Deron Williams had 22 points and 5 assists while Mehmut Okur posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds as the Utah Jazz beat the Houston Rockets 90-84 to take the 2-0 advantage in the first round of the playoffs series.
Tracy McGrady‘s solid all around effort of 23 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks was not enough to lift the Rockets for a win. Bobby Jackson, who is subbing for the injured Rafer Alston, scored 18 points and rookie Luis Scola added 14. Already missing Alston and Yao Ming, the Rockets bench did not exactly put up good numbers in the game. The Rockets bench only managed to contribute 15 points.
Carlos Boozer managed to chip in 13 points and 7 rebounds and Ronnie Brewer added 10 markers for the visiting Jazz.
The Rockets are down a 0-2 hole in the first round of the playoffs and they’ll be having more troubles when the series heads to Utah on the 24th. The Jazz went 37-4 at the EnergySolutions Arena during the regular season.
I’m not counting out the Rockets in the playoffs, but looks to me that T-Mac‘s first round jinx is still in effect.
-fouledout
FOULEDOUT! 
yep, Rockets are in trouble. no Yao Ming = No Playoff success.
I’m glad to see that you are not counting out the Rockets just yet like most of the main stream media is. Hell even our local sports radio guys are all but throwing in the towel. It’s unfortunate for T-Mac but he has his work laid out for him and now he can either step up, or not. I don’t see this Rockets team getting swept but Utah is a very good team when they don’t flop.
Houston is done. What an amazing turnaround… from 20+ wins in a row to the possibility of a first round sweep.
Indeed. And I eat my words on the Rockets making even a little noise in the playoffs.
the rockets MAY win one game, but they won’t be able to win the whole series.. they just don’t have what it takes.. sorry t-mac..