BKP: Houston 81, Cleveland 63

HOUSTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Yao Ming scored 24 points as the Houston Rockets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 81-63, at the Toyota Center.

Luther Head posted 13 points and seven rebounds for the Rockets, who have won five of their last six games and five in a a row at home. Rafer Alston netted 10 points, and Juwan Howard and Chuck Hayes had 13 rebounds and 12 rebounds, respectively.

LeBron James scored 21 points as the only player in double figures for the Cavaliers, who have lost two of three. Zydrunas Ilgauskas had nine points for the Cavs, who shot a dismal 22-for-78 from the field.

The Rockets played most of the game without forward Tracy McGrady, who left the game in the first quarter with a concussion.