NBA: Houston 96, New Jersey 71

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Shane Battier sank seven three-pointers Wednesday night to help Houston trounce the New Jersey Nets, 96-71.

Battier, who is being asked to step up his offense in the absence of Yao Ming (fractured kneecap), had 23 points and nine rebounds as the Rockets broke a modest two-game skid.

Also, Rafer Alston had 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists; while Juwan Howard had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Houston had 49-39 lead at the half, which grew to 89-62 with 5:20 left in the game.

Hassan Adams scored 13 points; Vince Carter had 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists; Bostjan Nachbar had 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocked shots; and Jason Kidd totaled 11 points, three rebounds, five assists, and six steals; and Richard Jefferson 11 points, three rebounds, and two steals for the Nets, who have lost four in a row and 15 of their last 21 games overall.