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
HoustonNext game:
Cleveland @ Miami
Wednesday, 11/12/2004, 7:30 PM