The 2004-05 NBA season was the Rockets' 38th season in the NBA and 34th season in the city of Houston. The off-season was best remembered for acquiring All-Star Tracy McGrady from the Orlando Magic as well as Dikembe Mutombo from the Chicago Bulls, in whom he never played a game. With McGrady now teamed up with Yao Ming, the Rockets greatly improved, finishing the season with a 51-31 record. The Rockets made the playoffs for a second straight time, but their season ended once again in the first round, losing to their in-state rival, the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. McGrady and Yao were selected to play in the 2005 NBA All-Star Game at Denver.

One notable game during the season was the Rockets' December 9 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. In the fourth quarter, at 44 seconds left, the score was 76-68 and the Spurs had the lead. With 35 seconds remaining, Tracy McGrady made a three-pointer. Four seconds later, Devin Brown was fouled and made both of his free throws. With 24 seconds remaining, McGrady made another three-pointer. He was fouled by Tim Duncan when he shot the ball. He went to the free throw line and made a free throw, converting a four-point play. With 16 seconds remaining, Scott Padgett intentionally fouled Tim Duncan, and, because the Rockets were over the foul limit, Duncan went to the free throw line and made both of his free throws. Five seconds later, McGrady made yet another three-pointer, this time over Bruce Bowen. This left the Rockets in a two-point deficit. San Antonio took a timeout. At 7.9 seconds remaining, Brent Barry inbounded the ball to Devin Brown. McGrady stole the ball from Brown and ran to the three-point line, where he made another three-pointer, which would be the game-winning shot. The performance is considered by some to be one of McGrady's career highlights.

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