Rockets dig deep and beat the Suns

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets keep playing short-handed and finding ways to win.

Tracy McGrady had 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Luis Scola had 19 points as the Rockets cruised to a 101-90 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

McGrady sat out Wednesday’s game against Seattle because of a sore left shoulder and the Rockets won, 103-80. This time, defensive specialist Shane Battier was sidelined with a bruised left foot and ankle. Houston’s role players picked up the slack.

Rookie Carl Landry had 14 points and seven rebounds and reserve guard Bobby Jackson had 13 points.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” Houston Coach Rick Adelman said. “That’s a very good team and our guys, they came out with a real resolve and it showed.”

Amare Stoudemire scored 37 points and Shaquille O’Neal had 16 points for the Suns, who mustered their lowest point total since a 116-86 loss to Detroit on Feb. 24.

The Rockets, who led, 59-47, at halftime, have won 34 of their last 40 games and 21 of 23 home games.