Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (R) goes up against Houston Rockets center Yao Ming but misses the shot during the first half of their NBA game in Houston February 7, 2008. [Agencies]

HOUSTON - Yao Ming scored 22 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 92-77 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

The win was the ninth in 10 games for the Rockets.

Houston's Tracy McGrady was held to eight points, but Rafer Alston scored 17 points and made nine assists. Shane Battier added 15 points for the Rockets.

Houston broke open the game with a 15-4 run in the third quarter. The surge boosted the Rockets into a 70-53 lead with 1:27 left in the quarter.

Cleveland shot a cold 39.7 per cent for the game with only LeBron James, who top-scored with 32 points, producing any offensive threat.