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McGrady, Rockets ready for cross-state rival Spurs

Nov 14, 2008 - 11:26 AM Houston (5-3) at San Antonio (2-5) 8:30 p.m. EST

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Tracy McGrady finally found his scoring touch.

McGrady and the Houston Rockets go for their second straight win on Friday when they host the shorthanded San Antonio Spurs.

After what he described as possibly the worst two games of his career, McGrady returned to his All-Star form during the Rockets' last game. The 29-year-old erupted for 27 points during an 94-82 romp against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday after totaling five points in his previous two contests.

McGrady's performance was overshadowed by a melee with 27 seconds left in the third quarter.

Matt Barnes of the Suns shoved Houston guard Rafer Alston, who was attempting to set a pick. After McGrady hit a basket, Alston went at Barnes, sparking a pushing and shoving match.

Steve Nash went after Alston and McGrady pushed Phoenix's All-Star guard to the floor. Suns center Shaquille O'Neal then reached in and shoved the pile to the floor.

When order was restored, Barnes and Alston were ejected and Nash, O'Neal and McGrady received technical fouls.

The Spurs failed to earn back-to-back wins for the first time this season on Wednesday, dropping an 82-78 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Tim Duncan scored 24 points, but San Antonio continued to struggle without injured point guard Tony Parker and swingman Manu Ginobili.