T-Mac on Dime #2

Since the Rockets’ 22nd consecutive win a week and a half ago, they’ve gone 3-4 and suffered their worst defeat of the season yesterday against the Spurs. The 109-88 twenty-piecing was really over by halftime, as San Antonio led 66-48 by the break. In their effort to keep the Spurs off of the three-point line, the Rockets rolled out the red carpet for mid-ranged jumpers. San Antonio shot 54% from inside the arc.

“Nine times out of 10, contested two-point jumpers don’t beat you,” said Shane Battier. “This was one time it does. Our defense was predicated on keeping them off the 3-point line and trying to keep them out of the paint and off the free-throw line, but they were hitting those mid-range jumpers.”

During this seven game hiccough, Houston’s D hasn’t been the only source of trouble. T-Mac went from lights-out to pretty cold. He’s 51-149 over this duration, roughly 34%, and his points dropped to 18.8 per game.

“I tried to attack the basket right away,” McGrady said. “I didn’t want to settle for jumpers because of the way I was feeling. I got to the paint a couple times, finished a couple times. I thought it was going to open everything up for me. I just couldn’t get it going on the offensive end.

“I missed shots, easy shots. Today was one of those days for me.”

But it’s not all McGrady’s fault. Rafer Alston can’t seem to find anyone for an easy basket - he’s notched 3 assists per game over their last seven. Dikembe hasn’t been wagging his finger either. He’s blocked five shots over the span.

“We always said when we play the way we have to, we can beat everybody,” said Luis Scola. “When we don’t, we’re going to lose to everybody.”