He returned to the start of the fourth quarter.

The Nuggets led by seven after one quarter. Parsons and Delfino made back-to-back 3-pointers for Houston to cut the lead to 25-24 to start the second.

Denver was up by two points midway through the quarter before using a 21-6 run to extend the lead to 54-39 about 2 1/2 minutes before halftime. Lawson had 14 points including a pair of 3-pointers in that span. Houston missed nine shots, including three layups during Denver's run.

NOTES: Asik has had at least 10 rebounds in three straight games. ... Iguodala had 13 points and three steals. ... Harden tied a career high with five steals.