Houston Rockets legend Tracy McGrady recently revealed how Dikembe Mutombo helped him support a struggling Yao Ming during a tense 2005 NBA playoff series. The team's current form, with a last result of Houston Rockets 78-98 Los Angeles Lakers on 2026-05-02, shows a 2W-0D-3L record in their last five outings.
On a recent podcast, McGrady recounted a specific moment from the 2005 first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Veteran center Dikembe Mutombo approached him after noticing Yao Ming's frustration. "He said, 'T-Mac. Let me talk to your brother. Yao needs you. He needs you. Go to him. Talk to him,'" McGrady shared.
McGrady then went to the bench and put his hands on Yao's shoulders. He told the big man, "Yao. C'mon, big fella. I need you, big fella. Let's go." McGrady said he didn't know what it did, but it "put a battery in his back." This insight shows the leadership dynamic within that Rockets squad.
The Rockets and Mavericks met in the first round of the 2005 NBA Playoffs. Houston took a 2-0 series lead, with McGrady hitting a game-winning jumper in Game 2. The momentum shifted dramatically after that. Dallas stormed back with three straight wins, each by a margin of less than five points.
Then-Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy publicly questioned the officiating, suggesting referees were scrutinizing Yao Ming too closely. This added another layer of tension to an already fierce series. The Rockets ultimately lost the series in seven games, ending their playoff run.
While the current Rockets roster is building its own identity, the legacy of past stars remains a touchstone. The team's recent results include a mixed bag against the Lakers: a 78-98 loss on 2026-05-02, but also a 93-99 road win on 2026-04-30 and a 115-96 home victory on 2026-04-27.
Stories like McGrady's highlight the intangible elements of team success. Leadership, communication, and picking up a teammate during a slump are as important now as they were then. Fans can track the current team's progress and upcoming challenges on our schedule page.
Building a winning culture often requires moments beyond the stat sheet. McGrady's anecdote is a perfect example. It wasn't about a play call or a tactical adjustment. It was about one star recognizing another's struggle and offering direct, personal support. That 2005 team, featuring McGrady, Yao, and Mutombo, created memories that still resonate with the fanbase today.
