HOUSTON, March 9 (UPI) -- Tracy McGrady led the way Saturday with 41 points and nine assists and the Houston Rockets beat New Orleans 106-96 for their 18th straight victory.
Houston's lead entering the fourth period was 81-72, but McGrady drilled back-to-back jumpers and Luther Head's three-pointer gave the winners what proved to be an insurmountable 88-72 advantage with 10:30 remaining.
Rafer Alston had 20 points, three rebounds and three assists and Shane Battier added 10 points with seven rebounds for the Rockets, who have equaled three other teams for the fourth-longest winning streak in NBA history -- New York (1969-70), Boston (1981-82) and Chicago (1995-96).
Also, Houston tied New Orleans for third in the Western Conference standings, and second place in the Southwest Division.
Chris Paul led New Orleans with 37 points and 11 assists. Tyson Chandler had 15 points and 16 rebounds.
Peja Stojakovic scored 13 with 10 rebounds and Morris Peterson scored 12 for the Hornets, who had a three-game win streak snapped.
