Utah Jazz: Rockets 95, Jazz 69 — Game 5 quarter-by-quarter breakdown

By the numbers

Utah is now 20-24 in closeout games, including a 5-17 mark on the road. The Jazz fare much better at home. They're 15-7in Salt Lake City in games where the opposition can be eliminated from the NBA playoffs.

First quarter breakdown

After missing all 14 3-point shots they attempted in Game 4, the Jazz connected on their first two on Tuesday. Mehmet Okur made both shots to give Utah an 8-4 lead with 6:21 remaining. It wasn't enough, however, to sway the momentum as the Rockets rallied to take a four-point lead of their own a few minutes later. Houston wound up with an 18-16 advantage at quarter's end.

Second quarter breakdown

Houston opened the quarter with a 9-0 run to build a double-digit lead. Bobby Jackson fuels the run with seven points. The guard wound up with nine in the first half as the Rockets' bench outscored the Jazz reserves 18-0 over the first two quarters. Houston led 43-32 at the break.

Third quarter breakdown

The Jazz cut the deficit to 47-40 before the Rockets ignited and pulled away with a decisive run. Luis Scola and Rafer Alston (right) combined for 17 points in a 23-8 burst that gave Houston a 22-point lead with 2:25 to go in the quarter. The Rockets entered the fourth period with a commanding 74-55 advantage and a lot of confidence.

Fourth quarter breakdown

Utah's hopes for a comeback never materialized. The Jazz went 5 1/2 minutes without a field goal at one point and managed just five baskets and four free throws in the final period. Houston, meanwhile, continued to distance itself. The Rockets extended their lead to a game-high 26 points in the final minute. Tracy McGrady scored eight of his team's 21 points down the stretch. He finished with a game-high 29 as Houston avoided elimination and closed the series to 3-2.

Up next: Game 6 in Utah

The Jazz will get a second shot to oust the Rockets Friday, 8:30 p.m., at EnergySolutions Arena. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Utah is just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals and a showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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