Source: CCTV.com

12-25-2008 08:54

The Houston Rockets lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, and the defeat snapped the Rockets' 4-game winning streak. LeBron James scored 27 points to lead the hosts to a 99-90 victory over the Western Conference's best road team.

Cleveland Cavaliers Mo Williams (C) attempts to put up a shot while defended by Houston Rockets Shane Battier (L) and Yao Ming (R)  during the third quarter of their NBA basketball game in Cleveland, December 23, 2008.REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk (UNITED STATES)

Yao Ming started the game well, but spent most of the night in foul trouble. The Chinese star played just ten minutes in the first half and was on the floor for less than a minute in the third quarter before picking up his fourth foul.

But the Rockets managed to stay close, thanks to Rafer Alston and Ron Artest. Alston came back after missing four games with a strained left hamstring, and scored a team-high 20 points.

James found his offensive rhythm in the third quarter. He scored 15 points as the Cavs opened a 73-66 lead entering the fourth.

The Rockets managed to cut the deficit to just two points, with a 17-4 run.

But Daniel Gibson made two big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Cavs pushed their lead to 92-85. Cleveland's defense did the rest to ensure the victory.

Cleveland Cavaliers Delonte West (13) puts up a shot between Houston Rockets defenders Yao Ming (11) and Tracy McGrady (1) during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Cleveland December 23, 2008.REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk  (UNITED STATES)