Houston overcame a fourth-quarter swoon and 18 turnovers, including seven by Tracy McGrady, to defeat Minnesota, 92-86, for its eighth consecutive win away from home. McGrady did hit a clinching three-pointer with 30 seconds left and led the Rockets with 26 points. Proving his team MVP status, Houston has won eight of nine since his return from injury, writes the Chronicle.
Minnesota's Al Jefferson, despite being covered by the much larger Yao Ming, was an immovable force, scoring 33 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, and continuing to show why he is the center of the franchise's rebuilding efforts. Sebastian Telfair had 12 assists for the Wolves, but missed a tying shot attempt with inside of a minute remaining. Houston is 28-20. (More basketball stories.)