Yao Ming scored 24 points to lead four Rockets players to double figures in Houston's 86-80 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

 

Tracy McGrady chipped in 19 points for the Rockets, with Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes each scoring 12.

 

Rafer Alston added 10 points for Houston's second victory in the new NBA season.

 

Stromile Swift led the Grizzlies with 15 points.

 

Yao and Hayes worked together to score five points to help the Rockets open the game with a 5-2 edge. Former Grizzlies' forward Battier fired seven points to lead Houston to 19-12 in the first quarter.

 

Eddie Jones posted 13 points of his 14 in the game to help hosts Grizzlies shave the deficit to 45-39 before the break.

 

The Rockets led with six points with 8.9 seconds to go, and Battier stole the ball from former teammate Brian Cardinal to seal the victory for his team.

 

(CRI November 9, 2006)