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Yao blocks Andre Kirilenko's shot in the fourth quarter Wednesday night. The Rockets atoned for their meltdown from the previous night against the Jazz by handing Utah it's biggest defeat of the season 106-76.

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On Wednesday night in Utah, the Rockets played perhaps their best road game of the season and showed some heart after blowing a game against the Jazz on Tuesday night. With the Lakers right on their heels (1/2 game back) for the final playoff spot and the Rockets mired in a 3-game losing streak, the Rockets needed this game badly. You wouldn't think their chances would be good if you look at their abysmal road record (7-15) and the fact they had lost 11 regular season games in a row at the Delta Center. But they managed to play with intensity, and even anger, after blowing Tuesday night's game and retaliated by handing Utah its worst loss of the season 106-76. The Rockets remain ½ game up on the Lakers. But more importantly, the Rockets might have gained some of their confidence back by beating a good team like Utah in their own arena. Several Rockets got in on the act. Steve Francis showed leadership by putting the team on his back by scoring 36 points (25 by halftime). He was 11-for-19 from the field, 3-for-5 from three-point land, and 11-of-13 from the line. More importantly, he had 7 assists and only two turnovers. It looks like Franchise is handling the rock much better since the All-Star break after having no turnovers in Tuesday night's game. Overall, the Rockets shot 53% from the floor. The power forward tandem of Eddie Griffin and Maurice Taylor played very well, scoring 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting collectively. Griffin also made both of his three-pointers, which is always a nice bonus. James Posey scored 13 after only averaging 5 points over his last four games. Rudy responds We also have to give credit to Rudy T. In following Rudy's coaching career over the past 12 years, we have always been pleased with Rudy's ability to make adjustments in a playoff series. Although it's not the playoffs, this back-to-back "series" of playing the Jazz in consecutive nights is similar to the playoffs. The Rockets may end up getting beat in the first game of a playoff series, but they frequently are able to make adjustments in the second game to either win or be much more competitive. That's what happened Wednesday night in Utah. But if the Rockets don't make the playoffs this year, it may all be a moot point since there's no guarantee Rudy would be sticking around for another playoff run as Houston's head coach. The Yao Report Yao had 15 points (6-of-11 from the field), 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. He only scored 4 points by halftime, but the Rockets were clicking so well on Francis' stellar play, they hardly needed him in the first half. But Yao went on a stretch of hitting 5-of-6 shots in the second half, most coming against the much shorter Tony Massenburg (6'9") who was guarding Yao one-on-one. Like most great players will do, Yao exploited the mismatch until the Jazz finally put Greg Ostertag on him. But even then, Yao was able to score on the Duncanville, TX native. Next up for the Rockets are the Miami Heat in Houston Friday night. The Heat are 17-33. You know what that means. Hold on to your hats, Houston fans.

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Detailed Yao Analysis
vs. Utah Jazz 2/12/03

1st quarter - Yao starts the game.
4:55	Free Throws	Yao gets the ball in the middle of the lane and turns to shoot, but he's fouled in the act of shooting. Yao makes both free throws.
:39		Yao checks out of the game for Cato.
2nd quarter
5:07		Yao checks back into the game for Cato. The Rockets lead 40-30.
3:45		Francis gets double-teamed way out high along the sideline between the three-point line and half-court. Francis then spots Yao down low in the middle of the paint all by himself, and throws a two-handed bullet pass to him. Yao then goes up and throws it down with his right hand! That's the easiest bucket Yao has scored all year! Yao has 4 points, and the Rockets lead 43-33.
1:16		Utah's John Amaechi drives down the middle of the lane and receives a pass from Karl Malone on the run. Amaechi put ups a layup attempt, BUT YAO PINS IT TO THE GLASS FOR THE BLOCK, and Eddie Griffin picks up the rejected shot and throws a strike downcourt to a streaking Francis who slams down a spectacular jam! Now that's the way it's supposed to work! The Rockets lead 50-37.
:7.6		Yao checks out of the game for Terence Morris.
Halftime - The Rockets lead 52-40. Yao has 4 points.
3rd quarter
4:43		Yao gets the ball in his favorite spot on the left side with Tony Massenburg guarding him. Yao then suprises Massenburg with his speed by spinning quickly toward the baseline, dribbles twice, then spins back around again away from the basket and puts up a fadeaway jump shot--COUNT IT! Yao has only six points on 2-of-5 shooting, but the Rockets lead big 67-48.
3:52		Feelin' it against the much shorter Massenburg, Yao squares up in the exact same spot as his previous shot, puts up a 12-foot jumper, and SCORE IT AGAIN! Yao now has 8 points. Rockets lead 69-50.
1:25		Yao checks out of the game for Cato.
4th quarter - Cato starts the quarter. The Rockets lead 81-59 after outscoring the Jazz 29-19 in the 3rd quarter, keyed by Francis scoring 16 points in the quarter.
10:24		Yao and Francis check into the game after the Jazz reduce their deficit to sixteen points (65-81). The Rockets offense had started jacking up bad shots and missing point-blank layups. Moochie Norris also started getting careless with the ball, too, so Rudy T. doesn't waste any time and puts his stars back into the game.
9:31		Being guarded by the shorter Massenburg again, Yao gets the ball in his favorite spot on the left side, pump fakes, then dribbles near the elbow of the lane and puts up a jumper, and SWISH! Yao has scored 10 points and has hit 3 straight jumpers.
8:17		From the top of the key, Maurice Taylor zips a pass to Yao down low, who is being guarded 1-on-1 by Massenburg. Yao receives the pass underneath the basket, and with Massenburg draped all over him, Yao scoops a shot up and it goes in, and he's fouled! After it goes in, Yao pumps his fist with vigor, and the Rockets bench claps in unison! The Jazz are not double-teaming Yao, and he's making them pay! Yao makes the penalty free throw for his 13th point, and the Rockets lead 88-67.
7:38		From his favorite spot on the left side, Yao this time is guarded by the 7-foot Ostertag. Rather than make an immediate offensive move, you can tell this time Yao is trying to figure out the best way to go after the much taller Ostertag. Yao decides to dribble once to the edge of the lane, then pivots and faces up to the basket, jumps, and launches a 10-footer from the middle of the lane. COUNT IT AGAIN! Yao is on fire! That's 15 points for Yao, and 7 in this quarter.
6:55		With the Rockets in command 92-69, Yao now has the opportunity to pad his stats. Reserve Utah guard Carlos Arroyo puts up a shot from the right edge of the lane over Yao, but Yao easily deflects it for the block.
4:22		Deshawn Stevenson drives the left side of the lane and puts up a terrible shot, and Yao comes over not only to block it, but strategically taps it to a spot where Moochie can start a fast break. James Posey finishes the break with a layup.
3:19		Yao checks out of the game with 15 points (6-of-11 from the field, 3-of-3 from the line), 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Rockets cruise to a big victory, 106-76.