Houston Rockets 95, Los Angeles Lakers 93
The Rockets outrebounded the Lakers 49-37 but it still took a big three-pointer by Shane Battier to beat the Lakers. Tracy McGrady led the way for the Rockets with 30 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Yao Ming was unstoppable in the paint as he had 25 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and he blocked 3 shots. Shane Battier was the silent assassin with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. The Rockets start the season 1-0.