NBA ROUNDUP : Rockets Win Fifth in Row

The Houston Rockets were outrebounded by the Boston Celtics, 62-53, trailed in assists, 22-9, and made only four three-point shots to Boston’s eight, so how did the Rockets win their fifth consecutive game?

The Rockets dominated the fourth quarter and the Celtics faltered at the free-throw line in a 98-93 Houston victory Monday night at Boston.

The Celtics missed nine of 11 free throws in the fourth period in a game they lost by five. They were nine for 22 (41%) for the game. They made 53% of their three-pointers.

The Rockets were led by Hakeem Olajuwon with 24 points, Clyde Drexler with 18 and Robert Horry with 16 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.

The Rockets took the lead for good, 75-74, on Drexler’s driving layup with 22 seconds left in the third quarter and led by as many as seven points in the fourth.

Orlando 101, Golden State 95--Anfernee Hardaway scored 29 points and Dennis Scott 27 at Orlando as the Magic remained unbeaten at home. Nick Anderson had 20 points for the Magic, which played without Horace Grant. Chris Mullin led Golden State with 23 points.

Utah 105, New Jersey 79--Chris Morris cut his former teammates no slack, scoring 22 points at Salt Lake City for the Jazz. Morris, signed as a free agent during training camp after seven years with the Nets, scored 10 points in the fourth quarter.

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NBA Notes

The union leaders for the NBA’s referees have refused to put the league’s latest contract offer to a vote. “They have now left us with no choice other than to continue our season with new officials, who will begin working in three-man crews on Dec. 4,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern.