Unexpectedly, the Rockets played incredibly strong, dominating the first quarter.
Tomjanovich positioned Robert Horry as a small forward and Tracy Murray as a shooting guard. The two big men, each over 6'7", constantly fired from beyond the three-point line.
At halftime, the Rockets made 7 out of 11 three-pointers, achieving a frighteningly high conversion rate and briefly leading by 7 points going into the third quarter.
The Rockets displayed the vigor of a young team in the first game of the playoff series; their fearless attitude like newborn calves taking on tigers.
Although during the regular season they were often toyed with by the crafty Gan Guoyang, the playoffs were different, and the Rockets' morale was high throughout the team.
During halftime in the locker room, Bird was dissatisfied with the players' performance, especially the abysmal external defense, which was penetrated by the two tall shooters.
