Rockets End Slump With Outburst

The Houston Rockets broke a five-game losing streak with their best offensive game of the season, setting numerous season highs. That seems to be the latest trend when facing the Washington Wizards.

Houston took control early in a 123-111 rout Tuesday night in Washington, becoming the second team in as many games to set a new high in points against the slumping Wizards.

Tracy McGrady matched his season high with 38 points. Juwan Howard scored a season-high 24. Rafer Alston had season highs with 17 points and 10 assists. The Rockets, who came in averaging a league-low 87.6 points, shot a season-high 55% and scored a dozen points more than they had in any game this season.

“I wish there was more to it -- we just made more shots,” Coach Jeff Van Gundy said. “It’s not that complex, really.”

The Rockets hardly looked like the team that had lost by an average of 10 during its five-game losing streak, all without injured center Yao Ming (toe). They moved the ball well and shot even better, building a second-quarter double-digit lead that wasn’t threatened until a late Wizards’ rally.

Booed often, the Wizards lost their third straight, all at home.

Gilbert Arenas scored 44 points for the Wizards, following his career-high 47 in a loss to Miami on Friday.

Philadelphia 111, Sacramento 98 -- After receiving a standing ovation when introduced, Chris Webber finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds in his second game in Sacramento since being traded last February.

Andre Iguodala scored 22 points and the 76ers snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Kings.

Allen Iverson had an off game, finishing with 19 points on eight-for-25 shooting.

Sacramento wasted a 36-point, 11-rebound effort by Brad Miller.

Detroit 108, Orlando 99 -- Chauncey Billups scored a career-high 37 points at Auburn Hills, Mich., to help the Pistons win their first game since having their nine-game winning streak ended Saturday at Cleveland.

The Pistons, leading 79-77 through three quarters, finally took control with an 11-2 run that put them ahead 92-83 with 7:18 left. Billups had seven points in the surge.

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 14 rebounds for Orlando, which had a three-game winning streak ended.

Memphis 104, Golden State 94 -- Eddie Jones scored 23 points, Pau Gasol added 21 points and a career-high nine assists, and the host Grizzlies won their fourth in a row.

Memphis went to the free-throw line 40 times, making 27. The Warriors shot 12 free throws.

Jason Richardson led the Warriors with 20 points. Baron Davis, Golden State’s second-leading scorer, was limited to seven points.

Toronto 108, Atlanta 97 -- Mike James scored 28 points and sparked the Raptors’ comeback from a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit at Atlanta, giving Toronto its first three-game winning streak of the season.

Dallas 95, Portland 81 -- Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry each scored 22 points to lead the host Mavericks.