McGrady gets hot, sparks Rockets’ win
SEATTLE – For the second straight night, Tracy McGrady carried the Houston Rockets in the second half of a game they couldn’t afford to lose.
McGrady scored 18 of his 25 points in the third quarter, and the Rockets kept pace in the wild Western Conference playoff race with a 79-66 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Friday night.
On Thursday night in Portland, McGrady blitzed the Trail Blazers for 26 points in the second half of a 95-86 win.
A night later, he shot 9 of 13 in the third quarter, content to use his height advantage over Adrian Griffin to swish jumper after jumper. McGrady finished 11 of 27, missing four shots in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets stayed even with Phoenix in the battle for fifth in the Western Conference.
Bobby Jackson added 13 points, playing well in place of injured starter Rafer Alston, who missed his second straight game with a sore hamstring. Alston said he would normally rest longer getting ready for the playoffs, but hopes to play Sunday in Los Angeles against the Clippers as Houston continues the fight for positioning.
Nick Collison had 15 points and 11 rebounds, but the Sonics lost for the 20th time in 22 games and assured themselves of at least matching the worst record in franchise history. Seattle would need wins in its final six games to match the franchise-worst 23 wins from its first season of existence – highly unlikely with all six remaining games against teams trying to make the playoffs.
Rookie Kevin Durant slogged through the worst shooting night of his career. Durant missed his first eight attempts, and finished 2 of 17 with a season-low four points.
Seattle’s 66 points were a season low and the fewest allowed by Houston. The Sonics shot a season-worst 30.1 percent.
Shane Battier added 11 points for Houston and on defense was largely responsible for Durant’s miserable night.
Despite Durant’s struggles, Seattle managed to lead 41-40 at halftime, rallying after a sluggish start and with no help from its two rookie starters.
Durant was 1 of 12 in the first half, his only basket an easy lob from Luke Ridnour. Jeff Green was equally bad, hitting just 1 of 5 shots and committing three turnovers.