The Rockets overcame Hornets F Doug West career game and G Chris Paul’s triple double with a 108-100 win last night at the Toyota Center. West poured in 44 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Paul had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 11th career triple-double and first this season.
G Aaron Brooks had 27 points and F Luis Scola added 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Rockets improved to (19-13) on the season and just 3 1/2 games back behind Dallas in the Southwest Division.
Pretty good for a team playing without All-Stars Yao Ming (out for the year with an injured foot) and Tracy McGrady. Upset over his playing time the Rockets informed McGrady that they are seeking to trade him before February’s deadline.
A source with knowledge of Monday’s talks said the Rockets would have allowed McGrady to stay, but the guard thought he’d be too much of a distraction to the team.
McGrady told Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears last week that he’s confident he won’t disappoint anyone who trades for him.
“I will tell you what … if anything were to happen, whoever [trades for him] is going to get a hell of a player,” McGrady said. “A hungry one, too.”
