Yao Makes Warriors Say Ow, Rockets Win Big 131-112

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

One thing is for certain, Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is going to bring a size advantage to whatever opponent comes his way; Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors would certainly be no different as his 19 fourth-quarter points were key as Houston easily disposed of Golden State 131-112 at Toyota Center.

The Warriors shot very well (60%) in the first quarter and led going into the second period 32-30; Golden State would hit seven of their first 8 shots in the second frame while Houston’s Von Wafer to keep the contest relatively close. Stephen Jackson hit a basket to put the Warriors up 45-39; however, Luther Head, Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry all scored, tying the game. Shane Battier would drain a pair of 3-pointers in the last 38 seconds of the first half, giving Houston a 62-57 lead at halftime.

The Rockets led 88-84 after three periods, but the Warriors went on a 9-2 run; however, Ming’s 3-point play with 9:44 remaining in the game tied the game once again. Another 3-point play by Ming with 7:14 left broke a 101-101 tie and Rafer Alston’s layup stretched Houston’s lead to 5; Ming scored on the Rockets’ next possession to open their lead to 7. Golden State made only one basket in a 3 1/2 minute span and the Rockets pulled away.

Houston’s high scorer was Ming with 33 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a blocked shot while Ron Artest added 28 (including 4 three-pointers), 2 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a blocked shot; Alston pitched in, scoring 18 (including 3 treys) with 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and a blocked shot. Golden State was led by Stephen Jackson (including four 3-pointers) with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a blocked shot while Corey Maggette added 10 rebounds and an assist; Jamal Crawford chipped in, scoring 22 with 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Houston (13-7) plays again on Monday when they fly to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies while Golden State (5-14) make the short journey to San Antonio to face the Spurs on Saturday.

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