HOUSTON, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A 22-point effort by Yao Ming Thursday carried Houston to its fifth straight victory -- 92-77 over Cleveland.
Yao also claimed 12 rebounds while Rafer Alston contributed 17 points and Shane Battier 15.
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Cleveland lost for only the fourth time in 17 games despite 32 points from LeBron James.
After grabbing a one-point lead at halftime, Houston made three long-range shots in the first three minutes of the third period. The last of those, coming from Tracy McGrady, gave Houston a 53-44 lead.
The Rockets built a 13-point advantage going into the fourth quarter and Cleveland came no closer than six during the final 12 minutes. Houston finished the game with a 9-0 run.
