Houston Roundball Review Archive: March 2007 Yao Ming's 37 Leads Rockets over Orlando

Sunday, March 11, 2007

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming dominated the Orlando Magic in a quiet, workman-like manner Sunday evening.

Yao's 37 points led all scorers in the game. He made 14 of his 22 field goal attempts and 9 of his 11 free throw attempts.

In addition to his points; Yao added four blocked shots; seven rebounds; and three assists.

Tracy McGrady: "...searching out Yao tonight..."

The Rockets (39 - 24) led Orlando (29 - 35) for much of the ball game.

Orlando forward Hedo Turkoglu scored the first points of the game by draining a three-point shot; however, once the Rockets took the lead 5 to 3, Orlando never led the rest of the game.

The Rockets shot 68.8% (11 for 16) in the first quarter and led Orlando 31 to 23 at the end of the period.

Tracy McGrady scored 10 points in the quarter; and the Rockets dished out seven assists on the 11 made baskets.

The Rockets matched their shooting numbers in the second quarter (11 for 16); but, dished 11 assists on the 11 made field goals.

Yao led the team with eight points in the second quarter.

Houston led Orlando 58 to 45 at halftime.

Despite making just 7 of 21 shots in the third period, the Rockets still outscored Orlando 25 to 21 in the quarter to a 17-point lead (83 to 66) into the fourth quarter.

Yao scored 10 points during the third stanza.

Orlando managed a few mini-runs in the fourth quarter; but, the Rockets were never seriously challenged throughout the final quarter.

Houston's lead dwindled to 10 points three times during the fourth period; but, the game was never in doubt.

Apparently, Orlando Magic head coach Brian Hill didn't believe his team was a legit threat to the Rockets in the fourth quarter because All-Star big man Dwight Howard did not play a single second during the final period.

Howard finished the game with 16 points and 12 rebounds for his 45th double-double this season.

Houston finished the game with 30 assists on 36 made baskets (36 for 68, 52.9%).

Tracy McGrady finished with 19 points and 10 assists today. He now has six 10-plus assist performances this season and nine double-doubles.

Overall, McGrady has recorded 11 career double-digit assist games with the Rockets

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Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy: "...fun to watch..."

Shane Battier, who was 4-of-5 from beyond the arc for 12 points today, had a season-high four blocked shots. He also led the Rockets with eight rebounds.

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