Yao powers Rockets past Heat for fifth win in six games

Yao Ming scored a game-high 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Ron Artest added 20 points to spark the Houston Rockets past Miami 107-98 Monday for their fifth victory in six games.

Yao sank 9-of-15 shots from the field, hit 10-of-11 free throws and added four assists for the Rockets, who also had 11 points and 13 rebounds from Luis Scola in improving to 10-5.

Rookie Mario Chalmers lifted the Heat within 90-85 on a 3-pointer with 4:23 remaining but Houston's Carl Landry converted a 3-point play and Yao followed with a layup to secure the victory.

Miami, which fell to 7-7, was led by Dwyane Wade with 23 points on 7-of-23 shooting while rookie Chalmers hit five 3-pointers and also finished with 23 points.

Five 3-pointers in the first quarter sparked the Rockets to a 30-21 lead and Houston stretched the margin to 56-48 at half-time and to 69-56 in the third quarter on an 11-0 run. Yao had nine points in the run and 13 in the quarter.