Stealth Roll Rockets Behind Historic Partnership
Houston Rockets at Seattle Stealth: 90-155
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January 6, SEATTLE (AP) – Kevin Durant and Reshawn Tyson combined for 91 points; the highest points output of teammates in an NBA game. The previous record belonged to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen when they scored 44 and 40 points respectively in 1996.
Not only did the pair reach a historic individual partnership; they also led the Stealth to their 16th straight win for the season. Durant was his usual self and after a string of outstanding scoring nights, he has recently approved of the fan-given nickname ‘Smooth Operator’. “I like that name,” Durant said, “I love my fans and I’m happy to carry the nickname of Smooth Operator. It’s a cool name. The fans know who I am.”
Tyson was overwhelming in his return from injury and after the game admitted that he could have started playing earlier. “I could have come back two or three games ago,” Ty stated, “Coach held me back so I listened to him. It’s good to have a game like this so I guess it was the right choice to practise and slowly get back into things.
Tyson came out motivated and scored 8 straight points to start the game. Two of those buckets were off steals. Durant got in on the action later and made the second quarter his own by scoring 16 second quarter points.
Tyson had 26 points at halftime but was outdone by Durant who had 29. The Stealth held an unassailable 83-44 lead. There were no problems for the Stealth on this night as they continued to cruise in the second half to win the game 155-90.
Stealth captain Jason Kidd gushed about his teammates’ production, “Wow, have you ever seen any game like this one?” Head Coach Geroge Karl couldn’t hide his joy, “This is truly a magical season.”
Yao Ming was held to 10 points as Tyus Thomas led the Rockets with 30 points. Danilo Gallinari, Christian Oliver, Ifeanyi Ndiaye scored 9 points each for the Rockets.
Notes: After 5 straight starts, Allen Iverson returned to the bench and finished with 7 points and 5 assists on 3 for 12 shooting from the field… Adam Morrison scored 9 points from off the bench…
Box Score wrote:Seattle Stealth 25-9 (39 – 44 – 26 – 46 – 155)
Kevin Durant: 47 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, 20-23 FG, 3-3 3PT, 4-4 FT
Reshawn Tyson: 44 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast, 6 stl, 14-19 FG, 3-5 3PT, 13-13 FT
Andrew Bogut: 16 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast, 7-10 FG, 2-2 FT
Jason Kidd: 12 pts, 3 reb, 11 ast, 2 stl, 4-11 FG
David Lee: 10 pts, 8 reb, 4-4 FG
Houston Rockets 17-19 (19 – 25 – 25 – 21 – 90)
Tyus Thomas: 30 pts, 7 reb, 14-20 FG
Louis Williams: 17 pts, 12 ast, 6-15 FG, 2-4 3PT, 3-5 FT
Ming Yao: 10 pts, 5 reb, 5-10 FG