BEIJING, March. 1 -- Yao Ming's in-form play is still there but McGrady struggles as the Rockets extend their losing streak to Suns to seven with a 111-94 defeat in Houston local time Feb. 27.

   

(Photo: chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)

 A determined Yao grabbed 27 points and 18 rebounds, eight of them offensives as he scored 11 of his 27 points in the opening quarter to help Houston use a 13-2 burst to grab a 25-13 advantage, its first lead against Phoenix this season.

    Shawn Marion collected 30 points and 18 rebounds as the Suns won their seventh straight game, a 111-94 triumph over the Rockets.

    Phoenix has had its way with Houston recently. It has won five straight games here, including a 12-point victory Nov. 23. The Suns also throttled the Rockets, 109-75, at home on Feb. 16.

    The Suns responded in the second period as All-Star Steve Nash, who handed out 10 assists, scored six of his 23 points during a 17-5 charge that closed the half and gave Phoenix a 52-49 advantage.

    Juwan Howard, who scored 19 points, gave Houston a 64-60 lead with a jumper with 6:43 remaining in the third quarter.

    Also an All-Star, Marion scored 23 points in the second half, including 10 during a decisive 22-8 run to close the third quarter. He scored the final eight Suns' points of the period and opened the fourth quarter with their first four.

    In his last three games, Marion is averaging 35.0 points.

    Tracy McGrady continued his struggles as he was limited to just 13 points on 6-of-18 shooting for the Rockets, who never threatened in the final period as their three-game winning streak came to an end.