LOS ANGELES, March 29 (UPI) -- With less than a minute to play, Shane Battier hit the go-ahead three-pointer to help Houston beat the playoff-hopeful Los Angeles Clippers, 92-87, Wednesday.
The Rockets won for the seventh time in eight games.
Advertisement
Tracy McGrady scored 27 points and Yao Ming came up big with 24 points and 15 rebounds for Houston. Rafer Alston had 14 points and Chuck Hayes contributed 10 points and nine rebounds.
Elton Brand led LA with 24 points and five blocked shots; Jason Hart and Tim Thomas each had 16 points in a losing cause.
The Clippers are now 1 1/2 games ahead of Golden State for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
