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[2.6.06] Rockets-Sixers Game Recap

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Rockets111, Feb 7, 2006.

  1. Rockets111

    Rockets111 Contributing Member

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    Alston, Yao Lead Defensive Showcase In 87-81 Victory Over Sixers

    By Dennis L. Silva, II.
    2.7.07

    As the saying goes, “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

    In a sloppy affair that featured an onslaught of turnovers and fouls, the Houston Rockets managed to commit less turnovers and less fouls than the Philadelphia 76ers. Houston took advantage of a horrific shooting draught by Philadelphia to earn an 87-81 victory before a crowd of 17,428 at the Wachovia Center.

    Ahead 15-12 midway through the first period, Houston’s offense displayed a rare balance and efficiency. Four of Houston’s five starters made an impression in the scoring column before the Sixers went on a 17-5 scoring run. Ignited by swingman John Salmons’ six points on 3-4 shooting, Philadelphia held the Rockets to one field goal in the quarter’s final five minutes.

    Fortunately for the Rockets, a drastic turn of events quickly ensued.

    Philly’s lead reached 10 early in the second period as Chris Webber (18 points, 15 rebounds) abused Juwan Howard on the perimeter. That advantage would evaporate within minutes behind the defensive spark provided by Ryan Bowen, as well as a downpour of 3-pointers from Rafer Alston. Alston nailed three treys from all angles to lead a 23-5 Rockets run to close the period. Houston held the Sixers to a season-low nine points in the quarter, en route to a 44-36 halftime edge.

    When Houston’s lead was 60-44 early in the third period, it appeared all was needed was the final score. Despite being fed the ball often and early, Yao Ming was unable to capitalize on easy scoring opportunities inside, allowing the Sixers to stage a comeback. Motivated by Samuel Dalembert’s interior defense, Philadelphia closed the third stanza with a 19-6 scoring run, trailing 66-63 heading into the final quarter.

    Little did Philadelphia know that Andre Iguodala’s (11 points, 5 rebounds) acrobatic reverse lay-in with 4:36 left in the third would be their last field goal for quite some time.

    The Rockets held the Sixers 15 minutes without a field goal in the closing moments of the game. At one point, Philadelphia had managed to miss 19 straight shots, with their lone source of offense being the free-throw line. Allen Iverson (32 points, 0 assists) kept the Sixers reasonably close by attempting 24 foul shots, connecting on 20. Fortunately, the Rockets had the inside presence of Yao Ming (27 points, 12 rebounds), who had become more aggressive against Dalembert as the game wore on, and Alston (19 points, 8 assists, 5 steals), who hit a long 3-pointer from the right wing to ward off Philly.

    Even with Tracy McGrady (13 points, 5-19 shooting) taking the night off, the Rockets’ defense came up big when it had to.

    Combined, the two teams compiled 37 turnovers and 43 fouls. Neither team, especially the Sixers, established a consistent offensive rhythm at any point in the game, but Philadelphia’s defense was subpar in comparison to the Rockets’.

    Houston, now 14-6 with McGrady and Yao in the lineup this season, will return to Toyota Center to face off against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night.


    ROCKETS RECAP

    · Iverson attempted more free-throws (24) than the entire Houston team (23).
    · The Sixers had as many turnovers (24) as field goals.
    · The Rockets shot 6-16 from the 3-point line. Philadelphia was 1-12.
    · The Sixers out-rebounded the Rockets 55-35.
    · Houston assisted on 27 of its 32 baskets.

    http://www.nba.com/games/20060206/HOUPHI/boxscore.html
     
  2. tiger0330

    tiger0330 Contributing Member

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    Good work as usual, I would rather read your recaps then the AP ones.
     
  3. jlwee

    jlwee Member

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    If i remembered correctly, few weeks ago, Kobe also had more free throws(23 plud) than entire knicks team. NBA referees is getting worse and worst by days!
     
  4. Gutter Snipe

    Gutter Snipe Contributing Member

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    Nice recap!

    But my innner spelling Nazi says it's drought, not draught. (sorry for the criticism)
     
  5. Little O

    Little O Contributing Member

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    good recap...

    But this sentence says that the Rockets committed less fouls than the sixers. The sixers had 18 fouls to our 25 and shot way more free throws as you mention in the bottom of the article.
     
  6. SwoLy-D

    SwoLy-D Contributing Member

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    Thank you, triple 1. Good stuff to read. Sometimes the little tidbits help determine what happened in some parts of the game.

    Is your argument: that no player should have more fouls than an opposing team, or that no referee should call a foul for a guy who is constantly driving to the basket? Explain, please... or elaborate on your argument. Did you see the game at all? I didn't, but I am betting it was because NY is missing a slasher like Kobe or TMac. :cool:
     
  7. Yetti

    Yetti Contributing Member

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    Great Report ! Concise and accurate, keep up your excellent reports. I like them especially because they are easy to folow and comprehend.
     
  8. Rockets111

    Rockets111 Contributing Member

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    :eek: You're right, good look...my mistake...

    Yea, Also right again...it was late so apparently I had a few mental blunders here and there :p
     
  9. DaGlide

    DaGlide Contributing Member

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