GAME RECAP
Defending Champs On The Ropes
PHOENIX (AP) -- Despite a herculean effort by superstar,
Amare Stoudemire, the
Houston Rockets have seized control of the series in a 114-107 overtime road victory vs the two-time defending champions.
Tracy McGrady and the Rockets picked up where they left off in game 1, hammering the Suns with a balanced inside-out attack which gave Houston an 8-point lead to start the second quarter; but then Amare decided he'd had enough.
Stoudemire dominated the 2nd quarter single-handedly like a one-man wrecking crew, exploding for 18 points including several rim-rocking facials, even ending the quarter with a rare, buzzer-beating trey. Defensively, Amare's menacing shot-blocking crippled the Rockets attack completely, turning the Suns' 8-point deficit into a 10-point advantage by hafltime.
"Raw power man," said McGrady of Stoudemire's inspired performance. "He's a beast; it's impossible to contain a beast once he gets outta the cage."
The Rockets would quickly find themselves facing a daunting 17-point deficit midway through the 3rd quarter under the relentless assault of the Suns quick and powerful front court, finally forcing a displeased
Phil Jackson to burn a timeout.
"The crowd was into it. They were into it. We were playing intimidated," said coach Jackson. "I told our guys to stay aggressive; we didn't come this far just to be intimidated."
After the timeout the Rockets seemed to regroup with fire in their eyes, matching the Suns aggressive intensity with a 13-2 run of their own in the most physical and punishing stretch of the series thus far. By the start of the 4th, the Suns lead was narrowed to single-digits, with Houston carrying momentum.
However, only minutes into the 4th quarter, just as the Rockets would finally wrestle the lead away to take an 81-79 advantage,
Yao Ming would take a hard foul on a dunk attempt from Phoenix's backup Center,
Azizi Badu. Ming seemed to grab for his back at first, then later covered his face.
It's unclear what injury was incurred but Ming left the game for the locker room and did not return. Yao finished a solid night with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Badu was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected, ending with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists but will face fines and/or possible suspension.
"Completely uncalled for," said coach Jackson after the game. "I hope the Commissioner reviews the tapes and takes appropriate action. Yao was obviously targeted to be taken out using whatever means necessary."
When told of Jackson's comments Suns coach
Mike D'Antoni responded, "Yes, well, that's hogwash. This is the playoffs - where 'hard fouls' happen."
Both teams battled evenly into the closing seconds of the 4th quarter. With Phoenix leading 97-95, the Suns would miss a golden opportunity to close the Rockets out in regulation when
Sean May snatched an offensive rebound and converted for the tie at the 19.2 second mark. Stoudemire would be unable to convert a final attempt for the Suns on the opposite end, forcing the extra period.
In overtime, the Rockets would relying on their tough defense, forcing Phoenix to miss their first 4 shot attempts while the Houston continued to score and slowly pulled ahead.
Deron Williams would increase their lead with a clutch three-pointer at the 2:43 mark, giving Houston a 104-99 advantage.
Phoenix's offense would continue to sputter and
Joey Graham would break things open with a second trey a few possessions later, giving Houston a double-digit advantage with 58.2 seconds and sending a stream of raucous fans heading for the parking lot.
"Of course it's disappointing. We had a huge lead and let it slip away," said a visibly frustrated Stoudemire after the game. "When you leave it all out on the court like that and still fall short, you can't help but feel disappointed. Now, we regroup and head out there, try to do what they did to us on our court; try and turn this series around."
Stoudemire would finish his epic night with 28 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 blocks while Tracy McGrady captured "Player of the Game" honors for the second time in as many games with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
With the defending champs back on their heels trailing in the series 2-0, they'll need to muster every ounce of championship mettle and resolve to figure out a way to chip back into the series.
Notes:
Yao Ming injury status: broken nose re-injured; will remain playable on 'active' roster; estimated recovery 7 days
BY-THE-NUMBERS
Phoenix
Houston
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almightyX - hey thx my man! glad you're tracking;
chaser - ahhh ok; yah that was a nice template for sure; maybe bring it back one day
by Jemesouviens on Wed Jul 23, 2008 5:00 am 
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Good luck against Denver/Sacto!
