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Rockets run down Hornets 89-81
(NBA.com)
Updated: 2004-12-08 14:15
Houston Rockets
center Yao Ming (11) of China dunks the ball as New Orleans Hornets
forward Chris Andersen (12) looks on in the first half Tuesday, Dec. 7,
2004, in Houston. [AP] |
New Orleans Hornets
guard Junior Harrington (6) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets center
Yao Ming (11) of China, defends in the third quarter Tuesday, Dec. 7,
2004, in Houston. [AP] |
For one night, the
grand visions of Yao Ming dominating the middle and Tracy McGrady knocking down
big shots came true.
Yao scored 21 points and McGrady added 14 of his 18 in the second half as the
Houston Rockets posted an 89-81 victory over the hapless New Orleans Hornets,
who have lost seven in a row.
After averaging just over 12 points in a four-game stretch, the 7-6 Yao
reached the 20-point mark for the second straight game. He grabbed nine rebounds
as he helped Houston to 41-29 advantage off the glass.
Despite scoring a season-low 30 first-half points, the Hornets rallied within
54-53 late in the third period. But McGrady countered with a 3-pointer on the
Rockets' next possession to begin a 14-3 run.
Dan Dickau, playing his second game since being acquired from Dallas, rallied
New Orleans, by scoring all but one of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to
help trim the deficit to 77-72 with just under three minutes to go.
McGrady answered again with back-to-back jumpers to put the game out of
reach.
The league-worst Hornets (1-15) were offensively inept in the first half,
shooting 29 percent (10-of-34) from the field and getting outscored in the
paint, 24-4.
David Wesley scored 18 points and Lee Nailon recovered from a 1-of-9 start to
score 15 for the Hornets.
Reserve Scott Padgett made two 3-pointers as the Rockets went on a 12-1 run
to close the half and open a 43-30 lead.
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