Apr

22

Jazz Takes 2-0 Lead, Edge Rockets 90-84

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA PLAYOFFS 

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Lately, Houston Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady has had this little habit of scoring big in three quarters of a game then vanishing in the fourth quarter.? The Utah Jazz continued their mastery of the Rockets as Deron Williams scored 22 points, despite an ankle injury, in leading Utah to the 90-84 win Monday night at?Toyota Center.? The win by Utah gives them a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.?

Utah’s Carlos Boozer committed his second foul and went to the bench with 5:47 left in the first quarter, but the Rockets didn’t capitalize which allowed Utah to make some easy baskets and as a result, stretching their lead to 26-17.? Houston shot a little better in the first half than they did in their previous game, yet went into halftime behind by 6, 47-41; Utah led most of the way?and were up 64-61 when Williams appeared to twist his ankle with 1:47 left in the third quarter; Ronnie Price came in for Williams and would drain a 3-pointer just before the period ended, giving the Jazz a 69-67 lead.

Williams would return for Utah?with 9:18 left in the game after Houston’s Aaron Brooks made a layup; Williams would respond with a layup of his own with 7:41 remaining to put the Jazz up 76-74.? Houston’s McGrady would return with 7:07 left to go; he was fouled on a jumper and would make the 3-point play, tying the game at 76.? Williams would make a short basket which would give Utah back the lead; Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko stole the ball from McGrady at the 5-minute mark of the game, then Williams would make a free throw, giving Utah an 81-76 lead.? Luis Scola would make a pair of free throws for Houston, reducing the Jazz’ lead to 85-82.? Utah would hang on for the balance of the contest.

Utah was led by Williams with 22 points, including three 3-pointers, a rebound, 5 assists and 2 blocks while Mehmet Okur recorded a double-double, scoring 16 with 16 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block.? Houston was led by McGrady with 23 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks but committing 5 turnovers while Bobby Jackson scored 18 with 5 rebounds and 2 assists; Chuck Hayes grabbed 10 rebounds.? Utah will take their 2-0 lead in the series back to Salt Lake City as they host Houston on Thursday night.?

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Comments

One Response to “Jazz Takes 2-0 Lead, Edge Rockets 90-84”

  1. Eric on April 23rd, 2008 8:20 pm

    Jazz have all of the momentum going into game three.Plus they have homecourt advantage now.Even tho Rafaer Alston will play I think the Rockets just can’t hang with the Jazz without Yao Ming.

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