Rockets’ Francis Has Enough of All That Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY — Houston’s Steve Francis made sure Utah had no chance at any last-second heroics this time.

Francis scored 36 points and Yao Ming had 11 of his 15 points in the second half, and the Rockets dominated the Jazz, 106-76, Wednesday night.

The Jazz had won at Houston on Tuesday night.

“They’re a veteran, savvy team. They win late in the game, especially at home, so we had to keep playing hard,” said Francis, who scored 25 points in the first half. “Last night we kind of gave the game away.”

The Rockets, who ended a three-game losing streak, were 40 for 76 (52.6%) from the field. Houston, 1-2 against Utah this season, won at Delta Center for the first time since 1996.

“I think the most important factor and difference today was our energy level,” said Yao, who also had three blocked shots. “Tonight was probably our most complete game this year because of our energy level.”

The Rockets ran up and down the court but Jazz players were listless.

Utah’s Karl Malone, who broke his nose late in Tuesday night’s game, finished with 13 points -- seven below his average -- and sat out the fourth quarter. Andrei Kirilenko led Utah with 15 points.