NBA Game Summary - Houston at Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ (Basketball News) - Tracy McGrady scored 34 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets over the Phoenix Suns, 98-97, at America West Arena.

Bob Sura added 13 points and six assists for the Rockets, who clinch a spot in the postseason with the win and maintained their hold on the sixth spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Houston leads Denver by one-half game and drew within one game of idle Sacramento for the fifth spot.

Amare Stoudemire had 32 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns, who had two chances to win the game at the buzzer only to fall short. Steve Nash had his jumper bounce out and Steven Hunter’s follow dunk attempt failed and the final buzzer went off.

Phoenix had battled back from a 14-point deficit to start the quarter, giving the club a chance to earn its 58th win of the season. Houston had extended to an 83-67 lead on a David Wesley three-pointer 2:15 into the quarter. However, a 12-1 run by the Suns drew the club within 84-79 with 7:20 remaining.

The Rockets later increased their lead to 93-83 on a pair of Mike James free throws with 4:54 on the clock.

The Suns once again battled to get within the one point, scoring 14 of the next 19 points. A Hunter dunk with 14 seconds left made it a 98-97 game.

Sura then missed a pair of free throws for the Rockets with seven seconds left, giving the Suns one last opportunity.

Nash brought the ball up the court and missed his short jumper. Hunter followed the shot, but his dunk never went down and Phoenix lost for the second straight time.

Dikembe Mutombo had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Houston, which has won two straight to improve to 2-1 on a four-game road trip that will conclude on Monday in Seattle.

Nash ended with 19 points and Joe Johnson had 16 points and nine boards for Phoenix, which led 31-25 after one quarter and 47-45 going into halftime.