Chinese center Yao Ming continued his dominant play with 36 points and 12 rebounds, but still couldn't save the injury plagued Houston Rockets from a defeat to the Dallas Mavericks, 95-81.

Rafer Alston added 18 points for the Rockets, who dropped to 2-16 minus All-star player Tracy McGrady.

Dirk Nowitzki had 30 points and 11 rebounds, Jason Terry added 19 points for Dallas in the win.