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Rockets Whipped in Road Trip Opener

San Antonio uses hot outside shooting in first half to cruise to win

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 30, 2008 6:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – Houston decided to seal off the lane for San Antonio today and did so successfully, denying Tim Duncan opportunities. Unfortunately for the Rockets, opposing guards Tony Parker and Michael Finley shot a combined 19-of-28 and the Spurs had the game won by halftime, finishing at 109-88, writes the Chronicle. Houston's Luis Scola scored 24 points while star Tracy McGrady was held to 13.

“We seemed like we were a step slow in every phase of this game, said coach Rick Adelman. Meanwhile, the Spurs, once again, are rounding into form at the perfect time, having won seven in a row and catching New Orleans for the top spot in the Western Conference. They had season-highs of 64% shooting and 66 first-half points.

San Antonio Spurs center Fabricio Oberto(7) battles for a rebound as Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo (55) defends on the play during their game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30, 2008.
San Antonio Spurs center Fabricio Oberto(7) battles for a rebound as Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo (55) defends on the play during their game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Delcia Lopez)
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili,(20), of Argentina, is fouled by Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier (31) during the fourth quarter of their NBA game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30 2008.
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili,(20), of Argentina, is fouled by Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier (31) during the fourth quarter of their NBA game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30 2008.   (AP Photo/Delcia Lopez)
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is double-teamed by Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, left, and guard Tracy McGrady, center back, in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30 2008.
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is double-teamed by Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, left, and guard Tracy McGrady, center back, in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30 2008.   (AP Photo/Delcia Lopez)
Houston Rockets guard Luther Head (2) is defended by San Antonio Spurs' Kurt Thomas during the third quarter of their NBA game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Spurs won, 109-88.
Houston Rockets guard Luther Head (2) is defended by San Antonio Spurs' Kurt Thomas during the third quarter of their NBA game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30, 2008. The Spurs won, 109-88.   (AP Photo/Delcia Lopez)
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, left, of France, is defended by Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston (12) during the second quarter of their game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30, 2008.
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, left, of France, is defended by Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston (12) during the second quarter of their game in San Antonio, Sunday, March 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Delcia Lopez)
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Box score
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Every game critical in the West
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NBA • basketball • San Antonio Spurs • Tony Parker • Houston Rockets • Tracy McGrady • Luis Scola • Michael Finley

 
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