Yao's 40 boosts Rockets
(NBA.com)
Updated: 2004-12-21 12:49

This is what the Houston Rockets had in mind.

Yao Ming scored a season-high 40 points and Tracy McGrady added 34 and 12 rebounds as the Rockets posted a 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11) of China goes to the basket despite being elbowed by Toronto Raptors defender Donyell Marshall (42) in the second quarter Monday, Dec. 20, 2004, in Houston. [AP]

Acquired in the offseason from the Orlando Magic, McGrady - the NBA's scoring champ the last two seasons - was expected to team with Yao, an All-Star center, to form a formidable inside-outside combination and help Houston contend in the tough Western Conference.

The move did not pay many dividends early on, though, as the Rockets had struggled to an 11-13 record entering the game, but the duo showed what they were capable of against the Raptors, scoring over 30 points apiece for the first time this season.

Taking advantage of the undersized Raptors, Yao made 13-of-16 shots and 14-of 18 free throws in 33 minutes. McGrady, who made 12-of-21 shots, just missed a triple-double with seven assists.

Toronto trailed for most of the game but cut the deficit to 92-87 with 7:18 remaining on a 3-pointer by Lamond Murray.

Yao got those points right back with a three-point play on the other end and combined with McGrady to score 18 of the Rockets' final 22 points to seal the win. The 114 points are a season high for Houston, which has won three straight at home.

Chris Bosh scored 16 points to lead seven players in double figures for the Raptors, who have lost five in a row on the road.

Eric Williams and Aaron Williams, who were acquired from the New Jersey Nets for Vince Carter on Friday, made their Toronto debuts. Eric Williams had eight points and five rebounds in 23 minutes while Aaron Williams was scoreless in just four.

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