[12.11.05] Rockets-Blazers Game Recap

Rockets Win Third Straight; Snipe Blazers 100-86

By Dennis L. Silva, II.
12.11.05

As the saying goes, “Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” But whatever it is, the Houston Rockets need to visit more often. After enjoying a 1 ½ day stay in Las Vegas following their last contest against the Sacramento Kings, the Rockets arrived in Portland ready to work and ready to prove that they were deserving of such a break despite owning a 6-12 record. Despite a rugged start, Houston applied their usual defensive pressure (as well as a consistent dose of Tracy McGrady) and overran Portland 100-86 before 12,886 at the Rose Garden.

Both teams started out sluggish and lackadaisically as Portland jumped to a 9-5 lead midway through the opening period. The Rockets started 2-10 from the field as they could not counter the aggressive double-teams that Portland threw Yao Ming’s way. However, the Rockets did manage to do a great job hounding the Blazers’ guards and forcing Portland miscues. Houston forced six early giveaways in the quarter and, as a result, scored six early fast-break points, their season average in that department. Portland managed to stay close due to their aggressive offensive rebounding (they would finish with 11 in the half) as Houston claimed a 24-20 lead after McGrady hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the right wing.

Houston was a little more sloppy and inattentive with their offense in the second quarter. Portland took a 31-30 lead with 7:40 remaining, but Houston had to use two timeouts on consecutive possessions when players failed to recognize the play that was being called. Fortunately, the Rockets overcame the lack of concentration as McGrady (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in the first half) scored six points late, and former Blazer Derek Anderson hit another buzzer-beating shot as part of an 8-2 closing run for the Rockets. Houston took a 47-42 lead into halftime.

The Rockets’ offense produced 18-37 (48%) shooting in the first half, and also consisted of 11 assists. The Rockets’ defense, again further proof of what this team is able to accomplish on both sides of the ball, forced Portland into 14-40 (35%) shooting, and eight turnovers (compared to only four for Houston).

Both teams, again, started the third quarter disinterested and sloppily. Portland and Houston combined to shoot 0-11 from the floor to start the period, and the Blazers were held scoreless for the first four minutes. Houston held a 55-51 lead with 4:23 remaining, but, led by the aggression of McGrady and Dikembe Mutombo (who logged a lot of minutes due to Yao Ming’s foul trouble), the Rockets built their lead to 11 heading into the fourth and final stanza. McGrady scored eight points in the quarter’s closing minutes, and Mutombo made a layup for a key 3-point play opportunity as Houston staved off any threat of a Portland comeback.

The Rockets’ lead reached its max of 15 early in the fourth before Portland managed to close to within seven points late. But Anderson hit a dagger 3-pointer, and Houston snared four offensive rebounds on its next possession alone to secure victory. The Rockets grabbed a total of seven offensive boards in the quarter, as the efforts of McGrady (who finished the game with 35 points and seven rebounds) and Stromile Swift (11 points, five rebounds, two steals) paved the way towards victory. Swift, again, was instrumental in the fourth quarter, grabbing a plethora of rebounds and scoring some clutch baskets late.

In an odd turn of events, the final minute of the game took 15 minutes to play as Blazers coach Nate McMillan decided to foul on every possession, as well as calling a timeout every other play, despite a 12-point deficit. The only positive that came of this for the Rockets was when Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy inserted newcomer Stephen Graham into the game. Graham scored four quick points (including a fast-break dunk) in his Rockets debut, and made the last minute more than worthwhile for Rockets fans.

The Rockets played a solid, all-around game against a young and energetic Blazers squad. Houston compiled only seven turnovers, while also tallying 21 assists on their 36 field goals. The Blazers, on the other hand, did not score 100 points for the twentieth consecutive contest, and was also outscored 34-48 in the paint.

The Rockets have another extended rest before facing the upstart Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.


ROCKETS RECAP

· Keys to victory for the Rockets was the stellar all-around play of David Wesley and Derek Anderson. Wesley scored 11 points and dished 6 assists, while Anderson accumulated 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
· The Blazers tallied 17 offensive rebounds.
· With Yao Ming fouling out in only 25 minutes on the floor, Mutombo came in and contributed 7 points and 9 rebounds in 17 minutes.
· The Rockets finally got some production from their transition offense, outscoring Portland 18-9 in fast-break points.
· Sebastian Telfair led Portland with 17 points, followed by Zach Randolph, who scored 15 points on 6-22 shooting.


http://www.nba.com/games/20051211/HOUPOR/boxscore.html

 

Correct...I do them on my own and provide them for other websites as well...I just figured ClutchFans would appreciate them most, especially for those who missed the game or live out of town...