to take it 107-98. They were without Devin Harris for the 2nd straight game and withouth Dirk's backup Brandon Bass either and that would hurt the Mavs because Dirk got in foul trouble in the 3rd quarter. Also the most impressive thing to look for in this game was both teams were 45-48 free throw shooting, thats amazing.I thought the officiating was horrible tonight, have to get that out of the way, it seemed like for most of the game it was in Houston's favor (mainly McGrady's) and towards the last 4 or 5 minutes it shifted towards Dallas's favor especially on a couple loose ball fouls and some plays on PF Chuck Hayes.
As I said at halftime if the Rockets don't get a 3rd scorer to contribute they'd lose this game. I can see later this season Bonzi Wells or Mike James becoming a decent 3rd and 4th scoring option but they struggled tonight combining for 5-20. And although TMac had 19 points in the 1st half didn't mean he had to keep chucking (granted he had 7 assists) He had 35 points but need 31 shots to get there while Yao had a very efficient night going 9-12 for 21 and 11 rebounds. I don't understand why Adelman didn't go to him more, he did a great job freeing up McGrady for shots off picks though. They just stuggled in the 4th and couldn't contain Jason Terry who scored 31 off the bench.
Onto the Mavs they played well, once the 3rd started they looked like they'd break it open soon but the Rockets got there shit together and it kept going back and forth. Then in the 3rd the refs decided Dirk was breathing to close to the Rockets and got whistled for 3 fouls in the 3rd sending him to the bench. Josh Howard started the 3rd with 3 and once Dirk got his 4th he went in for him and quickly picked up his 4th. To make things worse for the Mavs was they only had 11 healthy players tonight. But with a minute left in the 3rd Jason Terry took over scoring 10 straight points in the game. Desagana Diop was very impressive getting a double-double 10 points 11 boards and staying on the floor vs. Yao getting 0 fouls, had he been in foul trouble the Mavericks probably lose this game. And aside from Diop and the free throw shooting, 4 Mavs had at least 4 assists and 3 had at least 5.
I'm just glad to see the Mavs playing against a very good Rockets team while being short handed. Also hope that Josh Howard is healthy because he sprained his ankle near the end of the game but was tough enough to stick it out though he looked in pain when he was going to the bench. Just what we need another injury to a key player.
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