McGrady out three weeks with back injury

[Horry For 3!]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady will miss three weeks because of back spasms, coach Jeff Van Gundy said.

McGrady left practice on Friday after hurting his back on a dunk. He did not attend the Rockets' game against New Orleans on Saturday night.

David Wesley replaced McGrady in the Rockets' starting lineup against the Hornets.

``Every team relies on greatness down the stretch,'' Van Gundy said. ``However, I do believe that good teams can function efficiently with or without one player. Our chore to function without the one player is going to be tested.''

The back spasms are the latest in a growing list of injuries that have slowed McGrady in the past few weeks.

The five-time All-Star missed Houston's last two preseason games because of tendinitis in both knees. He bruised his left knee in a collision with Yao Ming in the practice before Wednesday's opener against Sacramento.

McGrady scored 23 points in the opener, playing with a tight wrap on his left leg.

McGrady was sixth in the NBA in scoring last season with 25.7 points per game. The Rockets were 2-2 in four games without him last season, but Van Gundy is optimistic the team can win with him sidelined.

``We were expecting him to play big minutes, score, be a primary playmaker, defensive stopper, defensive rebounder, backup point guard,'' Van Gundy said. ``But that being said, I have total belief we have more than enough to win with.''

[yeahone]

well its a good thing its happens so early in the season
i dont want the rocket fans making up silly excuses for their being knocked out in the first round..