T-Mac’s Return Huge As Rockets Thrash Bulls 116-98

???????????????????????????????????????? Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady, right, drives around Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng during the first quarter of their game, played Saturday night. Houston beat Chicago 116-98.

Houston Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady’s return to the lineup could not have come at a better time for the team; McGrady’s nine points and 4 assists in the third quarter sparked Houston to the win over the Chicago Bulls 116-98 Friday at Chicago.

With Chicago leading 28-27 early in the 2nd quarter, Houston?went on a 14-3 run with McGrady and Yao Ming on the floor; Rockets guard Luther Head scored 8 straight points during that run, giving Houston a 41-31 lead.??The Rockets would enter the third quarter with a 52-48 lead.? Leading 68-61 in the third period, the Rockets would pull away with the ample assistance of McGrady; after hitting a jumper, he would dish an assist to Luis Scola?for a score and also set up an open 3-pointer by Shane Battier.?

Houston, who had 7 players in double-digits,?was led by McGrady and Bonzi Wells with 20 points each; McGrady also had 4 rebounds and 8 assists.? Ming added 18 with 8 boards, while Scola and Battier chipped in with 14 each; Battier included?4 treys?in his total.s? Chicago was led by Kirk Hinrich with 22 points, while Luol Deng scored 21 with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.? Ben Gordon chipped in with 18 while Joe Smith poured in 16.? Houston (13-14) now makes the short trip to Detroit to take on the Pistons Sunday, while Chicago (9-16) travels to San Antonio to take on the Spurs Wednesday.