Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11) of China shoots around San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) for two of his 28 game points in the second half of their NBA basketball game in Houston on Tuesday, November 6, 2007.  [Photo: Chinadaily/Agencies]

The Houston Rockets handed the San Antonio Spurs a first loss of the season on Tuesday, Yao Ming's 28 points and 13 rebounds leading the home team to an 89-81 victory over the NBA champions.

The Rockets lost by nine points at Dallas on Monday but raised their record to 4-1 by beating San Antonio for the first time at the Toyota Center in their last five attempts.

The Spurs had opened the season with three straight victories.

"The guys just did a great job," Rockets coach Rick Adelman told reporters.

The Rockets dominated the boards, out-rebounding San Antonio 55-28 to win a game in which Houston's Tracy McGrady hit just four of his 14 shots and finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

"We all understand how good we can be," McGrady said.

"For the guys that have been in this league for a long time, our window of opportunity is closing.

"We understand that and it's about time. We have a great nucleus of talent here, so why not now?"

Yao also dished out six assists and played strong defense when he was matched up with Tim Duncan, limiting the Spurs center to 1-for-9 shooting in the second quarter.

Duncan wound up 5-for-15 and had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Manu Ginobili led the Spurts with 23 points and Tony Parker added 21.

Bonzi Wells added 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets.