T-Mac torches Jazz for 47 points in Rockets' win

Hot-shooting McGrady exploded for 47 points, and the Rockets spoiled the Utah Jazz season home-opener, 106-95 on Thursday night.

 Two nights after scoring 30 points in a season-opening road victory over the LA Lakers, McGrady connected on 17-of-27 field goals and 11-of-14 free throws in 39 minutes.

 "I'm off to a great start and my confidence is extremely high," T-Mac said, after eclipsing the 40-point plateau for the 42th time in his career. "Things are falling for me right now."

   McGrady's sparkling performance gave the Rockets their first win in Salt Lake City since March 28, 2005.

 "It's tough to win in the building and we haven't won here in a long time," McGrady explained. "I just wanted to insert myself right away and get my guys out to a great lead and come out of here victorious."

   Mike James had 15 points, but foul-troubled Yao finished with just 11 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots for Houston, which improved to 2-0 under new head coach Rick Adelman.

 "If you're going to win on the road against good teams, it's all about responding offensively and defensively, where you take back control of the game," Adelman said. "Our mental toughness was really there tonight. We never gave in."

   After going scoreless in his NBA debut on Tuesday, Luis Scola contributed seven points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench.

 "He did a nice job," said Adelman of the Argentine rookie forward. "I think he's going to be a factor for us."

   Carlos Boozer led Utah (1-1) with 30 points and 16 rebounds. Deron Williams had 18 points and 13 assists, while Turkey's Mehmet Okur finished with 16 points and 10 boards.

 The Jazz, who eliminated the Rockets in the first round of last year's playoffs, led by 12 points in the first quarter before T-Mac caught fire. With Yao on the bench, T-Mac scored 26 points, giving the Rockets a 57-49 halftime advantage.

 Twice in the final four minutes, Boozer buried jumpers to bring the Jazz within five points. However, McGrady answered with a jumper of his own, and added two free throws with 2:53 remaining to keep the Rockets ahead, 98-91.

 After Yao and Boozer traded baskets, McGrady put the final touches on his night, making two free throws to seal the victory.

 Elsewhere:    Detroit Pistons 91, Miami Heat 80

   Tayshaun Prince scored five of his career-high 34 points in a decisive 12-0 run during a six-minute stretch, bridging the third and fourth quarters, and equaled a personal best with 12 rebounds, leading the visiting Pistons over the Heat, in the season opener for both teams.

 Chauncey Billups added 19 points and 11 assists for the Pistons, who played without their leading scorer Richard Hamilton (family emergency).

 Newcomer Ricky Davis led the Heat with 23 points, while Udonis Haslem had 14 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with just over four minutes left. However, foul-troubled Shaquille O'Neal, double-teamed most of the game, finished with just nine points - all in the second half.

 Phoenix Suns 106, Seattle SuperSonics 99

   Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Suns spoil the season home-opener for the Sonics and rookie phenom Kevin Durant.

 Steve Nash collected 18 points and 12 assists, while Grant Hill contributed 13 points in his Suns' debut as Phoenix won for the only the second time in nine season openers.

 Picked second overall in last summer's NBA Draft, Durant scored 27 points on 11-for-23 shooting. Chris Wilcox had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Seattle, which fell to 0-2 under new head coach P.J. Carlesimo.

 After blowing a nine-point lead late in the third quarter, Durant drilled a three-pointer to draw the Sonics within 96-93.

 With the Suns ahead, 98-93, Durant committed two costly mistakes, however. He had the ball stolen, and then was called for an offensive foul with 2:11 left. Nash followed with his third 3-pointer of the game to seal the win.

DPA