Rockets' streak hits 21

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets' 21st consecutive victory gave them the second-longest winning streak in NBA history and a share of first place in the Western Conference.

Now the real work begins.

Tracy McGrady scored 30 points and the Rockets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 89-80 on Friday night to break a tie with the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks for the second-best victory streak in league history. Only the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who won 33 in a row, had a longer streak.

The win sets up Sunday's showdown with the current Lakers at Houston's Toyota Center. They're both 45-20, the best records in the West.

"This is pretty remarkable," McGrady said. "I'll always remember this. I'm definitely cherishing this moment."

After the Lakers on Sunday, Houston faces Boston, New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix next week. Keep the streak alive through that stretch and the Rockets will certainly silence critics who say they're still not a title contender and have feasted on a weak schedule since their last loss — to Utah on Jan. 27.

McGrady is looking forward to it.

"Now the true test comes to see how good we really are," McGrady said. "We're going to find out. This next week is going to be a good week for our team."

As the final seconds ticked off, Dikembe Mutombo waved his arms, urging the capacity crowd to stand and cheer. McGrady simply stood at the free-throw line near the Rockets bench, a tired grin on his face.

At the buzzer, red streamers rained down as the crowd chanted "M-V-P!" for McGrady.

Jason Richardson scored 28 points and Emeka Okafor added 23 for the Bobcats, who've lost five in a row to Houston.

Charlotte read all about the Rockets' recent run before the game.

"We were determined to come in here and try and end the streak," Richardson said. "We thought we might be able to sneak up, but they are a very aggressive team."

Rafer Alston added 17 and Shane Battier had 12 points and nine rebounds for Houston, now 9-0 since Yao Ming's season-ending foot injury.

The Rockets also extended their home-court winning streak to 14 games, the longest since the 1985-86 team won 20 in a row at the Summit.