Rockets Whipped in Road Trip Opener

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. (More basketball stories.)