On Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets went to New Jersey to play the Nets, and they completely blew them out on their home floor, 96-71. New Jersey shot 33% from the floor, the “Big 3″ all had terrible nights, Houston outrebounded New Jersey 54-32, and yes, this is all without Yao.

For New Jersey, nothing really went well at all. The “Big 3″ of Vince Carter, Jason Kidd, and Richard Jefferson shot a combined 11-40 (28%) from the floor. That is absolutely terrible. The leading scorer for New Jersey was rookie G/F Hassan Adams off the bench with 13. Vince Carter and Bostjan Nachbar each had 12, and Kidd/Jefferson each had 11. Jason Kidd did, however, steal the ball 6 times. But that means nothing, the Nets played a horrible game.

For Houston, oh… how should this be put? “Bing, Bang, Boom, Battier!” Battier absolutely lit it up, hitting 7 three pointers and grabbing 9 rebounds. McGrady really struggled with his shot again (4-16), but he finished with 17 points and 6 assists. Juwan Howard finished with a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds), and Rafer Alston had a nice all-around night with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Even Mt. Mutombo got in on the action, and grabbed himself 10 boards. The Rockets shot 48% from 3, grabbed 54 rebounds, hit 18 of 21 from the free throw line, and they walk away with a huge road victory.

Player of the Game: Shane Battier

23 points, 9 rebounds, 7-12 3FG

Next Game: Tomorrow (Friday, 12/29/06) at home vs. Atlanta at 7:30 pm.

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