Rockets defeat Bucks 105-90
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-02 10:53

Tracy McGrady had 42 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 105-90 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.

Maurice Taylor added 16 points to help the Rockets reach .500 (15-15) for the first time since they were 6-6 on Nov. 21. Houston has won nine of its last 13 games.

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (1) is fouled by Milwaukee Bucks' Desmond Mason, right, as he drives to the basket during the second quarter Friday, Dec. 31, 2004 in Houston. [AP]

Rockets center Yao Ming missed a game for the first time in his NBA career, sitting out because of the flu.

Michael Redd led the Bucks with 21 points.

McGrady scored nine points, including a four-point play, to help Houston take a 13-4 lead. He had 17 points in the first quarter to stake Houston to a 27-20 advantage.

In the third quarter, Houston had a 10-0 run, the last eight points by McGrady, to help maintain an 11-point lead.

The Rockets have won three straight on New Year's Eve and are 3-2 overall on the day, counting two losses when they were the San Diego Rockets. ... Yao ended a string of 193 straight games played, the eighth longest current streak in the league. ... The Bucks activated guard Erick Strickland (knee) from the injured list. ... Milwaukee hasn't won a game in Houston since Nov. 2, 1999.

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