Houston Roundball Review Archive: December 2006 JVG and T-Mac after Rockets Rout of Warriors

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Tuesday night the Houston Rockets did what good teams do -- they dominated a wounded, outmanned basketball team.

The Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 118 to 90; and, the final score is not a clear enough indication just how dominant the Rockets were throughout the ball game.

Houston (12-5) led the Warriors (9-10) by as much as 33 points during the game.

The Warriors played last night (and lost by 40); and, they were without key player JasonRichardson.

The Rockets showed no mercy.

Houston took complete advantage of big man Yao Ming in the first quarter as Yao dominated the shorter and smaller Warriors with 17 points in the first quarter on 8 of 10 shooting from the field.

Yao Ming finished the game with 27 points in just 29 minutes.

The Rockets led by 15 points (35 to 20) at the end of the first quarter; and, they were just getting started smacking the Warriors around Toyota Center.

The Rockets took a 60 to 44 lead into halftime; and, then, Tracy McGrady went to work in the third period.

T-Mac scored 13 points in the period on 6 of 11 shooting; and, he finished the game with a game-high 31 points and seven assists.

After the game, Tracy said, "We had to jump on them quick..."

The Rockets shot 53.6% (43 for 84) from the field and out-rebounded the Warriors 52 to 35.

Forward Chuck Hayes pulled down 15 rebounds while Juwan Howard grabbed 11 boards while coming off the bench.

Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy talked with the media after the game. He felt he needed to "get back to the positives..."

Houston travels to Minnesota and plays the T-wolves tomorrow night.

We'll see if the Rockets can continue their winning ways.

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