Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11) from China puts up a field goal attempt with Milwaukee Bucks center Dan Gadzuric (50) guarding him in the fourth quarter of an NBA game in Milwaukee, Wisconsin November 8, 2006. [Reuters]

McGrady, shrugging off his downturn in the team's first four matches, led Houston with 32 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Yao pitched in 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists to hand the Rockets their second victory in a row.

Rafer Alston added 12 points for the victory, while Dikembe Mutombo had 10.

Michael Redd scored 34 for Milwaukee, topping the 30-point mark for the third time in five games.

The Bucks drew no closer at 92-87 until it really was too late with 47.7 seconds left.

McGrady hit a runner in the lane with 3.5 seconds left, the Rockets' last basket of the night. Luther Head swatted away a Redd drive, allowing the Rockets to hold on for a 97-93 win.