LAREDO, Texas, Oct. 17 (Ticker) -- Rookie Luther Head is playing his way into the veteran-laden rotation of the Houston Rockets.

Head continued his solid preseason with 13 points, including a clinching 3-pointer with 1:31 left, as the Rockets used a late surge for a 93-85 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

NBA TV highlights from Sonics-Rockets: Play

Houston's first-round pick in the June draft, Head has taken advantage of the absence of injured combo guard Bob Sura. The 6-3 guard averaged 10.3 points with five 3-pointers through the first three exhibition games and had another strong game Monday.

Head scored six points in the fourth quarter, which the Rockets closed with a 26-9 surge. His 3-pointer gave Houston a 91-83 advantage.

Stromile Swift scored 12 of his 17 points in the final period for the Rockets (4-0), who remained unbeaten in the preseason despite the absence of All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. McGrady, who was kneed in the stomach in his last game, was given the night off. Yao has a sore big toe.

Seattle rookie center Johan Petro, selected right after Head at 25th overall, had four points and five rebounds in 21 minutes.

All-Stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis each had 14 points in 16 minutes for the SuperSonics (0-3).