If the Houston Rockets could get Tracy McGrady back in time for the playoff stretch run – preferably much sooner – they could be one dangerous team.  As it were, they have Yao Ming and Ron Artest to pick up the offensive slack while T-Mac’s away; both would prove to be the key in the Rockets’ game Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors as they combined for 52 points, leading Houston to the easy 110-93 win at Toyota Center.

Houston would shoot only 38% in the first quarter yet lead 25-20; Carl Landry would score twice inside to stretch the Rockets’ lead to 9.  A 3-pointer by Golden State’s C.J. Watson would end a 3-minute scoring drought; Stephen Jackson dunked with 6:24 left in the first half, but was whistled for a technical for hanging onto the rim a second too long while Andris Biedrins was whistled for a technical foul, as well for complaining about a non-call.  Aaron Brooks of the Rockets would make both technical free throws which put Houston up 41-32.

Watson ended the half with a half-court shot which reduced the Rockets’ lead to 53-51.  Jackson opened the third quarter with a long-range jumper to tie the game; however, it was the beginning of the end for Golden State as Houston took over for good as Brooks converted a 3-point play, giving Houston an insurmountable 79-71 lead.

Houston’s high scorer was Artest with 27 points (including 4 three-pointers), 7 rebounds, 7 assists and a blocked shot while Ming added 25 with 11 rebounds, an assist and a steal; Brooks chipped in 22 with a rebound, 9 assists and a steal while Landry pitched in 17 with 8 rebounds and a steal.

Golden State was led by Corey Maggette with 17 points, 2 rebounds and a steal while Jackson added 16 with 2 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal; Ronny Turiaf grabbed 10 boards in a losing cause.  Houston (29-19) plays again on Tuesday when they host the Chicago Bulls while Golden State (15-33) returns home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.