Rockets’ streak is 21 after 89-80 win

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets’ 21st consecutive victory gave them the second-longest winning streak in NBA history and a share of first place in the Western Conference.

Now the real work begins.

Tracy McGrady scored 30 points and the Rockets beat the Charlotte Bobcats, 89-80, on Friday night to break a tie with the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks for the second-best victory streak in league history. Only the 1971-72 Lakers, who won 33 in a row, had a longer streak.

The win sets up Sunday’s showdown with the current Lakers at the Toyota Center. They’re both 45-20, the best records in the West.

“This is pretty remarkable,” McGrady said. “I’ll always remember this. I’m definitely cherishing this moment.”

After the Lakers on Sunday, Houston faces Boston, New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix next week. If the Rockets keep the streak alive through that stretch, they will certainly silence critics who say they’re still not a title contender and have feasted on a weak schedule since their last loss -- to Utah on Jan. 27.

McGrady is looking forward to it.

“Now the true test comes to see how good we really are,” McGrady said. “We’re going to find out. This next week is going to be a good week for our team.”

Rafer Alston added 17 and Shane Battier had 12 points and nine rebounds for Houston, now 9-0 since Yao Ming’s season-ending foot injury.

The Rockets also extended their home-court winning streak to 14 games.