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)