Warriors Boxscore
Rockets Boxscore
Pregame Notes
It December the 1st and the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets face each other for the third time already this season. Houston won the season opener at home while the Warriors were able to come away with the win in the Arena in Oakland when they virtually eliminated the Chinese giant Yao Ming. It's the first game for the Warriors on the road after finishing a seven game home series with a win against the Lakers last week.
X-Factors
Shane Battier will play a big role in tonights game. The defensive specialist is said to defend Jason Richardson tonight. The Warriors depend on Richardson's scoring because it is felt that inside scoring tonight will be difficult. If Battier is able to prevent Jason from scoring the Rockets have a clear advantage.
First Quarter
It was the tight matchup experts predicted. Yao Ming made inside scoring very difficult for the Warrior's big-men Zach Randolph and Andris Biedrins. Jason Richardson tried to shake off his defender the whole first quarter and was limited to only 2 points on 1/2 shooting. Veteran Point Guard Bob Sura played extremely well this first quarter and caused trouble for the Warrior's defenders. Tracy McGrady focused on distributing the ball but scored on 4 consecutive possessions near the end of the Quarter. The score is tied at 20 after one.

1. Baron Davis performs a no-look pass to Andris Biedrins
2. Jason Richardson pulls up for the jumper
Second Quarter
The Golden State Warriors focused on distributing the ball in the second quarter and things started to get better. Mike Miller was feeling it when hitting three consecutive three pointers in a row to give the Warriors an early lead. The Rockets tried to come buck but a number of careless turnovers prevented them from narrowing the gap. Rafer Alston had to sit down after colliding with Baron Davis but returned to the game. Warriors lead 50 - 41 at halftime.

1. Jason Richardson with an open look
2. Rafer Alston gets injured
Third Quarter
The Third was an even quarter. Just like the first one. It was a back and forth of scoring runs but the Warriors kept the upside due to tough defence. Andris Biedrins and Darko Milicic played well together on the floor and allowed only a few points in the paint. Baron Davis and Mike Miller provided the much needed scoring for the Warriors as Jason Richardson is not feeling it tonight.

1. Andris Biedrins with the beautiful dunk
2. Jason Richardson with the lay-up
Fourth Quarter
Houston made a nice push in the fourth quarter. Especially Tracy McGrady focused on scoring and the Warriors lead was shrinking from minute to minute. Despite the stellar performances of Mike Miller and Baron Davis, the other players contributed not as well as usually. A three pointer by Yao Ming tied the game at 89 and we are heading into overtime.

1. Mike Miller does what he does best, hitting threes.
2. Zach Randolph is a crotch grabber
Overtime
The Rockets dismantled the Warriors in overtime. Tracy McGrady took over the game and the Warriors turned the ball over numerous times to give the the opponent a big lead. They were never able to recover and the Rockets won 109 - 99.
