Streaking Rockets defeat Clippers 96-79
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-27 14:46

Tracy McGrady and Jim Jackson each scored 21 points to help the Houston Rockets defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 96-79 on Sunday night.

Houston Rockets Jon Barry (20) and Tracy McGrady, right, block the path of Los Angeles Clippers' Corey Maggette (50) during the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, in Houston. McGrady was called for a foul on the play. [AP]

Yao Ming had 20 points and 11 rebounds as Houston won for the seventh time in 10 games. It was Yao's third straight double-double and team-high 11th of the season.

Corey Maggette scored 23 points to lead the Clippers, who lost their eighth straight to the Rockets. Los Angeles has not defeated Houston since Dec. 14, 2002.

Houston used a 12-0 run to take command in the first quarter. Yao had 11 points during the period, including seven free throws, to help the Rockets take a 31-20 lead.

The Rockets weren't done. They went on a 11-0 second-quarter run to up their lead to 48-33. Yao had 17 at the half and Houston led 52-40.

Los Angeles scored the first nine points of the third quarter to close the margin to 52-49. But consecutive 3s by Jackson pushed Houston's lead back to nine.

Jon Barry, who was acquired in a trade with Atlanta last Thursday, scored his first points as a Rocket when he hit a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter to push Houston's lead to 76-59.

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