Chinese center Yao had 22 points and 13 rebounds and Brooks added 19 points.

"It feels different, of course," Yao said. "Aaron is different from Rafer. He made big shots. He did well on Jason Kidd. It's not that easy. Sometimes, we struggle on defense."

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McGrady had been battling a sore left knee for much of the season and announced on his website on Wednesday that he will undergo a season-ending procedure in an attempt to get rid of the pain.

"After the trade and finding out Tracy wasn't going to play and all the things we're going through, this is an effort victory, and we needed it," Houston forward Luis Scola said.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle had warned that the Rockets would still be tough to beat.

"McGrady is a great player, but they'll be plenty tough without him," the coach said.

Alston was dealt to the Orlando Magic prior to Thursday's trade deadline, allowing Brooks a chance to start in his place.

He made the most of his opportunity in this one, nailing a three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining to forge the Rockets' six-point lead and beat back the Mavs.

"The shot clock was winding down and I was open, so I shot it," Brooks said.

Germany's Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas' leading scorer, had a poor shooting night, scoring just nine points on 4-of-18 from the field.

"I just try to be physical with him, limit his possessions, which is difficult," Scola said of guarding Nowitzki. "Make him shoot over the top and hope he misses.

"We were lucky tonight."