Sixers win opener…Harden sparkles in Rockets debut
UNDATED (AP) — James Harden received a five-year, $80 million contract extension just before making his Houston Rockets debut Wednesday night. He immediately demonstrated his worthiness by pouring in 37 points and providing a career-high 12 assists in the Rockets’ 105-96 comeback win at Detroit.
The Pistons led 83-72 early in the fourth quarter before Harden hit a three-pointer to ignite Houston’s game-ending, 33-13 run. The NBA’s Reigning Sixth Man of the Year was playing just four days after being acquired from Oklahoma City.
Carlos Delfino hit four three-pointers in the final period and finished with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting.
Jeremy Lin added 12 points, eight assists, four steals and four turnovers in his Houston debut.
In other NBA action, Chicago was a 93-87 winner over Sacramento behind Joakim Noah’s 23 points and 10 rebounds. Richard Hamilton added 19 points, while Carlos Boozer chipped in with 18 points and eight boards.
Dallas is 1-1 after Mo Williams and Marvin Williams each scored 21 points to lead Utah’s 113-94 rout of the Mavericks. The score was tied at 70 before Mo Williams hit back-to-back 3-pointers then scored on a driving layup.
First-overall draft pick Anthony Davis finished with 21 points and seven rebounds in his NBA debut, but New Orleans fell 99-95 to San Antonio. Tim Duncan scored 24 points and Tony Parker added 23, including a go-ahead, three-pointer with 50 seconds left.
Spencer Hawes had 16 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks off the bench as Philadelphia downed Denver 84-75. Jrue (juh-ROO’) Holiday added 14 points and 11 assists for Philadelphia.
Indiana was a 90-88 winner at Toronto on George Hill’s bucket with two seconds left. David West scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter for the Pacers, who closed on a 16-4 run to win.
Angels and Royals deal
UNDATED (AP) — The Angels have traded right-hander Ervin Santana to Kansas City for a minor league reliever.
The Angels exercised Santana’s $13 million option for next season before trading the Dominican veteran and cash to the Royals.
Santana has been a fixture in Los Angeles’ rotation since 2005, going 96-80 with a 4.33 ERA. He struggled for much of last season, going 9-13 with a 5.16 ERA despite significant improvements over the final two months.
In other baseball news:
— Yankees closer Rafael Soriano has opted out of the final year of his three-year, $35 contact for a chance to test the free-agent market. The right-hander had 42 saves for the Yankees last season after longtime closer Mariano Rivera tore knee ligaments in early May.
— Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick and reliever Ryan Madson are free agents after declining their contract options with the NL Central champs. Ludwick was the Reds’ top hitter while first baseman Joey Votto missed 48 games with a knee injury, batting .340 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs.
— The New York Mets have picked up the contract options for All-Stars David Wright and R.A. Dickey. General manager Sandy Alderson has said signing the two players to long-term deals is his top priority this offseason. The 30-year-old Wright has been the team’s third baseman since 2004. Dickey, a 37-year-old late-blooming knuckleballer was a strong contender for the NL Cy Young Award.
— The Pirates have picked up the option on third baseman Pedro Alvarez and parted ways with catcher Rod Barajas. The 25-year-old Alvarez enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, batting .244 with a career-high 30 home runs and 85 RBIs in 149 games. Barajas hit just .206 with 11 homers and 31 RBI while throwing out just six of 99 base stealers.
— New Indians manager Terry Francona has chosen Sandy Alomar Jr. as his bench coach. Alomar starred for the Indians before beginning his coaching career. He was former skipper Manny Acta’s bench coach last season and served as interim manager after Acta was fired with six games left in the season.
— Cleveland picked up the option on pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and declined a $13 million option on designated hitter Travis Hafner and a $6 million option on pitcher Roberto Hernandez, the former Fausto Carmona.
— The Royals have declined their 2013 option on former All-Star pitcher Joakim Soria after he missed all of last season because of Tommy John surgery. He gets a $750,000 buyout.
— The Orioles have exercised their 2013 club option on right-handed reliever Luis Ayala and declined their option on first baseman Mark Reynolds. Reynolds would have made $11 million next year. He gets a $500,000 buyout.
— Utilityman Don Kelly is set to become a free agent after the Tigers outrighted him to Toledo. He declined the assignment after hitting .186 in 75 games for the AL champs this year.
Reid sticking by veteran QB
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Eagles coach Andy Reid says he’s decided to stick with Michael Vick at quarterback. Philadelphia has lost three straight and Vick has struggled all season with turnovers. Philadelphia is at New Orleans on Monday night.
Unproven rookie Nick Foles remains the backup in Philly.
Elsewhere around the NFL:
— Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is practicing on a limited basis after leaving Sunday’s victory over the New York Jets in the first quarter with left knee and thigh injuries. Tannehill wore a brace and thigh-to-ankle sleeve on his left leg for Wednesday’s workout.
— Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon is unlikely to play again this week, postponing his return until after the bye. Garcon has missed five of the last seven games with a torn toe ligament in his right foot.
— The Titans have signed veteran offensive lineman Kyle DeVan, whom they waived in the last round of preseason roster cuts. The 6-foot-2, 306-pounder has played 36 games with 25 starts at guard over three seasons at Indianapolis and Philadelphia.
— Colts interim coach Bruce Arians says rookie tight end Coby Fleener and cornerback Vontae Davis will not play Sunday against Miami. Both were injured last weekend at Tennessee.