After losing the first five points to Magic Rockets clawed their way back to 7 all in the opening three minutes. Magic however had a big guy who caused the Rockets defence much trouble throughout the game and eventually finished up with the Most Valuable Player Award...James Crook. He alone contributed to 24 of Magic's points and was instrumental as they went on a 12 - 0 run to go into the first break 21 -11 up.
Durrell Charles threaded himself through an almost impossible tight Magic defence to give Rockets a 6 - 0 run before Alex Williams blocked a Magic offence. A finger roll rimmed around but didn't drop as Rockets were getting more confidence but when they turned the ball over Magic made them pay with four quick scores and a 15 point lead at 32 -17 with three minutes of the second period left. . Luke Nelson's first 3 of the afternoon cut the deficit but the ball just wasn't dropping for Rockets as Magic were successful with a much higher percentage before the half time interval. Charles and Nelson had lay-ups and drives respectively but Rockets were 24 - 40 down.
The sight of seeing three good shots not dropping was a disappointment to Rockets but caused Magic to call a time-out as Rockets defence had stood still and stopped Magic adding to their lead in the first three minutes of quarter three. However big James Crook really stood tall and strong and scored 13 of Magic's 15 points in this period. Charles was driving determinedly and Elliott Churchley hit a buzzer beating 3 pointer from way out on the wing off a Durrell drive and dish. Rockets’ travelling supporters had new hope as they saw their team fight back in this final. Williams had a pair of great defensive stops as Nelson did likewise and Bradley Loxton had a steal to add to his 7 rebounds. 4 points from Nelson were Rockets’ last of the third session as they trailed 55 -34.
A Williams jump shot and a Churchley drive got Rockets off to a good start in the final period but Magic scored twice off two missed Rockets shots. With a 25 point deficit within two minutes of this quarter Campbell called a time -out and how well did his chargers respond! A Charles drive and Nelson big block on Crook caused the commentator to say ' ‘brilliant’ as Rockets upped the pace. Charles hit a buzzer beating three and tight Rockets defence caused Magic into a 24 second violation. Nelson scored again and Loxton rose high to stop another Magic offence. Another Nelson drive saw Rockets playing at their very best as the deficit was reduced to a very competitive last 5 minutes. However Magic hit a buzzer beating three and Crook had a 3 point play. Rockets still wouldn't lie down though and some of Rockets’ best team play saw Jewell finish a fine move as Rockets had a 21 -14 run and the sports centre was full of noise as Rockets’ supporters sensed something was going their way and the game was close. However the toughest of calls by the referee meant that instead of Rockets taking a charge (which almost everyone including Magic supporters thought was about to be called), the referee called a foul on Rockets and Magic scored from the free throw line. Rockets had so much impetus they still defended brilliantly with the highlight being a huge swat away by Nelson as Rockets were 15 adrift and 2 minutes to go. Magic called a time-out and Rockets had to foul to try and get enough possession to hit big threes. It didn't happen and Magic finished the game from the free throw line and a 20 point win.
Magic deserved the victory as they were stronger in depth with 24 of their points coming off the bench and out rebounded Rockets 60 - 40 %. However Rockets had the top game scorer in Durrell Charles with Luke Nelson adding 13 personal points. Reaching the final was a great achievement by Rockets who left the arena to much applause from a learned crowd.
