Tracy McGrady scored 19 points in less than three quarters, and the Houston Rockets routed the cold-shooting New Jersey Nets 91-73 last night for their 19th straight victory, matching the third-longest winning streak in NBA history.
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Tracy McGrady reacts as he is introduced prior to the Rockets' NBA game against New Jersey Nets on Monday, March 10, 2008.
Houston won its 10th straight game by double digits, tying an NBA record last set by the Nets in 2004. The Rockets also won their 13th straight at the Toyota Center, the franchise's longest home-court streak since the 1985-86 team won 20 consecutive games at The Summit.
Most importantly, the Rockets closed within one game of the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs for the top seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers play in Houston on Sunday, but the hype for that showdown can wait.
Houston can match the second-longest victory streak in NBA history with a win in Atlanta on Wednesday night. The Milwaukee Bucks won 20 in a row during the 1970-71 season.
Celtics 100, 76ers 86
At Philadelphia, Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 12 rebounds to help Boston down Philadelphia and reach 50 victories for the first time in 16 years.
The Celtics opened with a 15-0 run, won their ninth straight game and reached the 50-win mark for the first time since they finished the 1991-92 season 51-31.
Andre Miller scored 22 points and Andre Iguodala had 17 for the Sixers, who had an eight-game home winning streak snapped.
Cavaliers 88, Trail Blazers 80
At Cleveland, LeBron James had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists for his seventh triple-double of the season, and Cleveland rallied in the second half to beat Portland.
It is the 17th triple-double of James' career.
Joe Smith, playing in place of Ben Wallace, who missed the second half with back spasms, scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half.
LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 25 points.