Home>News Center>Sports
         
 

Rockets taking off with McGrady and Yao
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-06 09:11

With Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming healthy, the Houston Rockets are better than they have been in months. But even after a tough 93-89 win over the struggling New York Knicks on Sunday, the Rockets know they still need to improve.

McGrady scored 23 points and David Wesley added 19, including several key free throws late, as Houston won its third straight game.


Houston Rocket's Yao Ming battles for the ball against New York Knick's Eddy Curry, center and Channing Frye during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006 at Madison Square Garden in New York. [AP photo]

"We are doing well," Yao said. "But we must do more. We are always looking forward."

Yao, in his fourth game back since missing 21 after toe surgery, looked to have shaken off any lingering effects of the injury with a strong start and scored 15 points. Houston's record is 12-6 when he and McGrady play. McGrady had missed five games with back spasms.

With both its stars healthy, Houston has its longest winning streak since it captured five in a row from Dec. 6-15.

"It's different with both those guys around," Wesley said. "It makes it easier on the rest of us.

"We did enough, but were not where we want to be."

The Knicks had a chance to tie with 6.9 seconds left, but a 3-point attempt by Jalen Rose was partially blocked by Stromile Swift and fell short. Wesley, who made four free throws in the last 23 seconds, hit his final one with 3 seconds remaining to ensure the victory.

"I wanted that one," Rose said. "I wanted that one very bad and I'd have liked to see what had happened had he not blocked my shot."

Rose scored 16 points and had 11 assists in his debut with the Knicks after being traded from Toronto on Friday, and received a warm reception from the crowd. Rose and a first-round draft pick went to the Knicks for Antonio Davis. Rose started to make it the 29th different starting lineup the Knicks have used this season.

Jamal Crawford scored 24 points and Eddy Curry had 15 for the Knicks, who have lost five straight and 11 of the last 12.
Page: 12



Security tight for Torino Winter Games
Selected soccer pictures via agencies
China's tennis pair win Australian Open
 
  Today's Top News     Top Sports News
 

China lashes back at Japan comments

 

   
 

Gov't eyes continual control of land use

 

   
 

Iran ends voluntary cooperation on nukes

 

   
 

Tragedy triggers marine safety awareness

 

   
 

Protesters torch Danish mission in Beirut

 

   
 

Japan, DPRK diplomats discuss abductions

 

   
  Marcos Baghdatis receives hero’s welcome
   
  Rockets taking off with McGrady and Yao
   
  Badminton star Taufik Hidayat weds
   
  Bayi win opening game after New Year break
   
  Hingis falls in final at Pan Pacific
   
  Dong Fangzhuo spins hat trick as Antwerp Triumph
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
Manufacturers, Exporters, Wholesalers - Global trade starts here.
Advertisement