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Yao vs. Magic - 4/06/03

Orlando's Tracy McGrady goes up against fellow All-Star Yao Ming Sunday night in Houston. Although T-Mac scored spectacularly on the play, Yao and the Rockets won going away 114-93. (AP photo)

On a day when almost all Americans turned the clock forward one hour, the Rockets turned back the clock to 1995 by wearing the 'old' Rocket uniforms from when they won their last championship, which was ironically against the Orlando Magic. That's also who the Rockets beat convincingly Sunday night at Compaq Center, 114-93.

We loved the idea of going back in time, but at first we thought the Rockets made a mistake by playing with their old ROAD uniforms (which are red) rather than the old white HOME uniforms. This decision to wear red forced the Magic to wear their own white home uniforms, which could have been a bad move considering the Magic players are comfortable playing in them, as evidenced by their 24-15 record at home. However, after playing a cat-and-mouse game with the boys from MickeyLand, the Rockets cast aside the possibility of Goofing up on the home/road uniform selection issue and ultimately pulled away to lead by 27 points at one time.

The stats

Houston did almost everything right, like shooting 50.6% from the field--including 43% from three-point territory (9-for-21). They started out fast by hitting 3 three-pointers at the beginning of the game to take an 11-0 lead. By the end of the game the Rockets had outscored the Magic 50-26 in the paint, and out-rebounded them 46-28.

Seven Rockets scored in double-figures, including Yao who scored 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He also had 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. Although these numbers don't appear to be spectacular, he really wasn't needed in the fourth quarter at all as Cato played the entire quarter. However, Yao's stats don't tell the whole story--you'll have to read some of the Detailed Yao Analysis to get a good feel for his usual array of graceful and powerful moves.

Thank you, LA

Of course, the Rockets are watching what the Phoenix Suns are doing since they are chasing them for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Up 1 ½ games on the Rockets before Sunday night's games, the Suns played in Los Angeles against the Lakers and held a 5 point lead with less than two minutes to play in the game. But thanks to clutch shots by Devean George and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers came from behind to beat the Suns in overtime, and help pull the Rockets to only ½ game behind the Suns when combined with the Rockets victory Sunday night.

Next up

The season is winding down, and Houston's remaining 5 games are against Portland (at home this Tuesday), Utah (away), Seattle (home), Memphis (home), and Denver (road).

Phoenix plays its remaining 6 games against Denver (away), Dallas (home), Golden State (home), San Antonio (home), Portland (away), and Seattle (away).

We've created a new poll on the discussion board for you to vote who you think will get that final playoff spot: the Rockets or the Suns. We'll close the poll once we believe it looks like one team has an insurmountable advantage, which could be as early as Tuesday or Wednesday night. You also have the opportunity to provide details on why you feel the team you picked will make the playoffs.

Bring back those uniforms!

With the success the Rockets had in the old uniforms, many of the Rocket players said after the game they would like to continue wearing them, but unfortunately that's not possible this season. However, we're hoping it's still not too late to bring back the old uniforms and make them the new uniforms when the new arena opens next year.

Detailed Yao Analysis
vs. Orlando Magic 4/6/03
brought to you by John & Jeff

1st quarter - Yao starts the game.

10:14 Assist Near the top of the 3-point line, Yao cuts to the right elbow where Steve Francis finds him with a pass. As Yao dribbles his way to the hoop, he's met by a double-team, which leaves Eddie Griffin open on the left lane. Yao hits Griffin with a drop pass and Griffin lays it in! The Rockets started off hot hitting their first three 3-point attempts, and they now lead 11-0.

9:37 Assist Yao and Griffin connect again! Yao has the ball just outside the middle of the left edge of the lane. As Yao works his way to the basket against Magic forward/center Shawn Kemp, Magic All-Star guard Tracy McGrady moves in for the double-team. Yao turns to the basket and makes a beautiful dump pass to Griffin who is right underneath the basket. Yao sets up another easy shot as Griffin knocks down the two-footer! The Rockets fans cheer madly loving the unselfish play! The Rockets lead 13-2.

8:44 James Posey passes to Yao on the left side right next to the Rockets logo. With his back to Kemp, Yao dribbles once, turns to the left and fires a 15-footer. SCORE IT as Yao easily buries the mid-range jumper! The Rockets lead 15-4.

7:31 More great passing by the Rockets! From the upper-right side, Cuttino Mobley blows by Magic rookie forward Drew Gooden, and streaks down the middle of the lane. As Shawn Kemp moves in to pick him up, Mobley throws a pass to Yao on the left side of the paint near his favorite spot. Yao dribbles just once to get to the middle of the lane, stops, jumps and stretches his long arm to finger roll the easy deuce! Talk about reach! Yao now has 4 points on 2-for-3 shooting. The Magic trail 17-9.

3:54 Yao, who is directly under the Rockets logo on the left side, receives a pass from JP. As Yao works his way inside, it's obvious that Shawn Kemp is favoring Yao's left side, protecting the turnaround jumper. Yao makes him pay by quickly spinning to the baseline, and floating in a pretty right-handed layup! Those are some mad moves Yao! He now has 6 points on 3-for-4 shooting, and the Rockets lead 23-17.

3:30 Steal
WOW Behind the arc on the upper-left side, Eddie Griffin launches a 3-pointer that misses and falls into the hands of Shawn Kemp underneath the basket. Kemp makes a short pass to Tracy McGrady but with cat-like reflexes, Yao comes out of nowhere with his long, long reach and strips McGrady just as he catches the pass! With the ball in Yao's possession, Kemp CHEAPLY shoves Yao in the back with a forearm, and as Yao falls forward to regain his balance, Yao is resourceful enough to kick the ball back out to James Posey. Yao's steal eventually leads to a Magic shooting foul on Francis. Francis makes 1-of-2, and the Rockets continue to lead, 24-17.

The Orlando Magic TV play-by-play man states, "Houston has come with a lot of aggressiveness tonight. They can't lose anymore if they are going to make the playoffs."

2nd quarter - The Rockets end the first quarter strong with a Mobley-to-Posey alley-oop baseline dunk with only 4.3 seconds left in the quarter. In the first quarter, the Rockets moved the ball incredibly well and had an uncharacteristic 10 assists, 2 of them belonging to Yao! They also shot 59% from the field (4-of-7 from 3-point land) to Orlando's 44%. Orlando also committed 9 turnovers. Yao has 6 points (3-for-5 from the field), 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal. The Rockets lead 32-25. Kelvin Cato starts the second quarter.

4:47 Despite Tracy McGrady's impressive offensive attack (8 points this quarter and 20 points overall thus far), the Rockets maintain a precarious 5-point lead, 45-40. Yao checks in for Cato.

3:39 From the top of the arc, Magic rookie guard/forward Gordan Giricek decides to drive on Yao who is guarding him off a busted defensive assignment. Giricek penetrates down the right lane, and Yao, tracking his target down, swats Giricek layup away! The Magic trail 47-40.

0:30 This isn't a Yao play, but we HAD to comment on this play! Maurice Taylor pokes the ball away from Steve Hunter along the baseline. The loose ball gets poked again and rolls across the half-court line, and Maurice Taylor hustles for the ball by jumping and SLIDING on the hardwood, and while he's sliding he grabs the ball, and passes to Moochie Norris! It's now basically a three-on-one fast break with Magic power forward Pat Garrity being the lone defender. With Mobley jetting down the left wing, Moochie, who's on the right wing, uses his left hand for a behind-the-back dribble...or does he? Instead of going behind his back, Moochie flips a perfect right-handed pass WITH HIS HAND BEHIND HIS BACK to Mobley who's in full stride on the opposite side! Mobley goes in for the easy layup and the Houston crowd goes CRAZY!

Halftime - After one half of play, Yao has 6 points on 3-for-5 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Although the Magic tied the game in the second quarter at one point, the Rockets came back strong and extended their lead 58-48. The Rockets ended the second quarter on a 17-8 run, and 24 of the Rockets 58 points came off Magic turnovers, which is surprising since the Rockets are 28th in the League out of 29 teams in forcing turnovers.

3rd quarter - Yao starts the third quarter.

8:25 From the top of the 3-point line, Eddie Griffin makes an entry pass to Yao who is positioned right in the middle of the paint. Yao works quickly by turning to his left and burying a 7-foot hook shot! Kemp had no chance of even touching the ball! With Yao posting up in the middle of the paint, you might as well count the basket once he catches it! Yao now has 8 points (4-for-7 from the field). The Rockets are on top 67-53.

7:40 Cuttino Mobley catches a deflected pass and IMMEDIATELY penetrates down the middle of the lane slicing past three Magic players. As Mobley goes in for the runner, he makes a last-second dish to Yao who is cutting in from the left wing. Yao catches the ball on the left side of the lane, and like a guard, leans in and makes a stretched-out underhanded scoop-shot layup! Maybe someone should tell Yao that he's not a guard and he's not supposed to do that (just kidding)! That basket gives Yao 10 points now, and stabilizes the Rockets lead, 69-56.

6:04 James Posey passes to Yao who is positioned against Shawn Kemp on the left side near the Rockets logo. Just as Yao catches the rock, he swiftly spins baseline, totally leaving Kemp flat-footed and skies above the rim for A RIM-RATTLING TWO-HANDED JAM! THE CROWD GOES CRAZY!! Yao now has 12 points (6-for-9 from the field), and the Magic trail 71-58

4:39 Yao's got the ball right on the left side on the Rockets logo. As James Posey cuts baseline right past Yao, Yao turns to face the basket, pump fakes, shoots and drains a 15-footer right with Magic center Andrew DeClercq's hand in his face! That's four in a row for Yao, giving him 14 points. The Rockets have blown the game out and now lead by their largest margin thus far, 75-59.

1:09 Yao checks out for Cato. Yao leaves with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block! The Rockets lead 63-80.

4th quarter - The Rockets have blown the game open and lead 85-65. The Rockets have 11 second chance points to Orlando's zero. They also have 38 points in the paint compared to the Magic's 12. They have also out-rebounded them 36-24.

Cato starts the quarter in place of Yao. Stevie Franchise takes control of the fourth quarter, scoring 7 points, racking up 2 assists, and grabbing 3 boards in about 6 and 1/2 minutes of play. As a result of the Rockets maintaining a large lead throughout the fourth quarter (27 points being the largest lead), Cato ends up playing the entire quarter.

0:00 The Rockets defeat the Magic 114-93. Yao ends the game with 14 points (7-for-11 from field), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in only three quarters of play! With the Phoenix Suns losing to the L.A. Lakers in an exciting overtime loss, the Rockets are now only 1/2 a game behind Phoenix for the eighth and final seed of the Western Conference playoffs!

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1st quarter - Yao starts the game.
10:14	Assist	Near the top of the 3-point line, Yao cuts to the right elbow where Steve Francis finds him with a pass. As Yao dribbles his way to the hoop, he's met by a double-team, which leaves Eddie Griffin open on the left lane. Yao hits Griffin with a drop pass and Griffin lays it in! The Rockets started off hot hitting their first three 3-point attempts, and they now lead 11-0.
9:37	Assist	Yao and Griffin connect again! Yao has the ball just outside the middle of the left edge of the lane. As Yao works his way to the basket against Magic forward/center Shawn Kemp, Magic All-Star guard Tracy McGrady moves in for the double-team. Yao turns to the basket and makes a beautiful dump pass to Griffin who is right underneath the basket. Yao sets up another easy shot as Griffin knocks down the two-footer! The Rockets fans cheer madly loving the unselfish play! The Rockets lead 13-2.
8:44		James Posey passes to Yao on the left side right next to the Rockets logo. With his back to Kemp, Yao dribbles once, turns to the left and fires a 15-footer. SCORE IT as Yao easily buries the mid-range jumper! The Rockets lead 15-4.
7:31		More great passing by the Rockets! From the upper-right side, Cuttino Mobley blows by Magic rookie forward Drew Gooden, and streaks down the middle of the lane. As Shawn Kemp moves in to pick him up, Mobley throws a pass to Yao on the left side of the paint near his favorite spot. Yao dribbles just once to get to the middle of the lane, stops, jumps and stretches his long arm to finger roll the easy deuce! Talk about reach! Yao now has 4 points on 2-for-3 shooting. The Magic trail 17-9.
3:54		Yao, who is directly under the Rockets logo on the left side, receives a pass from JP. As Yao works his way inside, it's obvious that Shawn Kemp is favoring Yao's left side, protecting the turnaround jumper. Yao makes him pay by quickly spinning to the baseline, and floating in a pretty right-handed layup! Those are some mad moves Yao! He now has 6 points on 3-for-4 shooting, and the Rockets lead 23-17.
3:30	Steal WOW	Behind the arc on the upper-left side, Eddie Griffin launches a 3-pointer that misses and falls into the hands of Shawn Kemp underneath the basket. Kemp makes a short pass to Tracy McGrady but with cat-like reflexes, Yao comes out of nowhere with his long, long reach and strips McGrady just as he catches the pass! With the ball in Yao's possession, Kemp CHEAPLY shoves Yao in the back with a forearm, and as Yao falls forward to regain his balance, Yao is resourceful enough to kick the ball back out to James Posey. Yao's steal eventually leads to a Magic shooting foul on Francis. Francis makes 1-of-2, and the Rockets continue to lead, 24-17. The Orlando Magic TV play-by-play man states, "*Houston has come with a lot of aggressiveness tonight. They can't lose anymore if they are going to make the playoffs."*
2nd quarter - The Rockets end the first quarter strong with a Mobley-to-Posey alley-oop baseline dunk with only 4.3 seconds left in the quarter. In the first quarter, the Rockets moved the ball incredibly well and had an uncharacteristic 10 assists, 2 of them belonging to Yao! They also shot 59% from the field (4-of-7 from 3-point land) to Orlando's 44%. Orlando also committed 9 turnovers. Yao has 6 points (3-for-5 from the field), 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal. The Rockets lead 32-25. Kelvin Cato starts the second quarter.
4:47		Despite Tracy McGrady's impressive offensive attack (8 points this quarter and 20 points overall thus far), the Rockets maintain a precarious 5-point lead, 45-40. Yao checks in for Cato.
3:39		From the top of the arc, Magic rookie guard/forward Gordan Giricek decides to drive on Yao who is guarding him off a busted defensive assignment. Giricek penetrates down the right lane, and Yao, tracking his target down, swats Giricek layup away! The Magic trail 47-40.
0:30		This isn't a Yao play, but we HAD to comment on this play! Maurice Taylor pokes the ball away from Steve Hunter along the baseline. The loose ball gets poked again and rolls across the half-court line, and Maurice Taylor hustles for the ball by jumping and SLIDING on the hardwood, and while he's sliding he grabs the ball, and passes to Moochie Norris! It's now basically a three-on-one fast break with Magic power forward Pat Garrity being the lone defender. With Mobley jetting down the left wing, Moochie, who's on the right wing, uses his left hand for a behind-the-back dribble...or does he? Instead of going behind his back, Moochie flips a perfect right-handed pass WITH HIS HAND BEHIND HIS BACK to Mobley who's in full stride on the opposite side! Mobley goes in for the easy layup and the Houston crowd goes CRAZY!
Halftime - After one half of play, Yao has 6 points on 3-for-5 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Although the Magic tied the game in the second quarter at one point, the Rockets came back strong and extended their lead 58-48. The Rockets ended the second quarter on a 17-8 run, and 24 of the Rockets 58 points came off Magic turnovers, which is surprising since the Rockets are 28th in the League out of 29 teams in forcing turnovers.
3rd quarter - Yao starts the third quarter.
8:25		From the top of the 3-point line, Eddie Griffin makes an entry pass to Yao who is positioned right in the middle of the paint. Yao works quickly by turning to his left and burying a 7-foot hook shot! Kemp had no chance of even touching the ball! With Yao posting up in the middle of the paint, you might as well count the basket once he catches it! Yao now has 8 points (4-for-7 from the field). The Rockets are on top 67-53.
7:40		Cuttino Mobley catches a deflected pass and IMMEDIATELY penetrates down the middle of the lane slicing past three Magic players. As Mobley goes in for the runner, he makes a last-second dish to Yao who is cutting in from the left wing. Yao catches the ball on the left side of the lane, and like a guard, leans in and makes a stretched-out underhanded scoop-shot layup! Maybe someone should tell Yao that he's not a guard and he's not supposed to do that (just kidding)! That basket gives Yao 10 points now, and stabilizes the Rockets lead, 69-56.
6:04		James Posey passes to Yao who is positioned against Shawn Kemp on the left side near the Rockets logo. Just as Yao catches the rock, he swiftly spins baseline, totally leaving Kemp flat-footed and skies above the rim for A RIM-RATTLING TWO-HANDED JAM! THE CROWD GOES CRAZY!! Yao now has 12 points (6-for-9 from the field), and the Magic trail 71-58
4:39		Yao's got the ball right on the left side on the Rockets logo. As James Posey cuts baseline right past Yao, Yao turns to face the basket, pump fakes, shoots and drains a 15-footer right with Magic center Andrew DeClercq's hand in his face! That's four in a row for Yao, giving him 14 points. The Rockets have blown the game out and now lead by their largest margin thus far, 75-59.
1:09		Yao checks out for Cato. Yao leaves with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block! The Rockets lead 63-80.
4th quarter - The Rockets have blown the game open and lead 85-65. The Rockets have 11 second chance points to Orlando's zero. They also have 38 points in the paint compared to the Magic's 12. They have also out-rebounded them 36-24.
		Cato starts the quarter in place of Yao. Stevie Franchise takes control of the fourth quarter, scoring 7 points, racking up 2 assists, and grabbing 3 boards in about 6 and 1/2 minutes of play. As a result of the Rockets maintaining a large lead throughout the fourth quarter (27 points being the largest lead), Cato ends up playing the entire quarter.
0:00		The Rockets defeat the Magic 114-93. Yao ends the game with 14 points (7-for-11 from field), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in only three quarters of play! With the Phoenix Suns losing to the L.A. Lakers in an exciting overtime loss, the Rockets are now only 1/2 a game behind Phoenix for the eighth and final seed of the Western Conference playoffs!