Tracy McGrady had 35 points and Yao Ming added 16 of his 22 points in the second half, leading the Houston Rockets to a dramatic 97-95 win over the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday night.

The Rockets improved to 16-2 when McGrady scores at least 30 points but they might not have been in position to win without a disastrous third period by the Sonics, who lost their second straight after going 6-1 after the All-Star break.

Houston outscored the Sonics 22-6 in the third period - with those six points setting franchise records for both teams. It was the fewest points the Rockets had ever allowed in a quarter, as well as Seattle's lowest quarter.

Ray Allen scored 32 points for Seattle, while Rashard Lewis added 26 points. Luke Ridnour had 14 points and a season-high 12 assists, one off the career high he set last season as a rookie.

Despite their trouble in the third quarter, the Sonics were in position to win in the final minutes.

It was tied at 88 after Lewis' 3-pointer with 59.8 seconds to go, made possible by an amazing save by Allen after a missed 3-point try and rebound. But McGrady made a 3-pointer with 54.8 seconds to go, putting Houston up 91-88. Ridnour got Seattle within 91-90 with two free throws with 35.8 seconds to play.

Yao made it 93-90, banking in a 4-footer after using an arm-bump that sent Jerome James to the floor but didn't draw a whistle. Ridnour got free for a layup to got the Sonics back to 93-92 with 16.8 seconds to go.

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy took a timeout, and then Barry inbounded straight to McGrady, who drew a foul on Lewis and made a layup. But he missed the free throw, giving the Sonics a chance to draw even.

Lewis missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it, and Mike James made two free throws at the other end. The Rockets needed the cushion, because Allen added a 3-pointer at the horn.

It was an abysmal third period for Seattle, shooting 3-of-14 from the floor. The Sonics committed seven turnovers in the period, and it didn't take long for Houston to take advantage. 

(Agencies)