The Rockets outscored Dallas 32-13 in the 4th quarter, leading to a 101-83 win in Houston, tying the series at 3 wins apiece. Tracy McGrady led Houston with 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The Houston bench was key to the victory, as Jon Barry and Mike James combined for 36. Dikembe Mutumbo had 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. Yao Ming was almost non-existent, only totaling 8 points in 27 minutes. He didn?t play in the 4th quarter.
Dallas was led by Jerry Stackhouse?s 21 points off the bench and Dirk Nowitzki?s 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The 1st quarter was led by 7 points each from Nowitzki and Stackhouse. Dallas led 26-18 at the end of the quarter.
The story of the 2nd quarter was Houston?s bench. Mike James had 13 points and Ryan Bowen had 7. Tracy McGrady scored 7 points in 29 seconds at the end of the quarter to give Houston a 52-45 lead at the half.
The 3rd quarter was a low-scoring period as both teams combined for just 34 points, the same amount scored in the 2nd quarter by Houston alone.
In the 4th quarter, Houston came out blazing, with Jon Barry scoring 10 of Houston?s first 12 points in 3 ? minutes. Dallas then went on an 8-2 run over the next 1 ? minutes to come within 4 points of Houston.
19 straight points put Houston up 101-80 with :37 left in the game. Mike James scored 9 in the stretch, and Tracy McGrady scored 8 of the 19, with two 3 pointers. Dikembe Mutumbo had 2 blocks and 3 defensive rebounds during the stretch that lasted 6:28.
Houston heads to Dallas for Game 7 on Saturday.