There are 35 seconds left in the final quarter, less than two possessions. The Spurs lead 76-68. Some fans are already leaving the Toyota Center, convinced the game is over. But this is when the fate of the Rockets, until then sealed, takes an epic turn. Tracy McGrady, aka T-Mac, decides to put on his extraterrestrial costume.

T-Mac’s Arrival in Houston

During the summer of 2004, Tracy McGrady joined the Houston Rockets from Orlando. He integrated into a roster that included Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo. The goal of the trade was clear: to create an irresistible duo with Yao, similar to the Shaq-Kobe tandem, and to return to the glory of the 1994-95 years when Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets to the title.

“Tracy McGrady is one of my inspirations. He was so smooth and fundamentally sound. One of the best players ever watched.” — Kevin Durant.”

 

The Context of the Game

It’s December 9, 2004, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The Rockets are going through a difficult start to the season with a record of 8 wins and 11 losses. On the other side, Tim Duncan’s Spurs are in impressive form: 16 wins and only 3 losses.

Despite the statistics in favor of San Antonio, the Rockets lead at halftime 38 to 34. This score, very low by current NBA standards, illustrates the intensity of fierce defense on both sides. But in the second half, the Spurs recovered, driven by an energetic outburst from Gregg Popovich. They regain control of the game and lead 74-64 with less than a minute left. The outcome seems sealed.

“T-Mac was unstoppable. He was a silent killer on the court, and he could score from anywhere.” — Shaquille O’Neal.

 

T-Mac’s Rise

With 45 seconds on the clock, the Rockets close in at 74-68 thanks to defensive errors by the Spurs. Popovich scolds Manu Ginobili. T-Mac, under the effect of adrenaline, commits a foul on Devin Brown, who makes his two free throws. 76-68 Spurs. There are 35 seconds left.

• 35 seconds: T-Mac brings the ball up, rises for a three-pointer against Devin Brown. Basket. 76-71 Spurs.
• 31 seconds: Devin Brown draws a foul and makes his two free throws. 78-71 Spurs.
• 24 seconds: T-Mac goes around a screen from Yao Ming, fakes Tim Duncan, and scores a three-pointer with the foul. He converts the free throw. 78-75 Spurs. Timeout called by Popovich.

“T-Mac was a monster. At his peak, there was nobody more talented in the league.” — Lebron James.

• 15 seconds: Duncan makes two free throws. 80-75 Spurs. Timeout for Houston.
• 11 seconds: T-Mac, transcendent, shoots a contested three-pointer over Bruce Bowen. Swish. 80-78 Spurs. Timeout San Antonio.

On the next play, Devin Brown fumbles in the paint and loses the ball. T-Mac recovers it and brings it up the court. Facing two defenders, he takes an extremely difficult mid-range shot. Silence in the arena. The ball goes through the net. 81-80 Rockets.

Tony Parker attempts a desperate shot, but the game is already sealed. The Rockets win. T-Mac has just achieved the impossible: 13 points in 35 seconds.

 

A Legendary Performance

This performance enters the legend, just like Reggie Miller’s 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks in 1995. Less “flashy” than Kobe Bryant’s 81 points or Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 points, it remains unforgettable. T-Mac proved that night that a game is never over as long as there is time on the clock.

Unfortunately, the T-Mac/Yao Ming duo never lived up to expectations. The Rockets never got past the conference semifinals. T-Mac, despite his immense talent, never knew the glory of an NBA ring. However, his legacy remains colossal, inspiring players like Kevin Durant. In 2017, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, sealing his status as a legend.

“Tracy was incredible. He could do everything. I told him one day that he did everything I did, but he was 6’8″. He was a nightmare to defend.” — Kobe Bryant.