[2.22.06] Rockets-Clippers Game Recap

Rockets’ Offense Refreshed, Revived In 106-102 Defeat of Clippers

By DENNIS L. SILVA, II.
2.22.06

It was ‘Retro’ night Wednesday for the Rockets as the good guys donned throwback uniforms circa 1993.

Fortunately, the team’s offense experienced past success as well.

Houston has seemingly abandoned its old grind-out, grudge-ball style of play as the Rockets shot 48% from the floor and accumulated 26 assists, reminiscent of past Rockets teams who thrived offensively, in a 106-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center.

The Rockets hit their first four shots of the game, including two long 3-pointers. The offense showed a rare balance and flow that coach Jeff Van Gundy has been pleading for all season. Houston established Yao Ming inside early, abusing the Clippers’ porous interior defense, while also countering that inside presence with a slew of triples by Rafer Alston and David Wesley (21 points, 4-6 from 3-point range).

If not for an abundance of giveaways early, Houston would have had the win sealed before halftime.

But the Clippers scored early and often off of the Rockets’ 18 turnovers, and trailed by one point heading into the second period.

Alston (9 points, 11 assists) continued to push the ball, setting the tempo and enabling Houston to get good looks and high-percentage shots. The Rockets’ defense settled down as well, holding the Clippers without a field goal during a four- minute span in the second quarter. Ahead 46-38 with 4:29 remaining in the first half, Tracy McGrady (26 points, 5 assists) had one of his “T-Mac” moments, scoring from anywhere on the court in the final minutes to give Houston a 59-45 edge at halftime.


However, this isn’t the Clippers team of old, who would have given up and called it a night after trailing by a significant margin early. No, this is a Clippers team of prideful veterans such as Elton Brand, Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley; veterans who refused to let the Clippers go down without a fight.

Los Angeles cut its deficit to 68-71 late in the third period as Mobley nailed consecutive 3-pointers from the right wing. Brand (32 points, 12 rebounds) scored in transition on jump shots from the wing, and all of a sudden, the game was anyone’s for the taking.

But in the fourth quarter, the Rockets put the Clippers away. Yao (29 points, 15 rebounds) continued to dominate inside, Alston scored off his trademark running shots, and Wesley scored four points off easy lay-ups early.

Houston’s lead was only three with 18 seconds remaining after Mobley’s (30 points, 4 assists) trey from the right corner, but Juwan Howard came away with a clutch steal to secure Houston’s 23rd victory of the season.

The Rockets play Golden State tomorrow night in a game that may consist of a few new faces following Thursday afternoon’s trading deadline.


ROCKETS RECAP

· Houston out-rebounded LA 45-36.
· Houston’s bench outscored LA’s 13-8.
· The Clippers outscored the Rockets 31-21 in the 3rd quarter.
· The Rockets have now won 11 of the past 12 games against LA.
· LA outscored the Rockets 16-12 in transition.

http://www.nba.com/games/20060222/LACHOU/boxscore.html

 

i know, i know, but there wasnt much else to say, and I usually give 5 points in the recap...

 

nah, no offense at all...but a recap is just that- a summary...so its pretty hard to put some more life in them, know what I mean?...if I had access to quotes or such to maybe spice up the story, I would...but since I dont, I just make do with my petty little notes and my own analysis lol...

but nah, ur right on point...recaps are generic to begin with so that just comes with the territory...