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McGrady returns from long layoff in Rockets win

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-12-16 13:19
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HOUSTON: Tracy McGrady returned to the court for the first time since February on Tuesday and helped the Houston Rockets to a 107-96 win over the Detroit Pistons.

McGrady returns from long layoff in Rockets win
Detroit Pistons' Jonas Jerebko, right, knocks the ball loose from Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 in Houston. McGrady played in his first game of the season Tuesday. He has been recovering from knee surgery. [Agencies] 

McGrady provided a spark in just eight minutes of playing time after entering the game with 7:44 left in the first quarter.

He missed his first shot but made a 3-pointer to rousing cheers before sitting for the final three quarters.

A seven-time NBA All-Star, McGrady had not been sidelines since last season when he opted to have surgery on his left knee in February.

McGrady was in and out of the lineup last year and played in only 35 games.

The high-scoring guard has encountered been plagued by injuries in recent years, missing time with a persistent back ailment in 2006-07 and sustaining knee problems in 2007-08.