Head answered with a driving layup and McGrady hit two mid-range jumpers, the second one over Allen.

Allen hit back-to-back 3-pointers over Head, but McGrady found Mutombo underneath for a layup that put the Rockets up 100-92.

The Sonics cut the lead to five and McGrady missed a pull-up in the lane in the final minute. But Mutombo rebounded and got the ball to Alston and the Sonics couldn't score again.

"We were right there in the fourth quarter and gave ourselves a chance, but didn't make our stops at the end," Allen said. "We make small mistakes at crucial times of the game."

Van Gundy told Mutombo he was going to play more minutes in Yao's absence. Mutombo played 28 minutes on Wednesday night.

"When it comes to rebounding, I still have a lot left," Mutombo said. "Right now, I have to do whatever I can to help the team win."

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