The Houston Rockets found the best remedy for
their slumping offensive star is the Washington Wizards' defense.
Tracy McGrady had 34 points on 64 percent shooting to lead Houston to
its eighth straight win, 123-93 over the Wizards.
He hadn't shot better than 42 percent in the last five games, but was
14-of-22 against the NBA's second- worst defense. Entering the game,
Washington was allowing more than 101 points per game. McGrady made all
three free throws, went 3-of-9 on 3-pointers and had nine assists.
Yao Ming added 23 points and Juwan Howard and David Wesley had 18
apiece.
The Rockets' streak is
their longest since March 1999 and the best active streak in the league.
It's also a franchise record for consecutive wins before the All-Star
break.
"Offensively it was terrific," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said.
Houston shot 59.5 percent on 50-of-84 shooting for its largest margin
of victory this season and the second-highest point total.
Jamison had 23 points and Jarvis Hayes added 21 for the Wizards. The
Wizards were 35-of-84 for 41.7 percent shooting and were just 27.3 percent
on 3s.
"You have to give
Houston a lot of respect," said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. "They
took it to us. They kept pounding it to us."
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-16 15:44
