[AP]The Rockets are 17-1 when winning Game 1 of a series

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2005042306



By JAIME ARON, AP Sports Writer
April 23, 2005

AP - Apr 23, 7:02 pm EDT
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DALLAS (AP) -- The jaw-dropping baskets by Tracy McGrady were expected. The clutch baskets by Mike James and Jon Barry? Well, that's why McGrady feels so good about his chances of finally winning a playoff series.

McGrady scored the majority of his 34 points during the first three quarters while the Houston Rockets were building a big lead, then James and Barry helped protect the shrinking margin in the final period, preserving a 98-86 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their first-round series Saturday.

McGrady's early heroics, highlighted by a long 3-pointer with the shot clock about to expire and Dirk Nowitzki's hand in his face, helped Houston take a 19-point lead early in the second quarter. The Rockets were up by double-digits until the closing minutes of the third, then Dallas got within 75-71 with 9:16 left.

James, the only player on either roster with a championship ring, having won with Detroit last season, scored Houston's next three baskets with two jumpers and a wild layup around Nowitzki. Barry followed with a 3-pointer and the Rockets were back up 84-73 and just 5:52 to play.

Counting a surge to close the regular season, Houston has now won eight straight. This was the most significant because it takes away Dallas' home-court advantage -- and it fits nicely with a quirky stat in team history. The Rockets are 17-1 when winning Game 1 of a series and just 5-19 when losing the opener.

Game 2 is Monday night in Dallas, and the Mavericks have some regrouping to do before then. The loss ended a nine-game winning streak and a nine-game home winning streak. It was their first home loss under coach Avery Johnson and just their third in 19 games since he replaced Don Nelson.

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Maybe that explains why Johnson lost his cool at game's end. After giving referee Joey Crawford an earful over the last minute, he kept talking while walking off the court after the final buzzer. Crawford turned away laughing, which sent Johnson hustling back at him. A Houston official pulled Johnson away.

The biggest problem for Dallas was a lousy game from Nowitzki, whose career playoff averages for points and rebounds are higher than his regular-season totals.

Although he scored 21 points, he was 5-of-19 with six turnovers and 10 rebounds. Looking nothing like the guy who outscored McGrady 53-47 in their first meeting this season, Nowitzki made just one shot after halftime.

Josh Howard and Jason Terry each scored 17 for Dallas and Jerry Stackhouse had 14 in a reserve role, including the three free throws that got the Mavericks within four early in the fourth.

But the Mavs kept themselves from matching the biggest comeback in team playoff history by making just 4 of 21 shots in the final quarter.

James finished with 16 points and Yao Ming had 11. But the Rockets got just enough from their supporting cast to show why McGrady is optimistic of not just getting out of the first round for the first time in his career, but possibly contending for a championship.

McGrady is 0-for-4 in the playoffs for his career. This is his first season with the Rockets, who also have been bounced in the opening round their last four playoff trips.

After acquiring him in the offseason, Houston tweaked its rotation during the season, bringing in starter David Wesley and reserves James and Barry. The team has been clicking ever since.

The Rockets won this one without Yao, who went 3-for-8 with eight rebounds in 20 foul-plagued minutes.

He was on the bench when the Rockets first took control. They led 18-14 when he went to the bench with two fouls, then he returned to a 14-point lead. He did make his presence felt at the start of the fourth quarter, swatting a drive by Stackhouse then making a hook. But he got his fifth foul soon after.

Notes

Houston's Clarence Weatherspoon went from expected starter to not playing. Ryan Bowen took his place and had four points in 31 minutes before fouling out. ... Dallas scored 16 points in the first quarter. It was the lowest-scoring period for the Mavs in 10 games, since their last loss, when they had 16 and 14 the first two periods against Cleveland. ... So much for watching the NFL draft: Fox broadcaster and former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman sat near center court. He got a big ovation when showed on the overhead monitor.


Updated on Saturday, Apr 23, 2005 8:33 pm EDT

 

Don't be too greedy, Mr. Johnson, 42 FT is not enough????

and I think Johnson told Crawford:"give my money back!!!!!!"
Crawford turned away laughing!!!!