SAN ANTONIO — The Houston Rockets have lost Tracy McGrady, traded away their starting point guard Rafer Alston and changed their starting lineup 17 times this season.

And with 10 games left, they're the new No. 2 in the Western Conference.

Knocking the Spurs from first place in the Southwest Division for the first time since January, Houston capped a furious fourth-quarter rally when Yao Ming fired a perfect pass to Luis Scola underneath with 11.9 seconds left to stun San Antonio, 87-85, yesterday.

"You got to give Luis credit for being open and cutting to the open area," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said.

Ron Artest scored 24 as Houston won its fourth straight and headed to Utah with a half-game division lead over the Spurs. Not since Christmas have the Rockets enjoyed at least a share of first place.

"I would say it's been a surprising climb to first," Rockets guard Shane Battier said. "We've had so much ... just melees this year with all the injuries we've had and lineup shuffles and trades. I don't know that too many people thought we would be here today."

Tim Duncan scored 23 points for the Spurs, who led 79-72 midway through the fourth before the Rockets rallied.

Scola finished with 19 points and 17 rebounds.

Tony Parker had 22 points and 12 assists for the Spurs.

Heat 101, Pistons 96: Dwyane Wade scored 39 points for Miami and Udonis Haslem hit the go-ahead jumper with 6.3 seconds left to beat host Detroit.

Raptors 100, Clippers 76: Chris Bosh had 16 points and 13 rebounds and Shawn Marion added 14 points and 13 boards as host Toronto beat Los Angeles.

Thunder 97, Timberwolves 90: Kevin Durant scored 30 points and Jeff Green added 17 to lead Oklahoma City over host Minneapolis.

Cavaliers 96, Nets 88: LeBron James had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and Cleveland won its ninth straight game to tie a franchise record with its 57th victory by beating host New Jersey.

Hornets 99, Warriors 89: Chris Paul scored 27 points and David West added 23 points as host New Orleans won its third in a row by beating Golden State.

76ers 112, Kings 100: Andre Iguodala made his first 10 shots and scored 27 points, and Philadelphia ended a two-game skid by beating host Sacramento.