Yao, Rockets Notch 7th Straight

Houston used a balanced attack, getting double-figures scoring from its entire starting five and playing strong defense at key moments in a 95-83 win over Portland, reports the Houston Chronicle. It was the Rockets' seventh straight win and 16th in 20 games. Yao Ming led the offense with 25 points and was backed by Rafer Alston with 17 points.

An 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter gave host Houston a double-digit lead that they never relinquished, against a team they'll continue to battle for one of the final Western Conference playoff spots. LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 22 points and Brandon Roy added 15 in his return after missing two games following a death in his family.