The Houston Rockets managed to beat the raining champions, the San Antonio Spurs, 89-81 and redeem their selves after losing 107-98 to the other big franchise in Texas, the Dallas Mavericks, on Monday night.

The big man from China, Yao Ming had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Bonzi Wells was in great shape as well and amounted 14 points and 15 rebounds off the bench to help the Rockets deliver the blow to the Spurs.

"If you can't get up playing on a high against the world champions, then you shouldn't be playing this game," said Wells after the Spurs fell to 3-1.

He added that the "Texas triangle", as he called it, became even tougher this season, but through this win over the raining champions, the Rockets have made a statement that they are to be taken in consideration from this season on.

"To defeat the world champions at home was big for us," Wells added.

The Rockets are now 4-1 and suffered their only defeat of the season at the hands of another Texas powerhouse, last year’s hot favorites, the Dallas Mavericks.

After two 40 plus games, Tracy McGrady settled for 12 points, while Mike James recorded 13 points and Shane Battier finished with 12. The Rockets defense had a good game as well and managed to limit the Spurs to a 37 per cent field goal shooting.

"Those guys do it all," said McGrady of the Spurs. "For us to execute, defend and rebound - if we can do that on a consistent basis, we're going to be tough to beat."

The Spurs were led in scoring by Argentina’s Manu Ginobili, who amounted 23 points and the MVP of the NBA Finals, Frenchman Tony Parker, followed with 21 points. Tim Duncan, who recently signed an extension with the Spurs, struggled and finished with 14 points on five-of-15 shooting.