Houston defends home court
The final score - 95 to 97
Steve Francis dropped 33 points on Miami, but the win was also in large part because of Yao Ming. Together Kelvin Cato and Yao Ming were able to outrebound Miami, giving them more second chances and decreasing Miami's second chances. All the players on Miami played fairly well, with Rasual Butler playing great off the bench. Lamar Odom had an off night, shooting only 33% and scoring 15 points. At one moment in the game Brian Grant was injured and had to sit out to be checked out. His leg was hurt, but he was able to return. Cuttino Mobley was also injured, and the results showed he banged up his elbow, but he also returned to the game. Shortly after the injury, Brian Grant made a 3 pointer to beat the shotclock, only a mere hint at what was to come later. Down 95-97 on the final possession, Dwyane Wade brought the ball up the court, and handed it off the Brian Grant at the 3 point line to start the play. Caught up in the moment, the veteran center shot a 3 pointer, something that came as a surprise to everyone. Brian Grant airballed, the ball went out of bounds, and that sealed up the game.
Yao Ming and Brian Grant grabbed a total of 25 boards.
Player of the Game - Steve Francis
Player of the game Steve Francis talks to reporters after the final horn.
Question 1: How does it feel to have such a great start to the season?
Franchise: It's great. I've been shooting the ball and my shots are falling.
Question 2: Did you have any idea Brian Grant would attempt another 3 pointer?
Franchise: No, I didn't, but when he started to try it, I was happy, because he's just not a 3 point shooter. I guess there's more to his injury then it seems. *points to noggin*
Question 3: How has the team been with the arrival of Yao Ming?
Franchise: It's been great, we hope to make the playoffs this year.
Game Stats Overview
- Code: Select all
Entire Game Miami Houston
Points 95 97
Bench Scoring 22 16
Field Goals 42/95 39/83
Field Goal % .442 .470
3 Point FG 2/13 2/16
3 Point % .154 .125
Free Throws 9/13 17/23
Free Throw % .692 .739
Rebounds 44 52
Off. Rebounds 3 5
Def. Rebounds 41 47
Blocks 3 4
Steals 12 1
Assists 30 18
Turnovers 8 17
Fouls 18 10
Player Stats
Miami
Houston
Next game:
Cleveland @ Miami
Wednesday, 11/12/2004, 7:30 PM