Nuggets stop Rockets 93-88
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-29 14:04

DerMarr Johnson scored all eight of his points in the final two minutes, helping the Denver Nuggets rally for a 93-88 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night in the final preseason game for both teams.

Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony (15) is fouled by Houston Rockets' Jim Jackson (21) during the third quarter of their preseason game Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, in Houston. [AP]

Trailing 86-84 with less than two minutes to play, Johnson hit a 3-pointer with 1:40 left, then had a follow slam with 1:12 remaining to give Denver an 89-86 lead.

Tracy McGrady scored on a layup with 59 seconds left, but Johnson hit another 3-pointer with 37 seconds to go. Earl Boykins made one of two free throws with 27 seconds to play and the Rockets missed their final three shots on the other end.

Voshon Lenard and Kenyan Martin led Denver with 13 points apiece. McGrady and Jim Jackson topped Houston with 18 each.

Center Yao Ming was held out of the game because of a slight ligament tear in his left elbow.

Yao injured his elbow Wednesday night against San Antonio. Team officials said he will be evaluated on a daily basis but were hopeful he could play in the season opener at Detroit on Tuesday with a brace on the elbow. Maurice Taylor started in Yao's place Thursday.

Houston took a 70-67 lead into the fourth quarter behind Jim Jackson's 10 points in the period.

Houston's Juwan Howard had eight points in a 16-6 spurt to start the second quarter and give the Rockets a 37-36 lead with 4:17 left in the half. McGrady had 10 in the quarter as Houston led by as many as five before settling for a 48-47 halftime lead.

Andre Miller and Marcus Camby each had eight points in the first quarter and the Nuggets led 30-21 after one.

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