Rockets 114, Bucks 104: Terrence Jones racked up a career-high 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds as host Houston pulled away from struggling Milwaukee.

James Harden scored 22 points for the Rockets, who improved to 13-3 against Eastern Conference teams, including a 9-0 mark at home. Dwight Howard tallied 20 points and 14 rebounds as Houston matched a season high with 66 points in the paint.

Brandon Knight put up 26 points to lead the Bucks, who have lost eight straight. John Henson contributed 20 points and 15 rebounds off the bench and Luke Ridnour went 4-for-4 from long range en route to 14 points.

Milwaukee pulled within 75-69 on back-to-back 3-pointers from Ersan Ilyasova and Knight before a 9-0 burst late in the third quarter stretched Houston's lead to 89-73, and the Rockets led by 13 going to the final quarter. The Bucks never threatened in the fourth, failing to trim the deficit to single digits.

The Rockets never trailed, as their ability to get to the foul line was the difference early. Both teams shot 50 percent from the field in the first half but Houston took a 62-52 lead into the break on the strength of a 16-for-21 showing from the line.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Rockets G Patrick Beverley, who has not played since Dec. 21 because of a broken right hand, plans to return Monday against Portland. … Jones tied his career high of 25 points in the first half alone, scoring 21 in the second quarter while hitting all seven of his field-goal attempts. … Milwaukee finished 40-for-80 form the field, only the fourth time all season it has shot 50 percent or better.