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McGrady, Rockets aim to take 2-0 lead in series vs. Jazz

Apr 23, 2007 - 3:13 PM Utah at Houston 9:30 pm EDT Western Conference first round Houston leads series, 1-0

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Tracy McGrady awoke in Game One for the Houston Rockets. Carlos Boozer never did for the Utah Jazz.

McGrady and the Rockets look to take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series against the Jazz on Monday.

Maligned for never having won a playoff series in his career, McGrady managed just one point in the first half in the series opener.

But McGrady showed his superstar form in the second half, when he scored 22 points, including 16 in the third quarter, as the Rockets rallied for an 84-75 win.

"I told myself at halftime to calm down. Take some deep breaths," McGrady said. "When I made my first couple of jumpers I knew I was going to get it rolling. I was going to take more shots, take difficult shots. My team needed me more than ever."

All-Star Yao Ming had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Rafer Alston contributed nine, 11 and eight assists for Houston, which overcame a 42-33 halftime deficit.

While McGrady found his game, Boozer was unable to do the same. He scored just 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting in his first career postseason contest.

"We got good looks at the basket and we're not going to get as many layups, obviously, because of their size," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "They're a great defensive team and they put a lot of pressure on you."

Sloan also would like to see a better production from Mehmet Okur, who scored just six points.

The series heads to Utah for Game Three on Thursday.