Game Is a Sura Thing for Surging Rockets

Bob Sura scored a career-high 35 points, including a game-clinching three-point basket with 1:02 left in overtime, to lead the surging Houston Rockets to a 94-85 victory Thursday night over the visiting New Jersey Nets.

Juwan Howard had eight of his 12 points in overtime, and a hobbled Tracy McGrady (toe) added 18 for the Rockets, who outscored the Nets, 13-4, after regulation to match a season-best three-game winning streak and move two games above .500 (19-17) for the first time this season. Sura’s three-pointer gave Houston a 90-85 lead with 1:06 left.

Jason Kidd had 16 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for the Nets, who lost their third in a row.

Sacramento 107, Utah 93 -- Peja Stojakovic had 27 points at Sacramento for the Kings, who played without Mike Bibby (sprained ankle) but regained Chris Webber (23 points and 15 rebounds). Webber rested his sore knee in their previous game.

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Milwaukee Buck guard T.J. Ford will miss the season because his spinal cord bruise has not healed, the team said after consulting with doctors.

Ford, who had surgery in May, hasn’t played since being injured in a game last February.

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Andrei Kirilenko, sidelined since Nov. 27, will not return to the Utah Jazz’s lineup Saturday as planned after the team decided to give him another week to rehab his right knee.... Toronto Raptor General Manager Rob Babcock confirmed but did not elaborate on his meeting with center Alonzo Mourning this week amid reports that the talks centered on a contract buyout. The Raptors acquired Mourning in the Vince Carter trade.... Retired NBA star Scottie Pippen filed a legal malpractice lawsuit against Katten Muchen Zavis Rosenman, saying the firm persuaded him to use financial advisor Robert Lunn, who lost millions of dollars through questionable investments. The lawsuit does not seek specific damages. Pippen in November won an $11.8-million judgment against Lunn.... Cleveland Cavalier rookie guard Luke Jackson had season-ending back surgery.