Yao Leads Rockets Over Warriors

The Houston Rockets were able to overcome the absence of Tracy McGrady (15th missed game of the season) to earn a 111-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center last night.

With McGrady suffering from “flu-like symptoms,” the Rockets were led by Yao Ming, whose 36 points and 19 rebounds both matched season highs. Aiding Yao’s efforts were Rafer Alston’s 17 points and 12 assists along with Luther Head’s 20 points and 6 assists.

Houston opened the game with a 23-6 run and jumped to a 21 point lead in the second quarter, however the Warriors barrage of three point shooters (12-29 from long distance for the game) and a Baron Davis trey with 2:11 left in the game allowed the Warriors to take a one point lead (102-101). It was Yao Ming’s eight points in the final two minutes of the game that sealed the Houston victory.

Yao has struggled this season against Golden State, averaging 12 points in the first two meetings between the franchises. However, Yao was able to overpower the smaller Warriors frontcourt last night and inflict true damage on a franchise fighting the Rockets for a playoff berth.

Golden State was led by Stephen Jackson’s 25 points, seven assists, and six rebounds while Davis was handcuffed with foul trouble, earning two whistles in the game’s first five minutes and a technical foul after exchanging words with Alston.

The win gives the Rockets their fifth victory in six games – as the team prepares for a weekend trip to the Midwest with showdowns against the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Photo: flickr user jeffbalke