NBA: Rockets see Yao, McGrady hurt in defeat to Pistons

Houston's Tracy McGrady aggravated his ailing left knee and Yao Ming (姚明) needed four stitches to close a cut over his eye on Sunday as the Rockets fell 94-82 to the Detroit Pistons.

McGrady left in the third quarter of the NBA contest and didn't return. He totaled 14 points.

Chinese center Yao had to leave the court to receive treatment after a third-quarter collision with teammate Luther Head, and finished with 12 points.

It was another disappointing visit to Detroit for the Rockets, who have lost seven straight on the Pistons' floor.

Richard Hamilton scored 17 points to lead five Pistons in double figures and Detroit posted their fifth straight victory.

Rasheed Wallace's storming first half put the Rockets on the defensive early. He scored 14 points in the first half as the Pistons took a 51-44 halftime lead, and by the final period the Rockets were unable to mount challenge.

"We stayed close, but the third quarter they really took over the game," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "We didn't push the ball like we needed to. We walked it up the court. Just had some surges but not consistency throughout the game."

"We pretty much took control of the game in the second quarter and we never really looked back," Detroit guard Chauncey Billups said. "Except both of their stars went out, but I thought we pretty much had control at that point."

Celtics 103, Magic 91

In Boston, Paul Pierce had 24 points to lead balanced scoring, and Boston avenged its first loss of the season on Nov. 18 by beating Orlando.

Rajon Rondo added 23 points and Ray Allen 22 for the Celtics (22-3), who have the best record in the NBA. Kevin Garnett had 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds.

Warriors 105, Cavaliers 96

In Cleveland, Stephen Jackson scored 29 points and Baron Davis added 27 to help Golden State hand Cleveland its 10th loss in 13 games.

Nuggets 106, Kings 105

At Sacramento, California, Linas Kleiza recovered the ball in a scramble and hit a jumper just before the final buzzer sounded, lifting Denver to a thrilling victory over Sacramento.