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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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GAME FLOW
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- The Houston Rockets' Cuttino
Mobley is making a run at the NBA's Sixth Man Award.
Mobley, who finished second in the voting for last season's
Sixth Man, scored 16 points and helped the Rockets overcome a poor
shooting performance in an 82-75 victory over the Vancouver
Grizzlies on Monday night.
Houston reserves outscored their Vancouver counterparts 42-24.
Matt Bullard scored 12 points, including three key 3-pointers in
the fourth quarter to give the Rockets an 11-point cushion midway
through the period. Reserve forward Kenny Thomas contributed 12
rebounds for the Rockets.
"Cuttino's not really a bench player," insisted Houston coach
Rudy Tomjanovich, who recorded his 399th career victory. "He's an
important part of this team who does everything asked of him. He
has the complete package."
Mobley, who added seven rebounds in 39 minutes, finished second
in last year's Sixth Man balloting to Rodney Rogers of Phoenix. His
17.5 scoring average should make him a factor in this year's
voting.
"He really is a well-rounded player, and he thrives in the role
he's playing," Bullard said of Mobley.
"I really don't try to score," Mobley said. "I really just
try and pick apart teams by passing to create opportunities."
Houston, which shot 41 percent, received a solid contribution
from guard Steve Francis, who added 15 points.
"I had a dismal shooting performance," Francis said. "But I
thought my teammates did a good job, stepping up, hitting a lot of
big shots when it counted."
The Grizzlies' Ike Austin missed the game because of the flu and
guard Michael Dickerson aggravated a foot injury he picked up in
training camp four minutes into the game.
Dickerson did not return. His status will be determined Tuesday,
coach Sidney Lowe said.
"Obviously that took a little bit out of our club, but I
thought the guys hung in there and fought back," Lowe said.
Poor shot selection down the stretch hurt the Grizzlies, who
faced an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 26 points for Vancouver, which shot
38 percent and lost its third straight.
"If we're to have any chance of making the playoffs, this is
the type of game we have to win," said Tomjanovich, who is now
within a win of becoming the 29th NBA coach to record 400
victories.
Tomjanovich, ninth among active NBA coaches in career victories,
will try for No. 400 at Golden State on Thursday.
Game notes
Center Tony Massenburg made his first start for Vancouver
since May 5, 1999. He played a season-best 17 minutes. ...
Vancouver fans continually booed Houston's Francis, who caused an
uproar when the Grizzlies made him their first pick of the 1999
draft. ... Attendance was announced at 12,125. ... Shandon Anderson
surpassed the 1,000 rebound mark. ... Vancouver plays host to
Seattle on Wednesday.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Houston Clubhouse
Vancouver Clubhouse
RECAPS
Minnesota 96
Philadelphia 91
Phoenix 86
Chicago 80
San Antonio 91
Utah 83
Houston 82
Vancouver 75
LA Clippers 92
Orlando 80
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Matt Bullard dishes to Steve Francis for a spectacular slam.
avi: 512 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
 FROM
ATHLETESDIRECT
Rudy Tomjanovich Official Site
Mike Bibby Official Site
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