NBA: Houston 107, Minnesota 88

HOUSTON, March 20 (UPI) -- Ron Artest led seven players in double figures with 20 points Friday and the Houston Rockets coasted to a 107-88 whipping of Minnesota.

Houston won its third straight and has captured seven of nine games. Yao Ming had 14 points and eight rebounds, eventually sitting out the latter stages of the contest.

The Rockets were able to rest their starters after they had to go two overtimes in a victory over Detroit Wednesday. The win over the Timberwolves brought the Rockets within a half game of San Antonio for the lead in the Southwest Division.

Craig Smith led Minnesota with 19 points and rookie Kevin Love had 18 points and 12 rebounds. Minnesota has lost 14 out of 16.

The Rockets led by six after the opening period and then started the second quarter with an 8-0 run. Minnesota came no closer than nine the rest of the way.