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Rockets-Heat: 56k | 300k |
Stan Van Gundy's squad not only defeated his brother Jeff's team, but the Heat recorded three straight wins for the first time since late December. Miami also has won four of six since a four-game losing streak.
"We were 0-11 against teams (with a .600 winning percentage) or better, so to rise to the challenge the way we did was a defining moment for us," Stan Van Gundy said. "But we have to keep fighting and not look at this as the cure all. We're still a seven (games) under .500 team."
Jeff Van Gundy got the win in the first meeting between the brothers on November 11, but saw his team lose for just the second time in seven road games.
While Stan Van Gundy refused to make a big deal about beating his younger brother, Jeff Van Gundy paid his sibling the ultimate compliment.
"They are as improved as any team in the league," Jeff Van Gundy said. "They play hard."
Maurice Taylor led Houston with 16 points and 10 rebounds Cuttino Mobley had 14.
Houston led 50-47 following a turnaround jumper by Yao Ming 1:56 into the second half. But Odom hit a short jumper to ignite a 20-8 burst that put Miami in control.
Odom had seven points, Brain Grant six and Rafer Alston five in the spurt, which Alston capped with a three-pointer with 3:43 left in the quarter. Jones had a three-pointer in the final minute of the period and the Heat held a 74-63 advantage heading into the final 12 minutes.
Miami shot 58 percent (11-of-19) from the field in the third quarter while Houston missed 13 of 17 shots.
The Heat scored the first five points of the fourth quarter and the Rockets never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way.
Miami made 11-of-23 3-point attempts and committed just seven turnovers. Jones was 4-of-5 from three-point range and is 16-of-29 from beyond the arc over the last five contests.
"The Heat did a great job on offense," Jeff Van Gundy said. "They shredded us."
"Tonight our defensive intensity was not there and it showed," Rockets guard Steve Francis said. "I don't want to take anything away from the Heat but our defense was not there tonight."
Yao failed to build on his career-high 37-point effort Sunday, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds. Francis continues to struggle, scoring nine points on 2-of-9 shooting.
Francis is 5-of-20 from the floor over the last two games.
