The Rockets never got off the launch pad Tuesday night as the NBA's best team put an end to Houston's 22-game winning streak with a convincing 94-74 win. Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and Paul Pierce added 20 as Boston handed Houston its first loss since a 97-89 defeat to Utah on Jan. 27. The Rockets then put together the NBA’s second-longest winning streak, which ended 11 victories shy of the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who won 33 in a row.

"Our names will be mentioned there with Hall of Fame people," said Houston point guard Rafer Alston. "We have something to tell our kids."

Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier (C) dives for a loose ball as Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (L) and forward Leon Powe (R) look on in the first half of their NBA game in Houston March 18, 2008

It was only Houston's second loss in 28 games and its fourth since a 97-93 loss in Boston on Jan. 2, a game Tracy McGrady sat out with a knee injury. The Rockets also lost for the first time in 11 games since Yao Ming went out with a season-ending foot injury on Feb. 26.

The Rockets were finally doomed by poor shooting and mistakes that they overcame during their streak with hustle and solid defense.

Boston blanketed McGrady all night, holding Houston's remaining All-Star to eight points on 4-for-11 shooting. Other Rockets had routinely picked up the slack during the seven-week run whenever McGrady struggled, but the Celtics never let that happen.

【体坛英语资讯：Bye-bye win streak; Rockets crash and burn】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：Dujkovic wants to lead China to 2010 World Cup

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mira Nair to helm Hilary Swank starred Amelia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russias historic win over England makes Hiddink proud

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney strikes Allure pose and no more

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears enjoys romance holiday with mystery man

★ 体坛英语资讯：Female Yao a head above the rest

★ 体坛英语资讯：NBAs spectacular China games just the tip-off

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Keira Knightley flashes her assets in a denim bondage suit

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jolie turns to porn star Gal Pal for catwoman tips

★ 体坛资讯：Chinese gymnast Wang on track of sentience recovery