‘The Finger Wag’ (Bill Baptist - NBAE/Getty Images)

Last year Utah led the league in comeback wins in which they were down by 10 points or more, achieving that nail-biting stat 16 times in the 2006-07 season. And in the final regular season game against Houston last April, Utah almost added to that record, coming back from a nine point deficit to win 86-83.

It didn’t happen that way last night, though it seemed possible right up to the last minute. Of course, in last year’s game they were able to hold McGrady to a mere 20 points. Yao was the hot one that night, leading the Rockets with 35 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks-though that didn’t prove to be enough for them to win.

This time McGrady burned us with 47 points, while Yao wasn’t too much of a factor with only 11 points. Though those five blocked shots he produced were kind of painful. But with T-Mac’s hot hand, complete with finger wagging, the Rockets didn’t really need Yao. I wonder if Mutombo is okay with Tracy stealing his trademark sign?

I guess that loss last April, and well, maybe their elimination in the first round of the playoffs, provided enough motivation for the Rockets to beat us. Even with their sizzling start, the Jazz couldn’t overcome that motivation. Not that 20 turnovers and 9 misses from the line is a great way to get there. If we are going to have the success the team enjoyed last year, those are just two of the things the team can’t afford to continue doing. I suppose every game can’t be a blowout win, but it would sure save me some trips to Rosemary’s salon to cover the gray hairs if this year I didn’t have to withstand too many games like last night.