free throws, and a basket by LaMarcus Aldridge got the Spurs to 86-81.

Kawhi Leonard made a 3-pointer after two free throws by Houston to allow San Antonio to cut the lead to four, but he missed a shot a few seconds later and Houston held on for the victory.

Leonard had 20 points to lead San Antonio.

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