[12.16.05] Rockets-Sonics Game Recap

Rockets Keep Streak Alive; Silence Sonics 104-98

By Dennis L. Silva, II.
12.16.05

It’s almost as if the Houston Rockets are toying with their opponents now. Through three quarters they stay close, lulling the opposition to sleep by grinding it out and playing hard defense. Then in the fourth quarter, they unleash the beast that is known as Tracy McGrady, and completely annihilate any chance of losing. Worn and exhausted as they entered the second game of a back-to-back set, Houston waltzed into Seattle, without an injured Derek Anderson (bad knee), and defeated the Sonics before 16,563 at KeyArena in Seattle.

The Rockets and Sonics started out even to begin the game, engaging in a tied score at 11 midway through the first quarter. Yao scored five points early, and Juwan Howard scored on a couple of floaters in the lane. The Sonics’ Rashard Lewis and Luke Ridnour hit a couple of treys to earn them a six-point advantage, but Yao finished the first period with 9 points and four rebounds as the Sonics held a 22-20 lead heading into the second period.

Seattle regained that six-point advantage as they scored five points early in the second off of second-chance opportunities. Houston could not keep Seattle off the offensive glass (the Sonics had 12 offensive rebounds in the first half), but due to the strong play of Stromile Swift (10 points on 4-6 shooting in the second quarter), Houston managed to claim a 34-33 lead with 6:34 remaining. The two teams exchanged baskets the rest of the way. Vladimir Radmanovic scored five consecutive points before Swift scored on an athletic reverse dunk, and McGrady (10 points, 5 assists in the first half) hit a long 20-footer. Seattle boasted a 51-48 lead heading into halftime.

Seattle was sparked by their dynamic duo of Lewis and Ray Allen, who combined for 20 points on 7-17 shooting in the first half. Danny Fortson provided a strong defensive burst, scoring 6 points and grabbing four offensive rebounds. He also did an admirable job bullying Yao and forcing him out of position, holding Yao to only one point in the second quarter.

McGrady started the third quarter with eight early points, but Seattle stayed in the lead due to the hustling efforts of Reggie Evans, who scored four points. Yao then went to work, scoring four points on a few nimble low-post moves, and when Howard tipped in a score off an offensive rebound, Houston (eight points in the quarter) held a 67-66 lead late, and a 73-71 advantage heading into the fourth and final period.

The fourth quarter presented as fine of a closing flourish as can be seen in the NBA. Moochie Norris was Houston’s boost early, scoring five consecutive points (on a 3-point play, and a backcut for a layup), and drawing a key defensive charge. Houston claimed their largest lead of the game, 83-76, with 8:08 remaining. That was until Ray Allen came alive, scoring eight consecutive points, including two three-pointers. The Sonics built a five-point lead on behalf of a late 12-1 run, but the Rockets stayed close throughout, and McGrady hit a long trey to tie the contest at 90 points apiece. Seattle had no answer for Houston’s pick-and-roll play, as McGrady hit the last of a few clutch threes with under 1:30 remaining, giving the Rockets a 98-94 lead. Yao hit 6/6 from the foul stripe in the game’s final minute, staving off any threat of a Sonics comeback, and Houston had earned a hard-fought 104-98 contest, their fifth consecutive victory, and sixth of the last seven.

The Rockets played with poise and balance, which enabled them to secure the win, despite obvious fatigue. McGrady finished the game with 34 points, 6 rebounds, and eight assists; Yao compiled 26 points and ten boards; Howard accumulated 16 points on 8-10 shooting; and Swift finished with 12 points and four rebounds. Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy also received solid contributions from bit players Moochie Norris (5 points, 2 assists) and Ryan Bowen (2 points, 2 assists, scrappy defense).

The Rockets play the final two games of this strenuous six-game road trip this weekend in LA. First up is the much and improved LA Clippers Saturday afternoon.


ROCKETS RECAP

· Derek Anderson was sent home for the trip after having a bad bruise on the inside of his knee.
· Ray Allen finished with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and four assists, and 10-27 shooting from the floor.
· Houston was outrebounded 43-42 overall, and allowed the Sonics to tally 20 offensive rebounds.
· A combined 50 personal fouls were called in the game.
· Houston continued their fine offensive play: shooting 52% (35-67) from the floor; 46% from 3-point range (6-13); and 80% (28-35) from the free throw line.

http://www.nba.com/games/20051215/HOUSEA/boxscore.html

 

I write 'em up...I'm Dennis lol...I cover the Rockets for a couple other websites, and since I provide recaps of each game for em, I just post the recap here when I'm finished...

 

True I love my Rockets but try and be as objective as possible since I eventually wanna go into sportswriting as a career...

plus, like Ive said before, it gives those who missed the game or live outta town a chance to read up on what happened...

 

22....

and I appreciate the input from everyone

 

Good point, but I dont like speculation and rumors, which is a lot of what Vecsey and Rosen do...I would like for my writing be based on facts and numbers, as well as a little creativity involved...someone like Bob Ryan, for example...

Thanks....I'll start doing more of that because you're right, it does make it a lot more interesting...I'm very open to any suggestions on my recaps...