Yao's 38 rallys Rockets to 4th straight win
(AP)
Updated: 2006-03-09 14:21

Coming off a dismal loss to lowly New York, the Pacers were quicker than the Rockets most of the night, shredding Houston's flat-footed defense with sharp passing and strong drives down the lane.

The Rockets' first-half frustrations boiled over when Yao apparently got shoved by Scot Pollard, but no foul was called. Stojakovic got fouled at the other end and Yao snapped at referee Tony Brothers to earn his second technical of the season.

Stojakovic sank all three foul shots and Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy chastised Brothers and got a technical of his own. Indiana's lead swelled to 14 after Stojakovic sank another free throw.

Bogans' four-point play helped carve the Rockets' deficit to nine by halftime.

Yao scored Houston's first 10 points of the second half with effortless hooks and turnaround set shots. McGrady went to the bench less than two minutes into the second half and the Pacers looked poised to pull away.