HOUSTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Carl Landry returned to the Houston lineup Tuesday and scored 27 points to lead the Rockets to a 108-99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Landry tied a career high in his first game back in nearly a week after losing five teeth in an on-court collision with Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas.
Luis Scola added 19 points and seven rebounds for the surging Rockets, who have won 10 of their last 11 games.
Los Angeles was paced by Chris Kaman's 29 points. Baron Davis had 18 points and Eric Gordon 15.
The Clippers shot a respectable 50.6 from the floor but Houston built an early lead and kept the visitors at arm's length the rest of the way. The Rockets held a 65-54 lead at the half.
Marcus Camby hit a 3-pointer that cut the Houston lead to 91-89 with over 10 minutes to play in the fourth quarter. The Rockets responded with an 8-0 run that extended the lead to 99-89 with 6:48 remaining.
