(Sports Network) - Yao Ming scored a season-high 33 points to go with 14 rebounds and five assists, as the Houston Rockets used a 43-point fourth quarter to pull away from the reeling Golden State Warriors, 131-112.

Ron Artest added 28 points, while Rafer Alston and Von Wafer chipped in 18 points apiece for the Rockets, who have won two straight and three of four.

Shane Battier logged 14 points on 4-of-4 shooting from behind the arc, highlighting Houston's terrific 13-of-21 efficiency from downtown.

Corey Maggette notched a double-double with 23 points and 10 boards but the Warriors nonetheless dropped their eighth straight game. Stephen Jackson hit four three-pointers on his way to a team-high 26 points, while Jamal Crawford contributed 22 points on a lackluster 9-of-21 effort from the field.

With the game knotted 101-all with just over seven minutes to play, the Rockets fed Yao down the stretch. The seven-footer made three layups, which included a three-point play the old fashioned way to carry Houston to a 114-103 lead.

Maggette's turnaround jumper made it 116-108 at the four-minute mark, but a pair of Yao free throws was sandwiched between three-balls from Alston and Artest that helped the Rockets cruise to victory.

The Warriors scored the game's first seven points and led 32-30 after a period of play.

A trio of three-pointers at the end of the half -- one from Alston and a pair from Battier -- pushed the Rockets ahead 62-57 at the break.

The clubs traded baskets throughout most of the third and Jackson's three- pointer brought Golden State within 88-84 with 12 minutes remaining.

Game Notes

The Rockets' Tracy McGrady is still sidelined with a sore left knee...Houston has won three straight over Golden State after losing its previous four versus the Warriors...Golden State is just 2-9 outside of Oakland this season...Anthony Randolph and Andris Biedrins netted 12 points apiece for Golden State.





Copyright 2008 The Sports Network
All rights reserved

 Email To Friend           Digg It!