Magic Shut Down Rockets

The Orlando Magic didn't sound much like a team that had just won its third consecutive game to further solidify its place in the playoffs.

Orlando had seven players reach double figures to defeat Houston 112-96, but nobody seemed very impressed.

"That wasn't a pretty game," coach Doc Rivers said. "We didn't play particularly well. We did our job. I'm just happy to get out with a win and now we get a chance to play Miami on Sunday. That's what it's all about."

Rivers wasn't alone.

Ben Wallace, who had 11 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots also felt it wasn't Orlando's best effort, despite his team's double-digit lead the entire second half.

"If you want to be a good team in this league, you need to win these games."

The closest Houston got in the fourth quarter was when Steve Francis hit two free throws to cut Orlando's lead to 89-78 with 6:09 remaining in the game. But Pat Garrity responded with 3-pointers on Orlando's next two possessions as the Magic led 95-79 at the 5:31 mark and Houston never threatened again.

Houston has lost nine of its last 10.

The Rockets played without Walt Williams (bruised thigh) and Matt Bullard, who was activated this week but still is not ready to play because of a back injury.

"We are forced to go with a smll lineup, missing Walt and Matt," Houston coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "The way (the Magic) play, they are going to double-team everything, give you spot shots we did not have. We made a couple of minor runs at them and we just did not have enough.

"We have a built-in excuse with all of our guys out. We have to get over that stuff and start playing," said the coach.

Darrell Armstrong led Orlando with 21 points and Ron Mercer scored 14. Bo Outlaw added six points, seven assists and 11 rebounds. The Magic also got key contributions from the bench as Monty Williams scored 14, Garrity 13, Corey Maggette 11 and Chucky Atkins 10.

Houston shot 38.7 percent for the game but made 30-of-34 free throw attempts.

Shandon Anderson scored a career-high 35 points and had nine rebounds for the Rockets. Cuttino Mobley scored 19, though he made only 7 of 22 shots, and Francis had 12 points. Francis had a game-high six turnovers.

Orlando held a 54-43 rebounding edge, including 22-9 offensively.

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