LOS ANGELES (AP) Yao Ming scored all 18 of his points in the first half and reserve Maurice Taylor had 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter for Houston.

Steve Francis, held to four points in Houston's loss at Portland on Friday night, had 19 points and nine assists to help the Rockets tie Dallas for first place in the Midwest Division.

Corey Maggette scored a season-high 33 points for the Clippers.