Rockets put Jazz in 2-0 hole

Tracy McGrady scored 31 points and the Houston Rockets had an exceptional night at the free-throw line to overcome Carlos Boozer’s huge game.

The host Rockets made 34 of 38 free throws in a 98-90 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night and took a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.

Boozer matched a career high with 41 points, making jumpers from all angles over 7-foot-6 Yao Ming. He finished 17 for 30 from the field and had 12 rebounds and six assists.

Yao had 27 points and made all nine of his free throws. McGrady went 12 for 14 on free throws.

The Jazz was 13 for 17 from the free-throw line.

Chuck Hayes had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets, who have won seven of eight playoff series when they led 2-0.

The Jazz has never come back from an 0-2 deficit to win a playoff series. Utah has lost 16 of its last 17 road playoff games.

The Rockets, a 75% free-throw shooting team during the regular season, gladly took advantage, making 29 of 32 in the second half in winning for the 10th time in 14 games.

After leading by two at halftime, the Jazz fell behind in the third quarter before pulling within 84-80. But Houston essentially put the game away by going on a 6-0 run.

The Rockets made 10 of their final 12 free throws to secure the victory.

Detroit 98, Orlando 90 -- The Pistons’ balance was too much for the visiting Magic’s two-player attack.

Richard Hamilton scored 22 points, one of four Pistons with at least 17, to lead Detroit to a 2-0 lead in their series.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points and Grant Hill had 21 for Orlando to prevent it from being a rout, but their teammates -- particularly Dwight Howard (eight points) -- didn’t do enough to give the Magic any shot at evening the series.

Howard didn’t score in the second half until the final minute.

Detroit led by 15 points early in the fourth quarter, but was ahead by only six with 1 1/2 minutes left. On the ensuing possession, Chauncey Billups ended Orlando’s hopes with a three-point play.