Dwight Howard returned to the Houston Rockets for the first time since Jan. 23 in their 95-93 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

“My whole point was to do whatever I can to help this team win and play as hard as I can for as long as I can,” Howard said. “It just felt good being back out on the floor.”

Howard played just over 16 minutes after two months of rehab on his knee.

Howard had four points and seven rebounds.

“I felt pretty good,” Howard said. “It seemed like as soon as I got out there, it was time to sit down. It was an adjustment period for me. I’m just happy to be back out there playing.”