NBA: Yao leads Rockets past Suns

Yao Ming had 31 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 100-94 Wednesday night in Phoenix for their third straight victory.

Yao was impressive throughout – shooting 12 for 19 from the floor on an assortment of shots, including turnarounds, jump hooks and stuffs. He scored eight of the Rockets’ last 13 points as Houston staved off a Phoenix comeback in the closing minutes.

Steve Nash topped Phoenix with 29 points and six assists – ending his streak of at least 10 assists at eight games.

Mavericks 109, Timberwolves 103: At Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points and 11 rebounds, Devin Harris scored 22 points, and the Mavericks snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over Minnesota.

Raptors 103, Grizzlies 91: At Toronto, Anthony Parker scored 19 points and Jose Calderon added 13 points and 10 assists to help the Raptors beat Memphis.

It was a costly victory for Toronto, which lost Chris Bosh (strained groin) and Andrea Bargnani (right-knee bruise) to injury.

Hawks 96, Bucks 80: At Atlanta, Josh Childress scored six points in a 13-2 run midway through the final quarter and the Hawks broke open a close game to defeat Milwaukee.

Jazz 106, 76ers 95: At Philadelphia, Carlos Boozer scored 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to lead Utah to a victory over the 76ers.

Ronnie Brewer added 19 points and Mehmet Okur had 16 for the Jazz.

Warriors 103, Kings 96: At Sacramento, Calif., Stephen Jackson made two 3-pointers in a 20-second span late in the fourth quarter and Monta Ellis had 22 points to rally Golden State to a victory over the Kings.

Spurs 109, Wizards 94: At San Antonio, Tony Parker had 29 points and 11 assists to help the Spurs beat Washington.

Manu Ginobili added 19 points and Tim Duncan contributed 16 points for the Spurs.

Pistons 109, Cavaliers 74: At Auburn Hills, Mich., LeBron James sprained his left index finger in the second quarter and did not return for Cleveland in a loss to Detroit.

The Cavs said X-rays were negative, adding James would be evaluated again today.

Pacers 95, Blazers 89: At Portland, Mike Dunleavy had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Indiana held off the Trail Blazers.