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McGrady, Rockets face Jazz in Game Seven

May 5, 2007 - 1:57 PM Utah at Houston 9:30 pm EDT Western Conference first round Series tied, 3-3

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Tracy McGrady, who has never won a playoff series, aims to help the Houston Rockets advance on Saturday when they face the Utah Jazz in Game Seven of their Western Conference first-round series.

McGrady collected 26 points and 10 rebounds and Yao Ming scored 25 points as Houston suffered a 94-82 loss at Utah in Game Six on Thursday.

The seven-time All-Star has never advanced in the postseason in five previous attempts. He came close two years ago in his first season with Houston, but lost a first-round matchup to the Dallas Mavericks in seven games.

McGrady also had a chance to advance in 2003 with the Orlando Magic, who blew a 3-1 lead against the Detroit Pistons. McGrady now will try to help the Rockets advance to the conference semifinals for the first time since 1997.

The Jazz saved their season Thursday thanks to a few clutch performances. Carlos Boozer scored 22 points and Mehmet Okur added 14 of his 19 in the second half for Utah.

"I was pleased with the effort that our guys put in to try and win the game," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "I know we had our backs against the wall and I thought the club did a fine job."

The home team has won each game of the series.