Hardaway's heroics lift Hawks in Howard's return to Houston

Tim Hardaway Jr. scores 33 points as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Houston Rockets 113-108 (AFP Photo/Kevin C. Cox)Los Angeles (AFP) - Tim Hardaway Jr. erupted for 23 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter on Thursday as the Atlanta Hawks rallied to shock the Rockets 113-108 in Houston.

The Hawks erased a 20-point deficit in the final period as Hardaway's heroics ensured that teammate Dwight Howard came away with a win in his first return to Houston, where he played three years for the Rockets.

Rockets guard Eric Gordon's three-pointer pushed the hosts' lead to 97-77 with 8:28 left in the game.

The Rockets had closed to 99-86 when Hardaway caught fire, converting a three-point play and a…