AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — James Harden agreed to a big new contract extension — and he certainly looked worth it in his first game with the Houston Rockets.

Harden had 37 points and 12 assists in a stirring debut for his new team, and Carlos Delfino made four three-pointers in the fourth quarter to lift the Rockets to a 105-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Detroit led 83-72 early in the fourth, but Harden and Delfino brought the Rockets back. Houston acquired Harden on Saturday night in a trade with Oklahoma City and agreed Wednesday on a five-year, $80 million contract extension with him.

“I think I just wanted to get out there and play,” Harden said. “All the talking and all the craziness that has been happening this last week — I just wanted to go out there and play basketball.”

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year fell just short of his career high of 40 points, and his 12 assists were a career best. Not bad for a guy still adjusting to new teammates and a new situation.

Harden started only seven games in three seasons in Oklahoma City, as he developed into an indispensable reserve. But he was in the starting lineup Wednesday and looked ready to play a bigger role with Houston.

“I just tried to score and create opportunities,” Harden said. “Carlos Delfino came in hot. I just tried to get my bigs involved. A lot of different guys stepped up, and I think that’s how it’s going to be throughout this entire season.”

Jeremy Lin, Houston’s other big acquisition, had 12 points and eight assists.

Also on Wednesday:

Clippers 101

Grizzlies 92

LOS ANGELES — Jamal Crawford scored 29 points in 30 minutes in his first official game with his new team, and Los Angeles converted 21 turnovers into 29 points in a victory that extended Memphis’ NBA-record streak of opening-night losses to 12.

Pacers 90

Raptors 88

TORONTO — George Hill scored the go-ahead basket with two seconds left, completing Indiana’s rally for a season-opening win over the Raptors.

Spurs 99

Hornets 95

NEW ORLEANS — Tim Duncan scored 24 points, Tony Parker hit a huge three-pointer, and San Antonio opened the season with a victory over the Hornets in the debut for top draft pick Anthony Davis, who scored 21 points.

Bulls 93

Kings 87

CHICAGO — Joakim Noah scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and the Bulls got off to a good start without the injured Derrick Rose, beating Sacramento.

76ers 84

Nuggets 75

PHILADELPHIA — Spencer Hawes had 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a win over Denver.

Jazz 113

Mavericks 94

SALT LAKE CITY — Mo Williams and Marvin Williams each scored 21 points to lead Utah past Dallas.

Warriors 87

Suns 85

PHOENIX — Carl Landry scored 14 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter as Golden State beat Phoenix.