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Novak leads balanced attack as Rockets rout Heat

Oct 26, 2006 - 2:44 AM MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets are going to need perimeter shooting around Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Rookie Steve Novak can help in that area.

Novak made four 3-pointers and scored 17 points, joining a balanced attack that helped the Rockets coast to a 96-71 preseason victory over the Miami Heat.

McGrady scored 19 points to lead six players in double figures for the Rockets, who shot 44 percent (32-of-72) from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range. Seven different players attempted 3-pointers.

The best of the bunch was Novak, a second-round pick from Marquette. The 6-10 forward made 5-of-9 shots overall and grabbed six rebounds.

McGrady (nine points) and former Heat Rafer Alston (eight) combined for 17 points in the third quarter, when Houston took a six-point halftime lead to 72-54. With 2:07 left in the period, Heat center Alonzo Mourning was ejected for knocking the ball into the stands.

Yao had 14 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks for the Rockets.

Dwyane Wade scored 26 points but was the only player in double figures for Miami, which shot 42 percent (27-of-64) and committed 21 turnovers, leading to 29 points for Houston.