Al Harrington
© AFP/Getty Images/FileINDIANAPOLIS, United States (AFP) - National Basketball association star guard McGrady had missed seven games with back spasms but returned in the Rockets' first start since Chinese center Yao suffered a broken bone in his right leg that will keep him out at least six weeks.
McGrady scored all 19 of his points in the first three quarters but went 0-for-8 in the fourth quarter and made a pair of key turnovers in the final seconds.
Jamaal Tinsley knocked the ball from McGrady and Harrington gave Indiana a 76-73 lead with 48 seconds to play. McGrady then lost the ball on a drive to the hoop, setting up two Danny Granger free throws.
Rafer Alston's 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining pulled the Rockets within 78-76 and after Darrell Armstrong made a free throw for the Pacers, Alton missed a potential tying 3-pointer just before the final horn sounded.
Alston scored 15 points and Shane Battier added 14 and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who fell to 16-12 by losing for the sixth time in eight games. Tinsley scored 17 points for Indiana, which improved to 16-14.
©AFP