LOS ANGELES - Chinese center Yao Ming scored 32 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to spark the Houston Rockets past the Los Angeles Clippers 108-103.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming, right, rebounds against Los Angeles Lakers' Chris Kaman in the second half of a basketball game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006, in Los Angeles. The Rockets won 108-103. [AP]

Rafer Alston added 26 points and eight assists for the Rockets, who remain without star playmaker Tracy McGrady due to back spasms.

Yao has been more aggressive in McGrady's absence, but the Rockets have lost two games in overtime since the guard was injured, including a 112-101 double-overtime defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers here on Friday.

Yao has made a strong case for his fifth All-Star Game start in as many NBA seasons, averaging 35 points, 14.3 rebounds and 3.6 blocked shots in his past three games.

Houston improved to 15-9, remaining third in the Southwest division behind San Antonio and Dallas. The Clippers, who lost their fourth game in a row, fell to 10-13.