HOUSTON: Yao Ming scored 24 points and pulled down 17 rebounds to spark the home-loving Houston Rockets to a 93-83 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.

"Our defense was a lot better today and when you play at home, you always feel stronger," Yao told reporters after Houston recorded a 12th consecutive victory at the Toyota Center.

"The crowd gives you a lot of energy and that helps with your success."