Houston Roundball Review Archive: January 2007 JVG, Bonzi, T-Mac after Rockets Blast Blazers by 30

Friday, January 26, 2007

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Unlike my media colleagues, I don't have to go into detail about blowout victories.

Take tonight's Rockets 99 to 69 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers (18-26) at Toyota Center.

After leading 10 to 2, Houston's offense bog down and Portland crept into the lead.

Then, the rest of the first half crawled to a woeful 36 to 34 Rockets lead at halftime.

Thankfully, Houston's Tracy McGrady took over in the third quarter.

T-Mac outscored Portland 17 to 14 in the period and the Rockets blew the game wide open with a 32 to 14 performance.

Portland was able to score 21 points in the fourth period; but, the Rockets scored 31.

Bonzi Wells scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds in his most complete game as a Rocket thus far.

Shane Battier added 15 points and Luther Head chipped in 11 points.

The Rockets held Portland forward Zach Randolph to just 13 points on 5 for 15 shooting from the field.

Randolph was the lone Blazer to score in double figures.

Houston held Portland to its fewest points ever scored against the Rockets in the all-time series between these two teams.

The previous low was 76 done twice (last on 4/5/06).

The Rockets also extended its current winning streak over the Trail Blazers at Toyota Center to six games.

With 12 rebounds tonight, Chuck Hayes posted his first double-digit rebounding performance since a career-high 15 boards vs. Golden State (12/5/06).

Hayes also set a career best with seven offensive rebounds.

Jeff Van Gundy: "...he (McGrady) sets the tone..."

T-Mac: "...Jeff being Jeff...".

Bonzi: "...keep my mouth shut..."

The Rockets continue their five-game homestand Monday, January 29, versus the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tip-off is set for 7:35 p.m.

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