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Grizzlies defeat injury-plagued Rockets

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-09 16:23

WASHINGTON-- The Memphis Grizzlies earned a 109-97  victory over the injury-plagued Houston Rockets on Monday.

Memphis (6-15) is last in the Southwest Division but had a surprisingly easy game against the division leader Rockets (13-8), who slipped behind New Orleans after the loss.

Rudy Gay scored 20 points to lead the Grizzlies who had six players scoring in double-figures. Rockets had just 10 players in uniform, including Steve Francis, who has not played all season and did not take the court.

Ron Artest, Tracy McGrady and Brent Barry were all sidelined with injury for Houston.

Rockets' coach Rick Adelman said the injuries were a factor, but his team still should have performed better.

Hakim Warrick and O.J. Mayo both scored 18 points for Memphis, who made their first six three-point attempts to help them to a 22-point lead in the second quarter.

Luis Scola had 16 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Rockets, while Rafer Alston also scored 16 points.