NBA Game Summary - Houston at LA Clippers

Los Angeles, CA (Basketball News) - Tracy McGrady poured in 28 points and dished off five assists to lead the Houston Rockets over the LA Clippers, 128-97, at the Staples Center.

"I felt good when I stepped on the court," said McGrady. "I knew it was going to be a good day. We were unbelievable shooting the ball."

Yao Ming added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the surging Rockets, who won their third straight game. Rafer Alston played a brilliant floor game with 17 points, 13 assists and just one turnover while Keith Bogans had 18 points and David Wesley recorded 16 in the win.

Sam Cassell posted 25 points and handed out six assists for the Clippers before getting tossed for arguing in third quarter. Cuttino Mobley tallied 23 points while Elton Brand tallied 21 for Los Angeles, who lost their second consecutive outing and for the third time in their past four games.

"They are a good defensive team," said Mobley. "They moved the ball well in the transition game and they won the hustle game."

Leading by 12 heading into the second half, Houston continued to increase its advantage. McGrady’s bucket with just over five minutes left in the third gave Houston a 20-point cushion, 81-61.

Alston’s triple a few seconds later put the Rockets on top 84-61.

The Clippers managed to cut the deficit to 17, 94-77, by the end of the frame but Cassell’s ejection virtually guaranteed there would be no miracle comeback.

A 10-2 run late in the game, capped by five straight Bogans’ points, put Houston up 118-86 with a little over three minutes left.

A pair of Ryan Bowen free throws with 1:16 on the clock then swelled the lead to 35, 124-89, Houston’s largest of the game.

The two teams were deadlocked at 30 after the first 12 minutes. Houston inched ahead with a dominant second quarter and took a 61-49 advantage into intermission.

McGrady had a dazzling first half with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting while Cassell paced the Clippers with 16.