Rockets Playoff Report: Game 1 vs Utah

|| Game Date: April 21, 2007
|| Game Location: Toyota Center, Houston
|| Series Record: Rockets 1 - Utah 0
|| Final Score: 84 HOU - 75 UTAH
|| Box Score: Utah @ Rockets Info from NBA.com

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After a strong start and a give and take first quarter, the Rockets appeared to come out with a lack of gumption (or maybe it was nerves) and ended the first half down by nine, 42-33. TMac had a single basket for one point and Yao racked up fifteen. The Rockets do best when TMac attacks and TMac did not attack! He was truly M.I.A. in the first twenty four minutes. Yao on the other hand showed some hustle but needed to turn up the aggressiveness, it was time for him to unleash the dragon and put the panda to bed.

At 11:11 in the 3rd period, TMac finally got his first two pointer and pretty much didn't look back. Yao continued to stay strong and consistent. Then the boys in red and white really started to come alive and it seemed they realized how important it was to win this game. The Rockets began to heat up and when it came time to turn up the intensity, both TMac and Yao unleashed the dragon taking a 19-4 run as the third quarter wained. TMac had 16 points and Yao with 22 and the Rockets led 59-53 at the end of the third.

Utah started the fourth with a small run and the Rockets struggled to get the fire back. Yao continued to stay consistent and score, block and rebound despite being double and triple teamed. Big shots from Rafer Alston and Luther Head kept the team ahead of Utah but rough and tough defense kept us in the game. The Rockets ended the fourth with with the win and a final score of 84-75. Yao settled up with 29 points and TMac with 23, mostly in the second half.

The home court advantage played its part tonight also. The crowd kept it loud and proud and needs to keep it up throughout this series. Not only does it look and sound good on TV but it really has a positive effect on the team.

Next up, Game Two - Monday night.

LET'S GO ROCKETS!