Houston led 25-17 after the first quarter, but two key three-pointers from Rashard Lewis helped Orlando carry a 53-51 lead into halftime. Yao scored six points in the fourth period when Houston finally took over.

Rafer Alston and Tracy McGrady scored 17 points apiece. Ron Artest and Carl Landry both scored 11, with Artest adding six rebounds and five assists for the Rockets, who have won four of their last five games.

Orlando was led by Jameer Nelson's 21 points and six assists. Lewis scored 18 with eight rebounds and five assists, while both J.J. Redick and Dwight Howard scored 13 points for the Magic, whose season-high five-game winning streak ended.