Houston Community News >> Rockets Wins First Game Versus Utah in Best of Seven
4/22/2007 HOUSTON (AP) -- Maybe
Tracy McGrady just needed a minute to adjust.
Playing with home court advantage for the first time in his career, the
seven-time All-Star had just one point at halftime before scoring 16 points in
the third quarter to lead the Houston Rockets to 84-75 win over the Utah Jazz on
Saturday night in Game 1 of their first round playoff series.
McGrady, who scored 23 points, was 0-for-6 in the first half. Before his
outburst, the Rockets relied on Yao Ming, who finished with 28 points and 13
rebounds.
Utah led by nine at halftime and was ahead 49-41 before Houston went on an 8-2
run, fueled by 7 points by McGrady to get within two. A jump shot by Deron
Williams made it 53-49 before a 3 by Battier put Houston within striking
distance.
The Rockets took a 54-53 lead late in the third when Derek Fisher missed a fast
break layup and Rafer Alston got the rebound and found Yao alone at the other
end of the court for a one-handed dunk.
McGrady's 16 points in the third quarter came on 7-of-8 shooting. After Yao's
dunk, he made a long two before sinking a 3 on the next possession to push
Houston's lead to 59-53. After the three, McGrady backpedaled while repeatedly
yelling 'Yeah' at the frenzied crowd.
The Jazz made just four shots in the quarter and Carlos Boozer missed three of
six free throw attempts.
Utah cut the lead to two points several times early in the fourth quarter, but
each time the Rockets answered. Consecutive 3s by Alston and Luther Head
stretched Houston's lead to 71-63 and the Jazz didn't threaten again.
Williams had 15 points, nine assists and nine rebounds for Utah. Fisher added 15
points.
(Contributed by AP)