Tracy McGrady scored 34 points on an array of perimeter jumpers, driving layups through crowds and soaring dunks, helping Houston build an early double-digit lead it maintained throughout the second half in snapping New Orleans' five-game winning streak.
Houston improved to 2-0 since trading Bonzi Wells and Mike James to the New Orleans Hornets shortly before Thursday afternoon's trading deadline. And reserve guard Bobby Jackson, the primary player the Rockets received in the deal, hasn't even suited up yet.
This was the Hornets' first game since the trade. Wells and James were unable to play for New Orleans and sat on the bench in street clothes, watching their old team run their new one out of the building. Jackson was still in Houston for his physical. The trade would not be official until that was complete.
Although New Orleans has a 7-footer of its own in Tyson Chandler, the matchup against the 7-6 Yao did not go well for the Hornets' center.
Yao scored on seemingly effortless jump hooks and short turnaround jumpers. Other times, he rotated into the paint to steal rebounds from Hornets forwards and casually lay the ball back in like an adolescent might toy with younger, shorter brothers in a driveway.
Chandler, who came in averaging 12 points and 12.4 rebounds, finished with nine points and five rebounds against the Rockets.
David West led New Orleans with 20 points, but struggled to find his touch on mid-range jumpers and finished 7-of-17 from the field. Chris Paul had 14 points and 11 assists.
Rafer Alston had 11 assists and added nine points for the Rockets, who led by as much as 27 points, outshot New Orleans 49 percent to 40 percent and outrebounded the Hornets 55-38.
