NBA Game Summary - Houston at Washington

Washington, DC (Basketball News) - Tracy McGrady tied a season-high with 38 points to pace the Houston Rockets to a 123-111 victory over the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center.

Juwan Howard added 24 points and seven rebounds, while Rafer Alston contributed 17 points and 10 assists before fouling out for the Rockets, who snapped a five-game skid.

Howard connected on 10-of-14 shots and Alston went 7-of-11 from the field, as Houston hit 55.1 percent of its attempts.

Gilbert Arenas poured in 44 points on 13-of-25 shooting, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, for Washington. Caron Butler added 20 points before fouling out for the Wizards, losers of three straight. Washington lost by a wide margin despite scoring 41 points in the final quarter.

McGrady had eight of Houston’s first 10 points, as the Rockets bolted to a 10-2 lead and they were in front 27-21 after 12 minutes.

Houston extended to a 57-46 lead at halftime and two free throws by McGrady moved the Rockets to a 78-52 cushion with 5:41 to play in the third.

The Wizards were within 89-70 going into the fourth and closed to an eight- point deficit at 109-101 following a jumper from Arenas with 3:32 remaining. However, McGrady countered with a jump shot.

Washington again got within eight on two free throws by Antonio Daniels for a 111-103 contest with 2:51 left, but Alston banged in a three-pointer to end the Wizards’ hopes for a comeback.

Stromile Swift scored 13 points, David Wesley added 12 and Luther Head had 11 points and six boards for the Rockets.

Antawn Jamison added 17 points and eight boards for Washington.