The Houston Rockets proved they can win without Yao Ming when they dumped the New Jersey Nets 96-71 on Wednesday, led by a 23 point effort from Shane Battier.

With Yao sidelined for six weeks after sustaining broken bone in his right leg in loss to the Clippers on Dec. 23, the Rockets turned to Battier and all-star Tracy McGrady, who returned to the line-up on Tuesday after missing seven games with a sore back.

Battier's contribution included a career-high seven three-pointers and nine rebounds while McGrady added 17 points and dished out six assists as Houston won for the first time in three games.

Rafer Alston chipped in with 14 points and Juwan Howard added 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Hassan Adams potted 13 points while Vince Carter and Bostjan Nachbar each had 12 for the Nets, who are having problems of their own, slumping to their heaviest defeat of the season and their fourth loss in a row.

The Rockets and Nets played like two struggling teams in a sloppy opening quarter that saw Houston nose in front 18-12. In the second quarter, the teams began to find their range as Houston out-scored New Jersey 31-27 to take a 49-39advantage into the break.

The Rockets came out firing in the third, opening up an 18point lead, then cruised to just their third win in nine games.

(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2006)