[12.31.05] Rockets-Warriors Game Recap

Late Rally Fails as Rockets End 2005 With 94-89 Defeat To Golden State

By Dennis L. Silva, II.
12.31.05


It can be assumed that the Houston Rockets are ecstatic to see the 2005 year come to an end. A new year brings reason for hope and optimism, and the Rockets would welcome a healthy dose of either to start off 2006. But in anticipation of the future, you must deal with the present, and right now, the present is looking quite grim for Houston. Looking to halt a current four-game losing streak, the Rockets managed the same lethargic offensive production, en route to a 89-94 defeat to the Golden State Warriors before 17,175 at Toyota Center.

In what has been a common theme this season, the Rockets struggled from the floor early in the game. Houston mustered a mere 18 points in the first quarter, seven of which came from Stromile Swift, who seems to have acclimated himself more ably to Houston’s system. For the second straight game, Swift compiled a double-double (17 points and 13 rebounds) and provided a boost with his athleticism and energy off the bench. The most important change has been the fact that he seems to be playing with a purpose. Instead of running about endlessly, hoping for put-back to be dunked back in, he’s asserting himself on offense, setting appropriate screens and knowing when and where to post up and score.

The Rockets did a nice job of preventing the Warriors from an open transition game (Golden State accumulated only four fast-break points), but oddly enough, it was their halfcourt defense which seemed to suffer. The Warriors’ Baron Davis and Jason Richardson each hit a barrel of threes (both combined for 6-15 shooting from downtown) that often defused any Rockets attempt at a rally.

Golden State led 74-66 heading into the fourth quarter, but Houston was never able to gain consistency on offense. McGrady struggled with his shot all game (10-28 shooting for the game), never seeming to develop any sort of rhythm. Golden State, meanwhile, received significant contributions from other players aside from Richardson and Davis. Troy Murphy scored 12 points, and rookie Ike Diogu went 4-4 from the floor in compiling 13 points. The Warriors went on a 9-1 late in the quarter after Houston had cut their deficit to three, but the Rockets then woke up and went on a scoring spree of their own. Behind a late emergence from McGrady (32 points and 10 rebounds), Houston closed to within one within the final minute of the game. But Derek Fisher hit two free throws, and McGrady missed two open 3-point opportunities, and the Warriors survived, coming away with a five point victory.

The Rockets’ shot only 41% from the game, which was assisted due to their late scoring flurry. While the Warriors shot considerably worse from the floor (37%), the Rockets did allow 36 points in the paint to a team that had no interior presence. Therefore, that means there were too many opportunities for the Warriors to penetrate, and the Rockets allowed too many easy scores inside.

The Rockets have two days off before heading to Washington to face a Wizards team that is similar to the Warriors. If progress is not evident within the next 7-10 days for the Rockets, the season can be considered a lost cause as the team has dug itself a hole that may be too intimidating to climb out of.


ROCKETS RECAP

· In his first game back from injury, Rafer Alston contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.
· The Rockets accumulated only 12 assists on their 32 baskets.
· Juwan Howard scored 15 points and had 9 rebounds.
· The Rockets committed only 8 turnovers, but had no steals in the game.
· John Lucas III made his debut as a Rocket, and had two rebounds (both offensive) and an assist in one minute and 25 seconds of play.

http://www.nba.com/games/20051231/GSWHOU/boxscore.html