Houston- Two Texas powers clashed in Houston. One churned out a win in an evenly-matched game with playoff intensity.
After an 0-4 skid by the Rockets in the absence of their star player, Tracy McGrady came back from his hyper-extended elbow and sparked a stagnant Houston offense with his confident play-making.
Although Houston led for much of the game, the fourth quarter was highlighted by Brandon Bass's inside play against a slower Yao Ming; propelling the Mavericks to a 9-2 record with a 100-94 road win.
A physical and heated game from the onset, Josh Howard came out strong with 15 points in the first half, displaying his versatility with a smooth outside stroke and speed rare at his height.
The Mavericks, who finished last year's regular season with an NBA best of 67 wins, had trouble getting past the swarming defense of the Rockets. With an enthusiastic Houston home-crowd behind them, the Rocket's defense shined in the half-court as well as in transition, as Dallas players resorted to one-man offensive tactics, with Devin Harris pushing the ball up court and often times forced into a difficult shot. He finished with 22 points.
The score at half-time was 48-47, with the Rockets ahead in a tightly contested first half.
In the 3rd quarter, the Rockets moved the ball efficiently, which lead to wide-open perimeter shots. Shane Battier and Rafter Alston went a combined 6 of 13 from distance, and finished with 12 and 18 points respectively.
At the 5 minute mark in the 3rd, with several sharp passes from McGrady to Yao, the lead was spread to 15, and it looked as though the Rockets had it wrapped up. Yao would end the night with 30 points and 15 rebounds.
But the Mavericks would find their way back into the game, with Brandon Bass's soft touch around the paint, and utilizing his quickness on the slower Yao. Bass had a prolific game with 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting.
In the fourth, Devin Harris's relentless attacks to the basket, combined with several of Dirk's post-up plays, put the Mavericks in a position to strike.
The Rockets' lead in the waning moments of the fourth were wiped out with Jerry Stackhouse's corner three and clutch free throws. This put the Mavericks up and would seal the deal for a Mavs victory.
Until proven otherwise, the Mavericks will be the ones to beat, at least in the regular season.
