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NBA: McGrady, Rockets beat Hawks for 20th straight win

The Houston Rockets matched the second-longest win streak in National Basketball Association history on Wednesday, beating the Atlanta Hawks 83-75 for their 20th victory in a row.

McGrady scored 21 of his 28 points in the second half, while Shane Battier scored 15 and reserve Chuck Hayes contributed eight points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets, who equaled the 1970-1971 Milwaukee Bucks on the NBA all-time list.

"It's unbelievable -- 20 in a row, especially at this level," McGrady said.

"I really couldn't explain it. For me, to be on this team and winning 20 straight, it's going to be up there [in career achievements]. There are many great things I've accomplished in this league. This is pretty special," he said.

The Rockets, who improved to 8-0 since a season-ending foot injury to Chinese star center Yao Ming (姚明), will try to win their 21st game in a row today at home against Charlotte.

The only longer streak in NBA history than the current Rockets' run is the league-record 33-game run by the Los Angeles Lakers from Nov. 5, 1971 to Jan. 7, 1972.

Houston improved to 44-20 to match San Antonio atop the Southwest division.

Should the Rockets continue their winning ways, they could break the Lakers' mark in four weeks when they host Seattle on April 9.

Nets 104, Cavaliers 99

At East Rutherford, New Jersey, Richard Jefferson scored 24 points, and New Jersey overcame LeBron James' 42 points to hold off the Cavaliers and snap a six-game losing streak.

Magic 110, Clippers 88

At Orlando, Florida, Dwight Howard had his league-leading 57th double-double of the season with 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Orlando, which improved to 24-0 this season when holding teams under 95 points.

In other games it was:

* Knicks 91, Heat 88

* Celtics 111, SuperSonics 82

* 76ers 83, Pistons 82

* Hornets 100, Spurs 75

* Jazz 114, Bucks 110

* Mavericks 118, Bobcats 93

* Nuggets 108, Grizzlies 86

* Warriors 117, Raptors 106
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