Tracy McGrady
The shooting guard who scored 13 points in 35 seconds against the Spurs.
Tracy McGrady, known as T-Mac, joined the Houston Rockets on June 29, 2004, as part of a seven-player trade that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Orlando Magic. He expressed excitement about playing alongside Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming. Shortly after arriving, he signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension. His time in Houston was marked by incredible individual performances, including one of the most memorable sequences in NBA history.
- Role
- Shooting Guard
- Affiliation
- Houston Rockets (2004–2010)
- NBA All-Star Selections
- 7-time NBA All-Star
- Scoring Titles
- 2-time NBA Scoring Champion
- All-NBA Team
- 7-time All-NBA selection
- Jersey Number
- 1
Lore & Background
On December 9, 2004, McGrady delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career against the San Antonio Spurs. With the Rockets trailing late, he scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds, including four consecutive three-pointers and a last-second three to secure a comeback victory. The Rockets struggled to begin the 2004–05 season, posting a losing record of 16–17 through their first 33 games. McGrady's heroics that night remain a defining moment of his tenure in Houston.
In Their Own Story
The Rockets had just acquired McGrady in a blockbuster trade, pairing him with Yao Ming. The team struggled out of the gate, but on that December night against the Spurs, everything changed. With 35 seconds left and the game seemingly lost, McGrady took over. He hit a three, then another, then a fourth, each shot more improbable than the last. The final three-pointer, a high-arcing shot over Brent Barry, swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, giving Houston an improbable win. It was a moment that defined his career in Houston.
Reader's Guide
McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets on June 29, 2004, in a seven-player deal. He signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension shortly after arriving. In the 2004–05 season, the Rockets posted a 16–17 record through their first 33 games. On December 9, 2004, McGrady scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs, including four consecutive three-pointers and a game-winning three. This remains one of the most famous individual performances in NBA history. McGrady's final seasons in the NBA were plagued by injuries, and he retired in 2013.
Did You Know?
- McGrady was traded to the Rockets on June 29, 2004, in a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Magic.
- He signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension shortly after arriving in Houston.
- On December 9, 2004, McGrady scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs, including four consecutive three-pointers and a game-winner.
- The Rockets posted a 16–17 record through their first 33 games of the 2004–05 season.
- McGrady's final NBA seasons were plagued by injuries, and he retired in 2013.