Slam Dunk Central

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming had an all-around, impressive effort tonight; it was sorely needed as he scored eight points during a key Rockets run late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Rockets to hold off the Phoenix Suns 100-94 at Phoenix. Oddly enough, it was a Rockets non-starter who provided the spark at key times during the game - guard Steve Francis.Francis helped Houston overcome a 1-point deficit to take an 11-point lead midway through the 2nd period. Francis led a 19-7 run during that period; he scored 7 points, 3 assists and a steal. But Phoenix would narrow the lead to 4 at halftime, with help from forward Shawn Marion’s 7 points and G Steve Nash’s two 3-pointers in the final 4:47 of the half.

The 3rd quarter was marred by sloppy play by both teams, with each team scoring only 19 points. After 3, Houston led 77-73. Phoenix, who trailed by as many as 8 points in the 4th period, closed the gap to 96-94 on Nash’s jumper with 50 seconds left. But the Rockets’ Francis scored on a drive to the basket with 29.9 seconds remaining then G Rafer Alston made a layup to cap the game’s scoring.

Houston’s high scorer was Ming with 31 points and 13 rebounds; swingman Tracy McGrady added a solid, albeit quiet effort with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Alston chipped in with 15. Phoenix was led by Nash with 29 points with 6 assists; Amare Stoudemire added 25 with 9 rebounds, while Marion contributed 18, grabbed 9 boards and blocked 4 shots. Houston (9-7), now on a 3-game winning streak, flies to Oakland to take on the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Phoenix (11-4) stays home to host the Orlando Magic; the game is on Friday night.