Rockets break sweat during win
HOUSTON – Tracy McGrady was so nervous driving to Houston’s first-round playoff game against Utah his palms were sweating.
The seven-time All-Star had bigger problems than excessive perspiration when he got on the court – he missed his first six shots and had one point at halftime.
He finally shook off his jitters to score 16 points in the third quarter and lead the Rockets to an 84-75 win over the Jazz on Saturday night in Game 1 of the series.
“I told myself at halftime to calm down,” McGrady said. “I had to take a couple of deep breaths and gather myself together because I was on a high … coming out in the third quarter I was more relaxed.”
McGrady finished with 23 points. Before his outburst, the Rockets relied on Yao Ming, who finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds.
“Sometimes when you want something so bad, it works against you a little bit,” Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. “That’s what happened with him in the first half.”
Utah led by nine at halftime and was ahead 49-41 before Houston went on an 8-2 run, fueled by seven points by McGrady to get within two. A jump shot by Deron Williams made it 53-49 before a 3-pointer by Shane 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.
“I wish I’d have made that basket,” Fisher said. “My leg gave out as I went up and I just didn’t get enough lift. Maybe I could’ve slowed their momentum down a little bit if I’d have hit that shot.”
McGrady’s 16 points in the third quarter came on 7-of-8 shooting. After Yao’s dunk, he made a long basket before sinking a 3-pointer on the next possession to push Houston’s lead to 59-53.
“When I made my first couple jumpers, I knew I was going to get rolling,” McGrady said. “I couldn’t let them deny me for two halves. My team needed me more than ever, because I didn’t give them anything in the first half.”