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NBA: Rockets defeat the Bucks 103-89
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-02-05 14:28
Maurice Taylor scored 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to spark the Houston Rockets to a 103-89 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11) of China grabs the rebound from Milwaukee Bucks' Joe Smith (8) and Michael Redd in the first quarter Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, in Houston. [AP] |
The victory snapped a four-game losing streak, Houston's longest of the season.
Steve Francis, returning from a team-imposed one-game suspension, led Houston with 23 points, followed by Cuttino Mobley and Taylor with 19 each, Yao Ming with 16 and Jim Jackson with 14.
Brian Skinner led Milwaukee with 17 points. Joe Smith had 13 and Tim Thomas Michael Redd and Desmond Mason had 12 each.
The Rockets increased their lead gradually in the third period, outscoring the Bucks 12-4 in the final 3:58 to take a 75-62 lead. A pair of baskets by Taylor gave Houston an 82-67 lead before Milwaukee scored seven straight to cut its deficit to 82-74 with 6:25 left.
Two more baskets by Taylor moved Houston ahead 88-76, and the Bucks were never closer than eight after that.
Neither team led by more the five in the first quarter, with Milwaukee holding a 25-22 advantage going into the second period.
Houston moved ahead 40-34 with 5:08 left in the second period after Mobley scored seven straight points, and the Rockets led 50-47 at the half.
Notes:@ Houston activated guard-forward Adrian Griffin from the injured list Wednesday. He replaced guard Mike Wilks on the roster. Wilks was placed on the injured list with plantar fascitis in his right foot. ... Houston is 25-10 this season when scoring 80 points or more and 2-11 when scoring less than 80 points ... The Bucks have trailed by double figures in 29 of their 46 games this season ... The Bucks are 11-7 since Skinner returned to the starting lineup on Dec. 30.
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