Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (1) runs over Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash (13) for a charging foul in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game in Houston, on Wednesday. Behind McGrady is Suns' Shawn Marion. - reuters

HOUSTON (Reuters):

TRACY MCGRADY poured in 39 points and Yao Ming added 34 to lift the Houston Rockets to a 120-117 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Monday night, their fifth win in a row.

The victory snapped a six-game losing streak against the Suns and gave the Rockets home-court advantage for the first round of the play-offs, which start on Saturday.

"This was a great accomplishment because we know how important the game was," McGrady said after collecting 11 rebounds and nine assists to add to his 39 points.

"If we win, we knew we're getting home court. Knowing that, and going against a team like Phoenix, and to come out victorious, it was definitely a great feeling," he said.

Yao, who scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, said the game had a play-off feeling.

"It was huge," he said. "We were so excited when we saw the clock running to zero. Everybody was running to the middle. I don't know if it's the same feeling, but it feels like winning a play-off series. I know there's harder and better battles waiting for us, but today is a big win."

The victory did not come without anxious moments, however.

The Rockets led by 10 points with 2:13 remaining, but did not score another field goal.

Crucial misses

Phoenix, meanwhile, scored seven straight points and twice had a chance to tie the score but Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire missed three-pointers in the closing eight seconds.

Shawn Marion's layup brought the Suns within one at 118-117 with one second remaining.

Rafer Alston then closed out the scoring with two free throws for Houston.

Stoudemire led the Suns with 30 points. Marion added 27 and Nash had 15 points and 15 assists.

Despite the loss the Suns will have the Western Conference's No. 2 seed in the play-off. The Rockets will be the fourth seed.