Houston Rockets center Yao Ming grimaces as he grabs for the
ball after it was knocked from his grip by Cleveland Cavaliers
center Zydrunas Ilgauskas during the second half of their NBA
basketball game in Houston February 7, 2008.
A 22-point effort by Yao Ming Thursday carried Houston to its
fifth straight victory -- 92-77 over Cleveland.
Yao also claimed 12 rebounds while Rafer Alston contributed 17
points and Shane Battier 15.
Cleveland lost for only the fourth time in 17 games despite 32
points from LeBron James.
After grabbing a one-point lead at halftime, Houston made three
long-range shots in the first three minutes of the third period.
The last of those, coming from Tracy McGrady, gave Houston a 53-44
lead.
The Rockets built a 13-point advantage going into the fourth
quarter and Cleveland came no closer than six during the final 12
minutes. Houston finished the game with a 9-0 run.
(CRI/Agencies February 8, 2008)
