McGrady scores 41 as Rockets top Bucks
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-24 12:24

MILWAUKEE - Tracy McGrady scored 41 points, including 14 straight in the fourth quarter, to lead the Houston Rockets to a 97-80 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (1) drives past Milwaukee Bucks' Michael Redd during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, in Milwaukee. McGrady was the game's leading scorer with 41 points as the Rockets won 97-80. [AP]

Andrew Bogut, who finished with 10 points, hit a short basket to make it 76-75 just over a minute into the fourth before McGrady took over with his personal 14-0 run.

McGrady hit a pair of 3-pointers, a driving 10-footer, a turnaround fadeaway and two jump shots to give the Rockets a 90-75 lead with 5:21 left.

Houston stretch the run to 19 straight points after a Lonny Baxter free throw and two jumpers by, who else, McGrady. He was pulled with 1:25 left, and the Bucks ended a 9-minute drought with a free throw by Jermaine Jackson.

In one sequence, McGrady, who was 17-of-32 from the field, drove and dished to David Wesley, who missed a 3, but got his own rebound. After Rafer Alston missed another long 3-pointer, Chuck Hayes snagged the rebound and kicked it out to McGrady, who sunk a 3-pointer.

He also had nine rebounds, but was limited in the first half by a pesky Bobby Simmons, who forced him into turnovers and missed shots. McGrady only had 14 points at the half.

Milwaukee Bucks coach Terry Stotts reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, in Milwaukee. The Rockets won 97-80. [AP]

McGrady, who had scored 35 and 43 in his two previous games since missing five with severe back spasms, began to take control at the start of the third quarter.

He and Wesley, who finished with 17 points, combined for 14 of the Rockets first 19 points to start the second half, and Houston built a 65-58 lead.

Milwaukee, who was led by Michael Redd's 21 points, tied the score at 67-67 while Houston went more than 3 minutes without a basket.

Simmons had 13 at the half, but only three the rest of the game.

Houston, last in the Western Conference, won two of three on its three-game road trip after a double-overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls and a two-point loss to the Detroit Pistons.