Yao-powered Rockets skin Bobcats alive

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The Houston Rockets closed on the leadership of the NBA’s Southwest Division by beating the Charlotte Bobcats, 91-86, on Friday despite blowing a late lead.

Yao Ming scored 23 points to lead Houston, who moved within 1-1/2 games of Southwest leader San Antonio.

When Yao drilled only the second straightaway 3-pointer of his career, the Rockets looked to have the win in hand, leading 83-77 with just over two minutes to play, but the Bobcats roared back to take the lead.

Ron Artest hit a jump shot with 22 seconds left to put Houston back in front by a point, and two free throws gave the visitors a three-point buffer. Artest then blocked a tying three-point attempt, picked up the ball and raced down court for the lay up that sealed the win.

In Milwaukee, New Orleans notched a ninth win in 10 games, beating Milwaukee, 95-86.

Chris Paul scored 30 points and Rasual Butler hit a pair of late key 3-pointers for the Hornets, who are half a game behind Houston and 2 behind San Antonio in the Southwest.

The Bucks, who have lost five of their past six, still hold the provisional eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but face a tough upcoming schedule against Boston, Orlando and Portland in the next eight days.

In Portland, Oregon, Portland moved equal top of the Northwest Division with a come-from-behind 109-100 win over New Jersey.

Brandon Roy scored 31 points, including 24 in the second half, as the Trail Blazers drew level with Utah, and half a game ahead of Denver in the tight Northwest.

Portland, among the league’s best home teams at 28-6, trailed by as many as 11 points in the second half before wresting back the lead.

In Sacramento, California, LeBron James scored 51 points, including six in overtime, as Cleveland edged Sacramento, 126-123, and clinched the Central Division title.

Although James failed to extend his triple-double streak to four games, he was clearly the difference, scoring a combined 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. He added nine assists while falling five points short of his career high.

Cleveland has won four straight to secure just the second division title in franchise history. (AP)