Utah Jazz: Homecourt tragic — Rockets stun Jazz as home teams are still winless

Harpring missed the first freebie stemming from the call but made the second, tying the game at 44 — and denying Houston a chance to lead at the break for the first time in three playoff games this year and seven between the same two clubs last year.

McGrady, meanwhile, tried to make the half his as well.

The Rockets star took 13 of Houston's 44 opening-half shots from the field, but he made good on just five and — along with 2-for-5 free-throw shooting — had only 12 points heading into the third quarter.

Yet Thursday ultimately ended the frustration for McGrady, who — playing with padding on his sore left shoulder — has appeared in six postseason series without ever advancing to the second round.

"We played with a lot of passion and a lot of heart," said McGrady, who finished 11-of-26 from the field and 5-for-9 from the line. "We kept our composure."

And kept their hopes alive.

NOTES: Landry, accidentally whacked in the face by Boozer as they chased after a loose ball during the second quarter, lost at least one tooth. He also planned to undergo postgame X-rays for a possible broken nose, but returned to play in the second half ... The Jazz have been up 3-0 in a best-of-seven series only two times previous time in franchise history ... Houston point Rafer Alston finished with 20 points after missing the series' first two games with a pulled hamstring.

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