NBA Playoffs: Jazz Edge Rockets in Thriller

Utah will now face Golden State in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

HOUSTON - With the Jazz up by two and 19.9 seconds showing on the clock, Carlos Boozer grabbed a loose ball, was fouled and drained two free throws.

After Tracy McGrady brought the Rockets to within two on a layup with 9.8 ticks left, Andrei Kirilenko hit two free throws to help Utah seal a 103-99 Game 7 win on Saturday and advance to the second round.

Boozer netted a game-high 35 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Jazz to the second round for the first time since 2000. Deron Williams posted 20 points and 14 assists, while Mehmet Okur scored 16 points and grabbed 11 boards.

McGrady, who has yet to advance past the first round of the playoffs in his 10-year career, led Houston with 29 points, 13 assists and five rebounds. Yao Ming added 29 points and six rebounds.

Utah will now face Golden State in the Western Conference Semifinals. Game 1 will be Monday at 10:30 PM ET on TNT.

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