Houston Rockets Team Report - January 13

(Basketball News) - The Houston Rockets try to move two games above .500 for the first time this season when they open a two-game homestand versus the New Jersey Nets at the Toyota Center.

On Wednesday, Tracy McGrady finished with 30 points and Juwan Howard scored a season-high 29 to lead the Rockets to a surprising 124-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an as-advertised offensive battle.

McGrady shot 12-of-19 from the field and was deadly from three-point land, hitting 6-of-8 shots. He also dished out a game-high 11 assists. Howard lit- up his former team, hitting 14-of-19 field-goal attempts to help Houston to its second straight win and fifth victory in its last seven tries.

David Wesley had his best game as a Rocket with 21 points, while Yao Ming had 20. Bob Sura closed out the Rockets in double figures with 12.

After averaging just 86.9 points over its first 22 games, Houston has scored 104.9 over its last 13 contests.

The Rockets, who will host the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, have won three of four and six of their last eight at home and are 11-8 in their arena this season.

Houston defeated New Jersey earlier in the season and has won two of three and three of the last five meetings. Despite winning two of their last three at the Toyota Center, the Nets are just 2-11 in their last 13 trips to Houston.