Zhou Qi makes playoff debut, Houston go up 2-0

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In yet another action-packed night of the ongoing NBA Playoffs, Houston Rockets crushed Minnesota Timberwolves 102-82 in the second game of the first round Western Conference series between the two sides.

Incidentally, the high-octane game also saw 22-year-old Chinese Center Zhou Qi making his playoff debut as he went on to bag two points and a rebound as his side went on to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Playoff debutant Zhou Qi of Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 2. /VCG Photo‍

There was also a dubious distinction for James Harden as his 2-for-18 – the worst field-goal percentage (11%) on so many attempts in a playoff game in nearly a decade, apart from marking the worst ever in a first-round game. Thanks to their water-tight defense and a strong supporting star in Chris Paul helped the top seeds win the crunch game.

Paul, with 27 points and eight assists, spearheaded Houston’s attack from the word go and continued with the momentum to seal the game with Gerald Green contributing to their team’s cause with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Thanks to their emphatic victory Houston took a 2-0 series lead and Game 3 will be played on Saturday in Minnesota.