HOUSTON, April 4 (AP)-- Houston star Tracy McGrady left the Rockets' game Wednesday against Golden State with a stiff lower back.

McGrady, plagued by back problems the past two seasons, missed his first three shots and went to the bench with 5:14 left in the first quarter.

The Rockets initially said McGrady wasn't injured, then announced at halftime that he would sit out the rest of the game.

McGrady missed seven games in December with back spasms and one more in January with soreness.

The seven-time All-Star missed 34 games last season because of recurring back problems.