One must think that the Houston Rockets salivated knowing that their opponent in their game on Saturday night was the Miami Heat, who are definitely an undersized team by NBA standards.  And as you’d expect, Rockets center Yao Ming took advantage of the size differential, scoring 26 points (shooting a perfect 12-of-12) as Houston defeated Miami 93-86 at Toyota Center.

Guarding Ming in the first quarter was futile for the Heat; even though he was double-teamed often, Ming still scored 10 points in the first 8 minutes to help the Rockets build a 23-17 lead.  Miami would miss 10 of 11 shots during a stretch of the second quarter and Houston capitalized as they built their lead; Shane Battier hit an uncontested layup at the 1:51 mark of the first half as the Rockets took a 41-31 lead.  Houston would take a 45-36 lead into their locker room at halftime.

Miami’s Dwyane Wade scored four times in the first 4 minutes of the third quarter, reducing the Heat’s deficit; however, Luis Scola sank a free throw and Ming scored before Wade drained a 3-pointer, drawing the Heat to within three at 50-47.  Miami’s Shawn Marion scored inside but Houston’s Rafer Alston drove for a basket then hit a trey, boosting the Rockets’ lead back to 6 and would go into the fourth quarter with a 69-64 lead.

Brent Barry hit a 3-pointer and Carl Landry made a jumper, putting Houston up 82-70 with just under 7 minutes remaining in the game;  the Heat would hold on from that point for the victory.  Houston’s high scorer was Ming with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists but committed 5 turnovers while Alston added 22 with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a blocked shot; Von Wafer chipped in 17 with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

Miami was led by Wade with 29 points (including 4 three-pointers), 4 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals while Marion added 20 with 10 rebounds, an assist and a steal.  Houston (25-16) plays again on Monday when they host the Denver Nuggets while Miami (21-18) makes the short trip to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder on Sunday.