Vorstellungsrunde » Irish jersey is going to mean a lot this weekend. So

HOUSTON - James Harden wasnt concerned about overstating the importance of Houstons come-from-behind victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. "We needed this win more than anything," he said. Harden had 33 points and 13 assists and the Rockets rallied for a 111-104 win over the Pelicans to maintain their spot in the Western Conference standings with the post-season just days away. The Rockets had lost two in a row and needed the win to stay ahead of Portland in fourth place in the West. The Rockets got a boost from the return of Dwight Howard and Patrick Beverley, who had both missed the last eight games with injuries. Beverley scored 20 points and Howard had 13. "Pat was knocking down shots and Dwight was an easy rim target, so it made things easier for me," Harden said. The Pelicans led by eight points with less than three minutes remaining when Houston used a 9-0 run, powered by two 3-pointers from Beverley to take a 105-104 lead with 1:04 left. Beverleys second 3 in that span clanged off the rim and into the air before falling back into the basket and bringing the crowd to its feet. Howard blocked a shot by Jeff Withey to give Houston the ball back after Beverleys first 3 in that run. Harden made a layup to give the Rockets their first lead since the second quarter after Beverleys 3s. Jeremy Lin extended the run to 11 straight points with his layup seconds later and stole the ball on the Pelicans next possession to secure the win. "We kind of had to pull a rabbit out of our hat tonight," coach Kevin McHale said. Luke Babbitt, who was signed by the Pelicans in February after playing 18 games in Russia this season, had a career-high 24 points as New Orleans dropped its eighth straight. Austin Rivers had a season-high 20 points with 10 rebounds and six assists, and Anthony Morrow also had 20 points. "We made a couple of mental mistakes, a couple of key turnovers and ... we had a couple of mishaps, and you combine those three things and its going to be tough to win," Rivers said. "This was a really frustrating loss." McHale hoped he wouldnt have to overexert Howard and Beverley in their first game back, but the game didnt work out that way. Howard played more than 29 minutes and Beverley more than 33. "They both said they were feeling fine and wanted to win the game and we needed that win," McHale said. New Orleans was clinging to a 3-point lead when Babbitt scored five quick points to extend the lead to 100-92 with about four minutes left. Harden was fouled as he made an off-balance layup with one hand and then made the free throw to get the Rockets within 91-87 with 7 1/2 minutes remaining. Houston trailed by 10 when Harden and Beverley hit 3-pointers sandwiched around a basket by Rivers to cut the lead to 90-84 with about eight minutes left. Beverley held up three fingers on each hand and beat his chest after he swished his 3-pointer. The Pelicans led 82-72 entering the fourth quarter. New Orleans was up by 15 points early in the third quarter when Houston used a 12-4 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Harden as the shot clock expired, to get within 65-58. A 3 by Lin, followed by a pair of free throws from Jones later in the quarter cut the Pelicans lead to 73-68. But New Orleans used a 7-2 run with the help of a 3-pointer by James Southerland to extend the lead to 80-70 with a minute left in the third quarter. Houston led by two with about 10 minutes left in the second quarter before New Orleans used a 8-2 run to take a 35-31 lead. The Rockets had regained a one-point lead soon after that when the Pelicans used a 19-6 spurt to go on top 56-44 about 2 1/2 minutes before halftime. Babbitt made three 3-pointers in that stretch and Rivers added a fourth 3. NOTES: Hall of Famer and former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon watched from a courtside seat. ... Houston extended its single-season record for sellouts to 37 with a sold-out crowd of 18,372 on Saturday night. ... Howard had been out because of a left ankle strain and Beverley missed time because of a torn meniscus in his right knee. ... Houstons Chandler Parsons (wrist and hip) and Francisco Garcia (back) sat out with injuries. They are both listed as day to day. ... Houstons Troy Daniels had a long Saturday. He played 44 minutes and scored 30 points in a D-League playoff game for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers before flying from Des Moines to Houston and collecting three points and a rebound in almost 13 minutes for the Rockets. Jamal Crawford Suns Jersey . The team also announced Tuesday that the Braves will wear a commemorative patch on the right sleeve during the season. The patch, shaped like home plate, carries the number 715, Aarons autograph and a "40th Anniversary" banner. Deandre Ayton Jersey . With the players association in the midst of meetings in Las Vegas, a vote will be held on Friday to decide the CFLPAs presidency and other executive positions. http://www.officialsunsfanstore.com/dragan-bender-suns-jersey/ .com) - Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of 16th-ranked Sooners 48-14 loss to No. Richaun Holmes Jersey .The other side of the Bruins special teams unit delivered in the end.Gregory Campbell netted the game-winner with less than 10 minutes remaining and the Bruins fended off a late four-minute San Jose power play to earn a wild 5-3 win over the Sharks. Kevin Johnson Jersey . -- Ryan Millers debut for the St.Sean OBrien has admitted not fully seeing eye to eye with Joe Schmidt over the Ireland bosss decision to omit him from Saturdays historic victory over New Zealand. Flanker OBrien insists he felt 100 per cent fit for the game in Chicago, where Schmidts men claimed their first-ever win against the All Blacks.Back-rowers OBrien and Peter OMahony were held back from action in the United States as both continue to recover from long-term injuries. OBrien now expects both stars to channel any conflicted feelings into Saturdays Aviva Stadium Test clash with Canada. Ireland vs Canada November 12, 2016, 7:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass I wouldnt say I completely agreed with it, OBrien said of being left out of Irelands squad for the 40-29 triumph over New Zealand at Soldier Field.But thats the call that they made. I did need more game-time but you always back yourself if called upon to do a good job.Ive had no issues. I felt better every week and getting that game conditioning under my belt. I would have been 100 per cent if selected [for Chicago].Looking at it now, Im probably better off getting more game-time like I did at the weekend and being introduced back in this week. Jackson could face Canada Ulster fly-half in contention for Saturdays Dublin Test OBrien has not featured in Test rugby since February, when he suffered another severe hamstring injury in Six Nations action against France.The 29-year-old pulled up after just 20 minutes that day and has been battling for a clean bill of health since.Munster flanker OMahony has railed against knee problems since suffering ligament damage at the World Cup, but both are now on the cusp of full match fitness and can expect to be unleashed against Canada. Ireland vs New Zealand November 19, 2016, 5:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Missing Irelands first win over New Zealand in 111 years is bound to sit sorely with both ultra-competitors, but OBrien accepts the challenge now is to produce a performance against Canada worthy of last weekends landmark victory.dddddddddddd.New Zealand will pitch up in Dublin on Saturday, November 19 for a hotly anticipated rematch, live on Sky Sports, and OBrien has every intention of fighting his way into the starting line-up for that clash. Ireland face New Zealand again in Dublin on November 19 Its a huge game; its a huge game for everyone, OBrien said of Saturdays encounter against Canada. Younger guys, the likes of Pete [OMahony] with a lot of caps... Its another international game.You can be damn sure Canada will be preparing to come and beat us. We have to treat it like any Test match this week.Once youve been away from the set-up for a long time, pulling on an Irish jersey is going to mean a lot this weekend. So thats what were looking forward to. OBrien and Peter OMahonys returns will intensify the competition for places in Irelands back row I was delighted for the lads in Chicago. Obviously disappointed not to be over there and involved, but the lads put in a serious performance and effort. You could only be happy for them.Theres a great buzz round the place [on Tuesday and on Monday]. It was brilliant, but on a personal level not great. Possibly it was a week too soon for me.Thats just the way it goes sometimes.While OBrien wants to use any chance against Canada to play for a place against the All Blacks, he admitted he must strike all such thoughts from his mind.Thats something thats in the coaches minds, OBrien said about the potential to register two quickfire victories over New Zealand.A lot of us have to play well to be in contention to get involved. Thats why, personally, Im not thinking about it.Im back to get a good performance under my belt and see where that leaves me. Also See: Jackson could face Canada Murphy injury blow for Ireland Team of the week Rugby on Sky ' ' '