NBA: Houston 100, Atlanta 85

HOUSTON, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Tracy McGrady returned to the Houston lineup and had 25 points and nine rebounds Tuesday as the Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 100-85.

McGrady was back in the starting five after missing five straight games with a strained back. He also missed three other games because of injury earlier this year. The Rockets were 0-8 without his services.

Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets, who ended a seven-game losing streak. Juwan Howard and Luther Head each had 12 points in the win.

Joe Johnson had 17 points and seven assists for the Hawks, who only have two wins this season. Salim Stoudamire and Al Harrington each scored 14 points for Atlanta.