The New York Knicks were handed their 14th straight defeat in the NBA as they were crushed 120-96 by the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden.

The home side, who are short-handed following injuries and trades, were still in contention at the end of the first quarter as Tim Hardaway Jr and Pablo Prigioni found the basket.

However, James Harden hit his stride before the break to open up a 14-point half-time lead for the Rockets on his way to a 25-point performance.

Trevor Ariza ensured that the gap continued to increase in the second half, getting the Rockets off to a quick start in the third quarter as they outscored the home side 37-27.

There were positive signs for the Knicks in the fourth quarter though, as rookie Travis Wear finished with a season-high 21, while Langston Galloway added 19 on just his second game since returning from the NBA Development League.

The win is Houston's 25th of the season, leaving them fifth in the Western Conference, while the Knicks slip to a 5-34 record.