Tracy And Yao Keep Rockets From Crashing Beat Pistons 80-77

How can you possibly go 6-22 from the so called “Charity Stripe” and still win a NBA game? Well, having two players like Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, certainly help as the Houston Rockets overcame their horrific night at the line and slipped by the Detroit Pistons Wednesday, 80-77. McGrady scored a game high 29 points, and Yao had a double-double 21 points, and tied for game high with rebounds with 13 as Houston won one for the home crowd.

This game was tight all night as there were 6 ties, and 6 lead changes. Houston led at the end of the first quarter 18-16, and had a 38-33 lead at the half. Detroit cut the margin back to 2 point by the end of the third quarter to 57-55. Houston was up 79-77 with 0.8 seconds left in the game when Yao was fouled. He missed the first shot from the line, but made the second, putting the Rockets up by 3. Detroit called a timeout, but Antonio McDyess lost possession of the ball and the Rockets escaped.

McGrady shot 13-25 from the field, 3-6 from outside the arc, and went 0-5 at the line for his 29 points. He also had 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, Yao had 4 blocked shots, 3 assists, 1 steal to go along with his double-double. Rafer Alston back in the starting lineup scored 10 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, 1 steal.

Detroit had four of their five starters in double figures led by Rasheed Wallace who scored 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 blocked shot before fouling out. Chauncey Billups scored 15 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, Richard Hamilton scored 14 points, 3 assists, 3 boards, and McDyess scored 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal 1 blocked shot. Jason Maxiell scored 9 points, and 13 rebounds in the loss. Houston is now, 12-11, while Detroit is 15-7.