Slam Dunk Central

The Golden State Warriors, ever since forward Stephen Jackson returned from his NBA-mandated suspension, have enjoyed a renaissance on the court. Tonight’s game against the Houston Rockets was a continuation of the excellent team play the Warriors utilize to their advantage. Golden State shot 51% from the floor while holding Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and swingman Tracy McGrady to a combined 21 points, enabling the Warriors to soundly defeat the Rockets 113-94 at Oakland.Golden State scored the first eight points of the game and led 18-3 midway through the opening quarter; the Rockets came back with a 14-2 run of their own and trailed by only 5 after one quarter. Houston scored 9 straight points early in the 2nd quarter to take its first lead before Golden State responded with a 14-2 run to help take a 59-50 lead at halftime.

Golden State would open up the 3rd quarter with a 15-2 run thta wpould give the Warriors a 74-55 lead midway through the 3rd period. Houston could never get teir deficit into double-digits after that. Golden State’s high scorer was guard Baron Davis with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists - a strong game, indeed. Stephen Jackson added 19 with 6 boards and 7 assists, while G Monta Ellis and forward-center Al Harrington 18 each.

Houston was led by G Mike James with 19 from off the bench; swingman Bonzi Wells added 13. Both Ming and McGrady had awful performances tonight - Ming with only 10 while McGrady scored only 11. Golden State (8-7), winners of 8 of their past 9 games, flies north to Seattle to take on the SuperSonics on Sunday, while Houston (9-8) travels to California’s state capital to challenge the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.