Boozer powers Jazz past Rockets

Deron Williams contributed 18 points and 10 assists, while Mehmet Okur added 17 points for the Jazz, who shot 52.7 percent from the field.

Veteran point guard Derek Fisher, who was acquired in the offseason by the Jazz, ended with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting.

Tracy McGrady had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Rockets, while Yao Ming had a solid game with 22 points and nine rebounds, going 8-of-12 from the floor.

The Jazz led by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets got within five at 99-94 on a three-pointer by Rafer Alston with 3:32 remaining.

However, Williams, Okur and Fisher all hit jumpers and Williams’ layup made it 107-94 with 1:01 left.

C.J. Miles scored 12 points for Utah, which beat Houston at the Delta Center for the 17th time in the last 19 meetings.

Alston scored 15, Kirk Snyder had 13 and Shane Battier added 11 for the Rockets.

Houston put in five of the game’s first six points, but trailed by nine after 12 minutes. Eight straight points by the Jazz moved them to a 17-12 lead and it was 35-26 going into the second quarter.

Two free throws by first-round draft pick Ronnie Brewer extended Utah’s lead to 45-30 and the Jazz held a commanding 60-48 lead at the half. The margin was 85-72 going into the fourth.

Game Notes

The Jazz have captured four season openers in a row...Houston’s next game is home versus Dallas on Saturday, while Utah plays at Phoenix Friday...Houston shot 43.2 percent from the field...Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko was limited to five points.