However, the Rockets' Tracy McGrady, who has been maligned for his postseason shortcomings, continued to march toward his first playoff series win with 31 points.
"I have been in post season five times," he said. "This is first time I felt like I had great supporting cast to help me get past the first round."
The star swingman managed just one point in the first half in the series opener but netted 22, including 16 in the third quarter, in the second half of that contest.
It carried over to Monday's game for the former scoring champion, who shot nine-of-29 from the field and hit the glass hard.
But despite a poor shooting night, McGrady connected on a crucial jumper down the stretch.
"We came up a little short," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "We are going to have to be better to beat this team. ... We played well but when there is such disparity in free throws, it makes it difficult."
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