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Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports , via Reuters

The Rockets' Jeremy Lin (7) trying to score in the lane over Tyson Chandler in the first quarter.

HOUSTON — Carmelo Anthony was wincing early in the third quarter. His left ankle was tender, and while each step seemed to cause discomfort, he remained in the game Friday night against the Houston Rockets.

Desperation has been one of the Knicks' hallmarks in recent weeks, and it was more of the same at the Toyota Center, where Anthony played and played, that wince eventually turning into a scowl. It was hard work that went for naught, as the Rockets dealt the Knicks a 102-100 loss.

The Knicks (10-22) were hoping to keep their momentum going after beating the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, and while they played with energy, Beno Udrih could only watch as his attempt at a game-tying runner rimmed out at the buzzer.

Iman Shumpert provided his second terrific effort in as many nights, finishing with 26 points in the loss. Anthony, who was playing on consecutive nights after missing three games with his ankle sprain, collected 25 points and 8 rebounds.

The Rockets (22-13) were led by James Harden, who had 37 points and sank all 12 of his free throws.

Harden scored on back-to-back baskets, including a 3-pointer, as the Rockets took a 100-95 lead late in the fourth quarter. Shumpert responded with a 3-pointer, then forced a jump ball while defending Harden at the other end. On the subsequent possession, the Knicks' Tyson Chandler made two free throws to even the game at 100-100.

After the Rockets came up empty, the Knicks' J. R. Smith had a good look at a 3-pointer but misfired — a theme all night. Smith finished 3 of 13 from the floor.

Aaron Brooks was fouled during a scramble for a loose ball, and he sank both free throws. With time running out, Shumpert missed a long jumper. The Knicks managed to snare the offensive rebound, and Udrih drove into the lane. His attempt came up empty.

It was a tough matchup for the Knicks, who had given everything they had against the Spurs. In addition, the Rockets' pick-and-roll offense figured to pose a serious challenge, in large part because the Knicks are poor at defending pick-and-roll offenses. So it was far from ideal.

The Knicks got off to another strong start. Smith hit a 3-pointer for a 20-16 lead, and the Knicks again looked determined to limit Dwight Howard's touches. In the Rockets' 109-106 win at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14, Howard scored only 7 points and shot 1 of 5 from the field. Chandler missed that game with a broken right leg, and Coach Mike Woodson relied on Bargnani for a surprisingly stout defensive effort.

Though Chandler started Friday, Woodson again went small and had Bargnani defend Howard for stretches. Chandler provided help, and it nearly cost the Knicks. Midway through the second quarter, Chandler and Howard got tangled up after Jeremy Lin scored on a drive. Chandler was whistled for a technical foul after he elbowed Howard in the chest, and the Rockets took advantage with an 8-0 run.

Much like they did against the Spurs, though, the Knicks showed some pluck. Anthony and Shumpert, who combined for 20 points in the first half, got hot from the outside. The Rockets' lead at halftime was 48-47, even though Lin collected 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting. He did a lot of his damage in transition.

When the Rockets went ahead by 5 early in the third quarter, the Knicks responded with an 8-0 run. They proceeded to build on their lead, an effort keyed by Shumpert and Anthony, who combined for 24 points in the quarter. Shumpert connected on a 3-pointer to extend the Knicks' advantage to 79-70, and the Rockets appeared to be reeling. But behind Harden, they fought back.