Yao Ming scored 21 points and had nine rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to an 89-81 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

Tracy McGrady had his second straight poor shooting night, shooting just 7-of-19 - including 1-of-8 from 3-point range - to finish with 18 points. He shot just 7-of-23 Saturday against the 76ers but scored the winning basket with 25 seconds to play.

The hapless Hornets, with only one victory this season, have lost seven straight. Their 16 first-quarter points were a season-low for a Rockets opponent, and their 30 first-half points tied an opponent's season low.

David Wesley led New Orleans with 18 points.

Jim Jackson missed his second straight game, this time with back spasms, and Ryan Bowen again replaced him in the starting lineup. Jackson, who averages 13.9 points, missed Saturday's game against the 76ers with flu-like symptoms.

The Rockets had a pair of eight-point runs in the first quarter to lead by as many as 11 points. They settled for a 22-16 lead after one as Juwan Howard had eight points.

The Hornets fell behind by 11 again early in the second quarter before going on a 9-0 run to close to 31-29. Scott Padgett hit two 3s the final minute to cap a 12-0 run for a 43-30 lead at the half. Yao led with 10 points at the break.

Lee Nailon's eight points in the third quarter helped New Orleans pull within one, 54-53 with 1:41 to play. McGrady's 3-pointer helped Houston lead 59-53 after three. The Hornets never got closer than five points in the fourth quarter.

(Agencies)