Diary of the Rockets game against the Phoenix Suns

November 12, 8:57 PMHouston Rockets ExaminerDavid Hartnett

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9:00 p.m: As tonight’s game will either drift the Rockets’ record (4-3) back to mediocrity, or increase it back to respectability compatible with preseason expectations, it will be no easy task. As the play the revamped Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, what was a frightening matchup, now isnt evoking the fear it once did.

Before, when the Rockets would take on the run-and-gun Suns with Steve Nash running up-and-down the court, it was a scary proposition for the Rockets to face. The Suns had greater athleticism, played a style more conducive to their personnel, and the Rockets couldn’t slow the game, and would continually lose. Now with the Suns bringing in Shaquille O’Neal, and while their up-and-down tempo may not necessarily be conducive to Shaq’s current athletic abilities, their scoring hasn’t been inhibited.
Their currently the second highest scoring team in the league so far with 103 points, and any indication that the big frontcourt of Shaq and Amare Stoudamire wouldn’t work out would be wrong. They’re both shooting over 60%, and the team’s two leading scorers.

One of the important things to pay attention to the game is how well Yao can control Amare in the paint. Whoever controls the paint, will determine the outcome of the game.

9:50 p.m: A 10-minute delay to start the game (thanks Heat vs. Trail Blazers).  Regardless, the Suns have taken an early 14-7 lead.  So far Artest and McGrady have been relatively ineffective, while Yao has had two shots blocked by Shaq.  Though Yao has four of the team's seven points thus far. Amare had two great games against the Rockets last year with Shaq by his side, but so far has been a turnover machine with two, and no points.

9:59 p.m: Well a 10-2 run has made a seven-point deficit for the Rockets, turn into a one-point lead.  As the game stands 19-18 — with around two minutes to go in the first quarter — McGrady just hit his first jumper, and only second in the past three games. Shaq and Yao are both on the bench, so let's see what happens now with the smaller lineups out there.  Also, Alston hit three consecutive shots to spark the Rockets' run.  Things look go thus far.

10:06 p.m: First quarter is done, Rockets up 23-22.  Amare has been relatively quiet, while Brooks closed out the quarter with a quick dash and lay-up.  Matt Barnes of the Suns has a game-high seven points thus far.  While Yao is on his way to a big game statistically with six points and six rebounds.  Artest has been relatively quiet, yet to attempt a shot.

10:21 p.m: Aaaaaarrrroooooonnnn Brroooookkkks!!! Wow what a player! A game-high 11 point to spark the Rockets offense, and so far has given them a eight-point lead, 38-30.  Yao and Shaq are back at it again.

10:43 p.m: It's halftime, and the half was closed by Artest's first field goal of the half.  The lead for the Rockets is seven, 44-37 — as the point guards for the Rockets are carrying the offensive load thus far.  Brooks has 11, while Alston has contributed eight. The Rockets' defense on Amare has been outstanding, limiting their leading scorer to only two points. 

11:10 p.m: Welcome back T-Mac.  He's made two 3-pointers in transition so far, and in the game is 6-of-10 for 15 points.  The Rockets lead is up to 12 — 63-51, and the Suns are struggling from the field.  Yao has a double-double, with 12 points and 13 rebounds.  The big two have played well, lets see if Artest will join in on the party.

11:21 p.m: FIGHT! Wow Matt Barnes, not sure why he pushed Alston, but it's always nice to see Alston fight back.  He may not always be the best player on the court, but he never backs down.  The Rockets' lead is 19, 74-55, due to McGrady's third 3-pointer.  T-Mac also has 15 points this quarter.  Welcome back Mac, welcome back. 

11:25 p.m: Officials decided both Barnes and Alston are gone.  Seems fair, Alston just responded to un-due aggression by Barnes, and nobody would blame his response.  Yet, it was important that they were both gone.

12:00 a.m: Game is over, and the Rockets win...yay! A 12-point win, 94-82 that showed T-Mac and Yao coming back into their typical flashy scoring selves.  McGrady finished the game with 27, including 22 in the second half.  Yao had an all-around good performance.  With 17 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks, the big fella was back.  While the big two were strong, Artest struggled.  With only four points on 1-of-12 shooting, it wasn't a great offensive night for Ron-Ron.  Regradless, Aaron Brooks came off the bench and gave the team an offensive spark.  All things considered, despite Shaq having a good game, the Rockets' defense clamped down on the potent Suns offense, and held them to 20 points below their season average.

*******

Player of the Game:

Tracy McGrady, 27 points, five rebounds

After playing poorly in the LA road trip, T-Mac was back — at least for a night.  Now let's see how long he can score at this rate of success.

Goat of the Game:

Matt Barnes, 11 points, seven rebounds

He started a fight, for what reason — I have no idea.