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NBA: Houston 99, Phoenix 81

HOUSTON, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Kevin Martin had 16 points and was one of seven Houston players to reach double figures Friday in the Rockets' 99-81 whipping of Phoenix.

The Rockets broke the game open in the second quarter, owned a 19-point advantage at the half and were not threatened during the closing two periods.

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Houston shot 43 percent, but Phoenix hit a mere 40 percent of its field goal attempts and converted nine free throws while settling for a long series of jump shots.

Luis Scola had 14 points for Houston and the Rockets got 12 each from Chase Budinger, Patrick Patterson and Courtney Lee. Houston had lost its previous two games.

Marcin Gortat led Phoenix with 15 points and 12 rebounds. It was the fifth loss in seven games for the Suns.

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