McGrady lead Rockets to 10th straight win

The Houston Rockets have surged to their 10th consecutive win, beating the Miami Heat 112-100 on Thursday. Tracy McGrady had 23 points and 10 assists, Yao Ming added 21 points, and all five Houston starters finished in double figures.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming (center) is defended by Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade (left) and Earl Barron during the second half of a basketball game on Thursday in Houston. The Rockets won 112-100. (Photo: Shanghai Daily)

A 41-point first quarter gave the Rockets a 15-point lead which Miami couldn't catch up to. McGrady had 14 points in the quarter with Rafer Alston adding 11 as Houston shot a torrid 81 percent from the floor. Rookie reserve Carl Landry also played a big role, scoring 19 points, 11 of them in the fourth quarter,helping Houston get its 10th straight win. This marks the fourth time in team history that the Rockets have had a double-digit winning streak.

Yao Ming, 21 points, 9rebounds, said, "Enthusiasm is his power to play. He is the best weapon for us to create points. He is very active on the court."

Ginobli's late winner gives Spurs 100-99 win

In other action, the Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed the San Antonio Spurs. Tony Parker returned to the Spurs lineup after missing three weeks. The point guard scored eight points on 3-for-7 shooting over 19 minutes of game time. San Antonio gained a two point lead in the last minute before Al Jefferson took on Tim Duncan and got himself the hoop and the foul. Minnesota were up 99-98 with 39 seconds left.

Manu Ginobili ran to the free throw line and threw up a jumper with 6.2 seconds left to give the Spurs a one point lead. The Spurs won their fourth consecutive game and the eighth in their last nine.