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Perhaps it is a good thing that the Golden State Warriors signed Chris Webber; during Tuesday night’s game against the Houston Rockets, Houston center Yao Ming exploited the height disadvantage that dogged the Warriors all game long.? Ming’s 8 points in the last two minutes proved huge as the Rockets emerged victorious against the Warriors, 111-107 at Toyota Center.

Houston started out the game with a 23-6 run by hitting 9 of their first 14 shots; the Rockets got a welcome bonus during the run when Golden State’s Baron Davis was whistled for his second foul just 5 minutes into the game.? The Warriors tried to quicken the pace, but unfortunately for them, it didn’t work.? Houston’s Ming scored twice inside to stretch the Rockets’ lead to 29-9 with 3 minutes left in the first quarter.? Ming, just in the first quarter alone, scored 12 points and had 11 rebounds, helping the Rockets hold on to a 33-18 lead after one period.

Golden State would find its shooting touch and mount an 11-2 run?to cut the Rockets’ lead to 10; oddly enough, with Ming on the bench, Houston regained control in the second quarter, answering back with a 12-3 explosion to extend their lead to 45-26.? Golden state cut the Rockets’ lead back to 10, but the Rockets’ Rafer Alston drained a 3?to put the Rockets up?60-46 at halftime.

Houston led 71-57 halfway through the third quarter, but the Warriors’ Monta Ellis and Matt Barnes sank three-pointers during a Golden State 14-4 run.? After Houston took a timeout, Ming scored twice inside and Shane Battier?hit a trey, pushing the Rockets’ lead back up to 10.? The Warriors’ Al Harrington sank 2 three-pointers in a span of 3 minutes as Golden State attempted one last surge; Harrington sank a long jumper, cutting the margin to 100-99.? Ming would prove himself vital as he sank 6 free throws down the stretch late and would add a hook shot enabling Houston to ice the game.?

Houston’s leading scorer was the aforementioned Ming with 36 points and 19 rebounds; Luther Head scored a rather inconspicuous 20 and 6 assists, while Alston added 17 with 8 rebounds and 12 assists.? Golden State had 6 players in double-digits, led by Stephen Jackson with 25 points – including 5 three-pointers – 6 rebounds and 7 assists, a great overall game.? Davis scored 21 along with 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals; Ellis would chip in with 18, while Andris Biedrins recorded a double-double with 14 and 12 boards.? Houston (25-20) now travels to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers Friday night, while Golden State (27-19) makes the short trip to New Orleans to take on the Hornets Wednesday.