NBA: Houston 94, Phoenix 82

PHOENIX, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Tracy McGrady scored 27 points and played a part in an incident that led to two ejections Wednesday during Houston's 94-82 victory over Phoenix.

Houston dominated the third quarter, took a 17-point lead into the fourth and held on to move a half game in front of New Orleans for the early lead in the Southwest Division.

Aaron Brooks added 19 points and Yao Ming scored 17 for the Rockets. Phoenix was led by Shaquille O'Neal and Leandro Barbosa with 18 each.

With Houston having opened a big lead in the third period, the Suns' Matt Barnes shoved Houston's Rafer Alston to the floor with 27.6 seconds remaining in the quarter. Alston hopped up and began yelling at Barnes.

McGrady came to defend Alston, O'Neal shoved McGrady and Phoenix Coach Terry Porter dashed onto the court to break things up before they escalated.

Barnes and Alston were kicked out of the game and technicals were assessed to O'Neal, McGrady and Steve Nash of Phoenix.

The Suns had won their previous two games.