Houston Rockets Team Report - February 18

(Basketball News) - Jim Jackson scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead Houston over Washington, 107-81, as both teams started their post-All-Star slate on Tuesday at the Toyota Center.

Yao Ming added 16 points and Kelvin Kato posted his sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 boards for the Rockets, who won for the fifth time in six games on the heels of their season-high, four-game losing streak.

Steve Francis, whose name was linked to the hottest trade rumor over the All- Star weekend which had him being shipped to Philadelphia in exchange for Allen Iverson, scored 11 points and dished out seven assists.

However, once head coach Jeff Van Gundy heard about the rumor, he shot it down right away and called his point guard to let him know that he is not going anywhere.

Houston, which wrapped up a three-game homestand tonight, has won six of nine and nine of its last 13 games at home and is 18-8 in its building this season.

The Rockets will return to action on Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks at AmericanAirlines Center.