"I wasn't born with enough middle fingers!!!"

Sorry to steal the title of this post from Marilyn Manson... but it is necessary because I couldn't say it better myself right now. I may have to write my own Irresponsible Hate Anthem soon. Seriously... the critical uprising against the Rockets is now absolutely absurd.

SI.com's Marty Burns just put the Rockets 13th in his weekly Power Rankings.

13th?!!? Behind Denver, Golden State, Orlando and Philadelphia. F-U, Marty! Those four games we lost since the Streak were to Boston, New Orleans, Phoenix and San Antonio. These are all playoff teams that will probably have home court advantage in April. It's not like we are Utah and losing multiple games to teams like Minnesota! But, of course, Utah gets a free pass... sure... why not?

At least ESPN "only" bumped us to 7th. Which I can live with right now. Of course, if Simmons did the rankings, we'd be 20th.

I can't wait for us to beat up on Sacramento on Wednesday.

To hell with it - everyone is On Notice!

It wasn't enough that Ian Thomsen and SI.com started bashing the Rockets.

No, the Sports Guy had to pile on, too (though, with flawed analysis).

Even ESPN has their backhanded compliment of the week for the Rockets. Almost expecting T-Mac and Adelman to fail in the playoffs.

Now bloggers and commenters everywhere are starting to call the Houston Rockets "frauds" and similarly unkind words.

And, insult of all insults, even our buddies over at Hardwood Paroxysm are now suggesting that other teams in the Western Conference might resort to tanking just to position themselves to play the Houston Rockets in Round 1 of the playoffs.

Hey, Corn, right here buddy!

Yes, I know yesterday's game against the Spurs gives a LOT of fuel to the fire of any critic of the Houston Rockets. I'm quite sure that sometime yesterday afternoon, Stephen A. Smith was dancing around frenetically all giddy that one of his random statements might possibly, possibly be accurate. (It was not, but that's a discussion for another day.)

Let's backtrack for a second.

mid-January... Rockets languishing in 10th place. No hope of playoffs or anything. I say not to worry, we're making the playoffs. We'll be fine.

early-February... Rockets begin the Streak. Everyone dismisses it as an easy schedule. But I don't recall anyone else in the NBA winning 22 in a row.

mid-February... Yao is hurt. Out for Season. Every single NBA analyst that I can recall declared the Rockets' playoff chances dead. T-Mac and the gang ignored them and won another ten in a row.

March 18th... Rockets lose to Boston. Streak ends. Critics sharpen their pencils.

March 30th... Rockets lose to Spurs. Badly. Rockets now "frauds"... even though we've beaten New Orleans, Los Angeles (Lakers), Golden State, Dallas AND Denver -- all without the services of Yao. And in some instances without Carl Landry, too.

Rockets still are 49-24. Pretty freakin' good. And we should at least win seven out of our last nine games to finish at 56-26. Which is also pretty freakin' good.

San Antonio scares me in the playoffs. But they scare everyone.
Phoenix scares me because Rafer can't stay in front of Nash. And Shaq might confuse Landry and Scola with a hamburger and fries. Dangerous.

Beyond those two teams, I truly believe the Rockets have a good chance of seeing some playoff success. Bonus points if we get to beat up on Utah at home. Really.

Am I a fairweather fan?

I just sat here staring at a blank blogger screen for the last 20 minutes or so, laying on the couch trying to stop being sick off my ass. Why was I starring? Because I didn't know what to type, still don't exactly, but I'm just going to wing it as I go. It's no secret to anyone that knows me that in the Sports world, my Longhorns come before anything for me. I've actually taken days off in the past from work (vacation, not skipping work, I don't do that) to watch our baseball games on TV. I'm borderline sick in the head when it comes to the dedication I have for my Horns. Why do you care? Because it is the reason I've been so lax around here and have had a few 15 words previews for the games. I've also been extremely busy at work and at home as the boy is growing up and likes to play. I might add that playing with the boy is ridiculously awesome and my mother bought him is first basketball goal and I've been trying to teach him to shoot. My mad coaching skills have truly come into question when a 20 month old is my pupil, but I digress.

The question at hand still stands "Am I a fairweather fan"? I thought I proved that when we were 15-17 and I wrote everyday, but I actually got that question (while I think it was jokingly) yesterday because I had not written in a while. I'm not above being shamed into writing though, and here I am back to put some insight into the Rockets season. So here's the answer: Fuck you, no I'm not a fairweather fan, I'm a Rockets fanatic that happens to be even more rabid over the Longhorns, but still a fanatic about Houston sports in general. I love the Rockets and still have a lot to say before and after we win our first round series in the playoffs. Yes I'd be happier with Yao, no I do not think that stops Tracy from being denied in round one. If there ever was a year for Tracy, a very self image conscious player, to step up and take his team to the second round this is it. He will have all eyes on him and I just feel like it's time and he will rise to the occasion. I also feel like all fans of other teams need to watch out for the Rockets next year.

Let's go Rockets! Time to roll off 9 in a row going into the playoffs!!

And I'm proud of my Elite 8 Horns, great season gentlemen. And DJ, come back!!

Destroy the game tape. Now!

Ouch.

Talk about ugly.

Oh, thanks for not showing up T-Mac.
You, too, Rafer.

A combined 9 for 38. (0-6 on 3s)

Please, please God let us avoid the Spurs in round 1 of the playoffs. Please.

Luis Scola... still a badass. 24 and 7 with no help.

Things that suck...

This is a great weekend for basketball fans everywhere. There's the NCAA tournament - where there is a chance that for the first time ever all four of the #1 seeds might make the Final Four. It's not going to happen (Texas will probably beat Memphis, if only as payback for Memphis not covering and costing me money in Vegas.)

There's also the NBA playoff race to consider. If you haven't noticed, the Western Conference is a complete clusterf--k. The Rockets did not play Friday. And yet... they dropped from 2nd place to 5th place simply by being idle. But... somehow they also gained one game on the 1st place team. I have a degree in mathematics and yet this statistical anomaly still makes my head spin! It's unfathomable. To the extent that the Rockets needed that 22 game winning streak - or else we'd be in 9th place and wondering what the hell happened.

Now, here's the sucky part of the weekend...

I'm at the office. On a Sunday.
Yeah, we're playing a little "catch up" here.

And there is nary a TV or radio in sight. Guess who won't be watching the Rockets/Spurs game. Or the Texas/Memphis game. Or the Kansas/Stephen Curry game.

Cockgobbles!!! I guess I'll just have to gamecast everything from down here in Storage B.

Oh, and Rafer... I do believe you have my stapler.

edit: More things that suck - we just gave up 35 1st-Q points to the Spurs?!??! 35??

Rockets Versus Spurs, the final chapter

Game 4 in the Rockets Spurs series is today at 12PM CST in San Antonio. I'll be at Reliant Stadium watching the Texas Longhorns work there way to the Final Four, but I expect a great game and will be following on my blackberry. The Rockets own the series for now, at 2-1 holding serve in both home games and losing by 6 on the road.

San Antonio Spurs: 50-23 (30-6 at home) 6-4 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 49-23 (21-13 on the road) 7-3 in their last 10

That 6-4 market in their record is deceiving as to how they are playing right now, that's because the 4 came all at the beginning and the 6 have come in a row at the end. They are not playing exceptionally well right now, but they are the Spurs, a supremely balance team even if they are getting older. And since for them, older is more experienced and with 4 titles, that's a little worrisome for the Rockets. It's the reason I think this could be one of two losses in the last 14 games for the good guys. I would not, however, be surprised if they won the game anyway though. The Spurs have a tendency this year to lose a little focus and lose games to teams they should/could be better than. They do not do that at home very often, but have lost to Phoenix, Toronto, Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans, and Boston. All but Boston the Rockets have beaten this year. i would love to see this game, it's going to be a good one!!

Go Rockets! Go Longhorns!

The best thing you will read all day. I promise.

Suck it, Fat Ass.

FU Sports Guy, part the second

I think Simmons is just doing this to piss me off now.

Today's entry on Webber should have been easy, right?
Sure... and it started as a good read. Then I see this toss-off comment:

Looking back at every No. 1 overall pick since the ABA-NBA merger, only five guys were unequivocally considered to be sure things: Ewing, Shaq, Duncan, Magic and Webber.

Hey, dumbass... I think you are forgetting someone!!! This guy:

Akeem > Ewing.
Akeem > Webber.
and, yes, Akeem > Fat Ass.

Akeem became Hakeem and became this:


seriously, F-U Simmons.

Memo to our devoted readers

Sorry for the lack of interwebs communication and blog posting here today.

First, I had jury duty this morning.

Second, I have a trial in two weeks I am preparing for. We failed to plan around the NBA playoffs and this saddens me.

Also, Lee's college team is somehow still alive in the NCAA tournament even though that Durant guy escaped to Seattle. Or Oklahoma City. Or wherever the Sonics are playing these days. So, Lee is nervously rocking back and forth in his office chair unable to speak in complete sentences or maintain rational thoughts. Something about the word "jinx" I am told.

Meanwhile I'm afraid of jinxing the Rockets before the big game on Sunday. Which, unfortunately, I just found out I won't be able to watch on TV. Will instead have to suffer through ESPN's gamecast. Ugh. Now I'm going to miss Landry dunking on Duncan's head.

Also, we did a podcast thing with an operator of a Spurs blog yesterday. We will make sure to link to that whenever it's uploaded (sometime before the game).

Rockets Win! Now help out the ladies!

It wasn't a 20 point win like I thought it would be, but the T-Wolves never really threatened. They may have cut the lead to only a few points in the fourth, but the Rockets put it in cruise control late and won by double digits, increasing their lead in every quarter.


Luis Scola was fantastic last night but Carl Landry was not to be outdone. Scola had 18 point and 18 rebounds and just manhandled the young Timberwolves on the boards. He did that in 35 minutes, while poor Landry had to suffer with only 16. How did he do in those 16 minutes? 11 points and 4 boards. Together they had at least one rebound or one point in each of the minutes they were on the floor. That my friends is why Luis Landry is so important to this team. Having only one part of the monster helped us lose 3 of 4 games. Having them both back is why the Rockets will have playoff success.


Tracy McGrady, seriously man, we know it hurts, stop making such a big deal of it. I've played games with a torn rotator cuff and preened less. You are hurt, you are not injured, play through it and stop letting the other team know what ails you. On two different occasions they went after his shoulder, all because he showed them exactly what was wrong. Stop doing that! Also, if you wouldn't mind focusing in the first three quarters to go along with your great 4th quarter play of late it would be much appreciated.


Al Jefferson ended the game with the quietest 21 points in NBA history. I really like the guy, and think he has a huge future, but to those saying he's like KG statistically, that is fine and dandy, but his competitive fire doesn't seem to be stoked nearly as much. I think he'll be a good pro and in the long run the T-Wolves will have won that trade, but it's not because Jefferson is as good as KG, it's because he'll play many more years from here on out.


The good guys get a few much needed and deserved days of rest until Sunday when they take on the Spurs in San Antonio. There isn't much more to say about the game, so let's move on to more pressing matters. I ignored the first round, but the Rockets Power Dancers need your help. Voting begins today for the ladies to try and win the championship after getting stopped in the championship round last year by the Miami Heat cheerleaders. So go to NBA.com and vote!

I told you Scola is a badass!

Last night's game was tougher than it should have been. But the Rockets managed to pull away and win by double digits again. 49-23 now. 2nd in the West. T-Mac's final stat line looks good, but for the first half of the game he was playing quite miserably... only to be saved by Luis Landry. Scola, in particular. Holy crap, Luis Scola is a badass!

Luis Landry (3/27/08):
11/19 FG (7-9 FT), 29 points, 22 rebounds (6 offensive) and 3 steals.

22 rebounds!!

All of it was needed because T-Mac and Battier forgot how to shoot, and Rafer's hot start was negated by a nearly o-fer 2nd half.

Oh, and that Al Jefferson guy might actually be good. Where was he when the Rockets won by 30 something in January? Must have been busy watching Landry's coming-out party that day (?).

Rockets move closer to the top of the West again. Now trailing the Hornets... who should have lost to the LeBrons, but LeBron shot too early and gave CP3 and David West a chance to win the game. Which they did. Damn you, LeBron! Rockets still trail New Orleans by a game. Tied with the Lakers and Spurs and practically 5 other teams in the West. Yikes.

Big game Saturday. T-Mac has 3 days to rest his shoulder and ankle. If he has to shoot 25 times versus San Antonio on Sunday... we're in trouble.

Hey, Sports Guy... you're On Notice, too!

For someone who claims to be a rather knowledgeable NBA fan... Bill Simmons can be amazingly stupid when it comes to basic basketball analysis. And yet he wants to be GM of the Bucks. Sure.

(And yes, I am aware I can always just link to his "the Magic will regret taking Dwight Howard over Emeka Okafor" statement after the 2004 NBA draft - but that's too easy.)

Today's randomly dumb statement about the Houston Rockets? Aww, screw it, let's post the whole thing:

3. HOUSTON (48-23)

Scouting report: They won 22 straight games thanks to great chemistry, great defense, great ball movement, a super-easy schedule, a couple of breaks (like Nowitzki's one-game suspension) and some inspired play from T-Mac and Rafer Alston ... in the big scheme of things, it's not going to matter because any team with size (like Phoenix) or superior team defense (like San Antonio or Boston) is going to beat them ... whatever happens in the playoffs, it's absolutely astonishing how much they don't miss Yao Ming.

Biggest strength: Chemistry and defense. That's how you win 22 straight. And by the way, that was freaking amazing. I still can't get over that streak. No matter how easy their schedule was, for a team without superior talent to get by 22 straight teams without getting derailed by one bad break, one bad call, one white-hot shooting performance, one injury or one off-night is absolutely unfathomable. That was like watching someone catch fire at a craps table for two solid hours without crapping out.

Biggest weaknesses: Lack of size; lack of anyone who can create scoring opportunities other than T-Mac; lack of playoff success for their best player; lack of overall talent. Other than that, they're in good shape.

Biggest X-Factor: Rafer Alston. Just look at his month-by-month splits and throw in the fact that he's been playing fantastic defense. Where did these last two months come from? Frankly, I'm a little frightened. I like things to make sense and this makes absolutely no sense.

Unsung Hero: According to John Hollinger's PER ratings, Shane Battier is the 45th best small forward in the league right now. I give up. Uncle. I can't fight the good fight anymore. Somebody else needs to take over.

Best-case opponent: Golden State or Denver.
Worst-case opponent: Everyone else.

Prediction: The sixth seed and a thrashing from San Antonio in round one.

Eventual 2007-08 Legacy: For the rest of eternity, they'll show that "Longest NBA Winning Streaks" graphic during an NBA game and viewers will say, "'72 Lakers, '08 Rockets, '00 Lakers, '71 Bucks ... wait a second, what????"

______

Where to begin?

Let's see... during that 22 game winning streak... the Rockets beat Cleveland (twice), New Orleans (twice), Denver, Dallas, Portland, Golden State AND the Lakers. So, ten of those 22 games were against some of the better teams in the NBA, including 4-5 of the teams that will make the Western Conference playoffs. And we did 45% of that without Yao. But yeah, it was about the schedule. Sure.

Everyone wants to rip on our supposed lack of talent. Simmons, Ian Thomsen, SAS, etc. To hell with 'em. While Rafer is definitely a question mark... T-Mac, Luis Scola, Carl Landry, Battier and Bobby Jackson are rather skilled specimens when it comes to the ability to play basketball. You don't win 22 games in a freakin' row in the NBA just because you are lucky and try hard.

So according to SG we're only in good shape if we play Golden State or Denver. Even though we've shown we can beat Dallas (who is without Dirk again) in Dallas, the Lakers AND New Orleans - all without the services of Mr. Yao Ming.

What it should say: "best-case - anyone but San Antonio." I legitimately believe we are in good shape to play and defeat anyone in a 7-game series. Even the Spurs. I'd prefer to avoid San Antonio as long as possible though.

Also, since it appears that Simmons lacks an editor - the last comment about the Streaks - the order should be '72 Lakers, '08 Rockets, '71 Bucks and then the '00 Lakers. The team he wants to be GM for won more in a row than the Shaq/Kobe Lakers. You thought Simmons would know that. And we all thought wrong.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't point out this little nugget at the end of his column today... "Whether [Kobe Bryant] wins the MVP award or Chris Paul wins it, we haven't seen two better individual seasons in the same year since Jordan and Barkley in 1993."

WTF? Yo, Sports Guy - Hakeem Olajuwon should have been MVP in 1992-1993. Look at the freakin' stats! Jordan won the ring that year, yes (thanks for nothing Kenny Smith), but Hakeem was DPOY and was clearly better than Barkley. He just didn't give as good a sound bite.

Enough hating on the Rockets, Simmons.
But I guess I should expect nothing less from a bitter Clippers fan.

Rockets/Wolves - Lee is too kind to Minnesota

Here's what Lee's game preview should have said:

Minnesota is bad at basketball.

The Rockets are not.

The end.In all seriousness... check out TWolvesBlog for a, uh, different perspective on the Wolves' chances against Luis Landry tonight.

Yippee!!! It's Rockets vs. Timberwolves!!!

Alright, so the game isn't that exciting, but the Rockets getting another win streak going is. That's right, we've won one, and a second in a row is a streak in my mind, it's at least better than one, give me that!

Minnesota Timberwolves: 18-51 (5-28 on the road) 6-4 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 48-23 (27-10 at home) 7-3 in their last 10

The T-Wolves have actually put a winning stretch together, going 6-4 over their last 10 and even having a (so far) .500 March at 6-6, and that's a big deal for them, so BACK OFF! Though they were the recipients of a fairly lax schedule beating no team with a winning record (though with 18 wins on the season any win is a big win) and lost badly in the 3 games against teams with a winning record and also lost to Indiana.

I'd expand more, but come on, it's Minnesota, and the Longhorns are still in the tourney.

Get ready for a 20 point Rockets win

Go Rockets

The Cookie Monster has played in the NBA for a very long time

Dikembe is scheduled to be honored at tonight's game. The reason? Because he's played a very, very long time in the NBA. It may or may not be a retirement ceremony.

"It is a celebration of Dikembe Mutombo's career as it's getting close to saying goodbye to the game," Mutombo said, laughing. "Am I putting it correctly or not?"

Uh, yeah. I'm confused, too. Then again, the Cookie Monster was supposed to retire after the 2006 season. Apparently Yao is a funny dude, so Dikembe decided to stick around. Then he was supposed to retire after the 2007 season. But Yao got hurt and it appeared that Dikembe was able to offer things to the Rockets beyond comic relief to bench players. So he kept playing.

2008 appears to be a repeat of 2007. Dikembe says it's his last year... Yao gets hurt... and Dikembe realizes he has no real need to retire just yet.

I have no problem with it. Bring Deke back next year. 7'2" centers that can actually play don't exactly grow on trees. They just look like trees.

Maybe David Stern and Leslie Alexander will offer Mutombo a giant chocolate chip cookie as incentive to return next year? The Cookie Monster can't pass that up, can he?



Oh, the Rockets play the Timberwolves tonight. But Minnesota is cover-your-eyes awful at basketball, so the Rockets are able to focus on Dikembe's party and still hopefully win.

On Notice - Ian Thomsen, part II

So, SI.com had been writing glowing things about the Houston Rockets lately. Which, considering we had a 22-freakin'-game winning streak likely prohibited them from saying negative things about the guys. Now that we are 7 days removed from the end of the Streak - well, the claws are starting to come back out.

Ian Thomsen -- you are On Notice. Again.

Saw this yesterday on SI.com - a Closer Look at the Rockets. Mr. Thomsen starts out saying all the right things... we have a good system and a good coach in Adelman... Rafer is playing better... Luis Scola is having a positive impact (though Thomsen mistakenly omits referring to Scola as a "badass" - or identifying him as 1/2 of "Luis Landry")... praises the winning streak (sort of)... and acknowledges Shane Battier for being a one-man Steel Curtain on defense.

Thomsen even points out the Rockets 7-4 record sans McGrady as being a turning point (it would have been 9-2 but for the choke jobs at home against New Orleans and the Philly Debacle).

All of this sounds great, right?

Then we get to the conclusion...

After watching the Rockets play a perfect quarter of the season, it would be wrong to assume that they can't play team basketball over the month ahead. But this talk during the streak of whether they're better without Yao has been ridiculous. They're going to miss Yao badly in the postseason, and -- unless they recreate the makings of the streak, or an opponent suffers an injury of importance similar to Yao's -- they're going to struggle against all of the potential opponents in the West, each of whom should enter the playoffs with more talent.

I agree with only one statement here - that the Rockets are not better off without Yao. But most anyone who has ever watched a single basketball game could reach that conclusion. Losing a dude who is 7'5" and can actually shoot can never help a basketball team.

But the criticism of the Rockets' talent and size is wrong. Carl Landry will hopefully be healthy and 100% by May. Luis Scola is going to outwork whomever he has to play. Shane Battier has shown he can lock down Kobe Bryant, so there isn't anyone in the playoffs who will "go off" on Shane. Dikembe can still give a good 15-20 minutes. We have a very deep bench with BobbyJ, Landry, Chuck Hayes, Luther Head, Mike Harris, Steve Novak and even our favorite midget Aaron Brooks. If you haven't noticed - the Rockets tend to increase leads in the 2nd Q when both teams resort to their reserve players. It's a huge change from last year when the Rockets consistently got 0 production from the bench.

So, the "they're going to struggle against all of the potential opponents in the West" conclusion is quite harsh given that there is no statistical evidence showing the Rockets can't compete. We just beat Golden State. IN GOLDEN STATE. Also, without Yao, we've beaten Denver. We've beaten Dallas... in Dallas. We've beaten the Lakers. We've beaten New Orleans (before Rafer decided to trash talk). That's five of the 8 other teams competing for the playoffs in the West.

Sure, the Phoenix game sucked. But that was the back-end of a vicious back-to-back.

And sure, the Boston Celtics game at home was tough. But the Streak had to end sometime.

Also, yeah, I can't ignore that New Orleans took it to us in New Orleans.

But the Rockets have lost a grand total of seven (7) games in 2008. There isn't another team in the NBA that can make a stronger claim.

Is it possible that the Rockets might have another first-round flameout? Sure. Anything is possible. But it's not necessarily a "given" right now. With the possibility of homecourt, I'd feel comfortable playing Golden State, Denver, Dallas, Utah and even the Lakers in a 7 game series. A New Orleans/Houston series would be classic. San Antonio scares me of course. Phoenix also scares me only because they swing from "great" to "awful" and you never know which team you are facing on a particular night.

Either way - anyone looking to put a tombstone on the Rockets' playoff chances is hereby warned that they are subject to being put On Notice, too. We're watching. Closely.

Rockets/Kings - where I say nice things about Rafer

As of 7:29 pm last night, I was formulating a rant where the singular purpose was to tell Rafer Alston to simply shut the F up.

In the last two weeks, Rafer decided for some reason trash talk Chris Paul... got into semi-fisticuffs with Sasha Vujacic... been mind-f--ked by Rajon Rondo... and then torn up by CP3 in the revenge game in New Orleans. The lesson? Do not mess with CP3. Oh, and actually not be a mediocre player in the NBA when you decide to do your best Gary Payton impersonation.

Then the Rockets/Kings game started last night. And my whole world seemed to change. The Rockets did everything they could to lose the game. (1) They gave the Kings a standing invitation to form a layup line; (2) T-Mac's body language was begging the Kings to bully him with his bum ankle; and (3) no one could make a jumpshot. Not T-Mac... or Battier... or Head... or Scola...

and then Rafer came to the rescue. Rafer??!?!?

I have a ready made tag for "Luis Landry to the rescue" - but not "Rafer to the rescue" -- something just seems wrong there!

In the end, the Rockets won 108-100 and won game 1 of what is hopefully a 8+ game winning streak. Yet I was convinced they were trying to lose. Rafer wouldn't let them.

I can't believe I just typed that. Skip led the way with 28 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. He even made 7-8 of his free throws. Now that is how you endear yourself to me! Make your free throws! Rafer even made a consistent amount of those "tearput" shots of his. And not one time did I say "oh, no!" when he released it. I'm not even kidding.


I may have to re-evaluate things. Two weeks ago - during the Streak - I still considered "point guard" to be our potential weak spot in the playoffs. The way Rafer is playing in March is changing all of that. He's actually looking like a legitimate NBA point guard these days.

I'm about 80% sure now that someone slipped me some long-lasting opium while I was in Vegas. Rafer Alston = good? Well, at least I can avoid the wrath of his mom today.

Oh, and Ricky got his 800th career victory. Congrats, Mr. Adelman. Next up? Minnesota on Wednesday. No way we can lose that game, right???

MVP/ROY blogger rankings for this fortnight

Ryan over at Hornets247 was kind enough to host the most recent round of Blogger MVP/ROY rankings. For some reason Lee and I got invited to participate yet again. Here you can find the results... and a couple of our comments got posted. Winning 22 in a row apparently gives you leverage to say cool things and have people repeat them to a larger audience!

T-Mac and Scola are on the list... with Carl Landry for some reason not even cracking the top 5. You all know we voted for him. We wanted to vote for Yao, too, but we didn't want to come across as completely insane homers.

The other awesome part is that Ryan provoked some Jazz fans by repeating what is obvious: that for as good as Deron Williams is - Chris Paul is just better. I quite enjoy making fun of the Jazz. Especially when you know their fans will get annoyed by it.

Welcome back, Carl Landry!!!

Carl Landry - oh, how we missed you!

Yes, we did manage to win the first five games of the seven that you missed. And we were all introduced to Mike Harris in your unexpected absence. And Luis Scola is still the resident starting badass PF. And the Rockets are still on pace to make the playoffs and win 55+ games.

But we missed being able to use "Luis Landry" jokes. A lot.

And we missed your 24.67 PER rating.

And as much as I like Chuck Hayes... it was obvious we needed you Carl. And I like winning more. Watching Chuck shoot free throws was just painful. Then again, watching most anyone wearing a Rockets jersey shoot free throws is painful. Unless that person is Yao.

While I was away in Vegas, Mr. Landry returned for the Warriors game. And he was beastly as usual. 17 points and 8 rebounds in 19 minutes. Landry even threw in a steal and an assist for good measure! The Phoenix game was a bit tougher - but it was the back end of the completely unfair back-to-back. And yet Landry still had 9 points and 5 assists in limited action. He even made his free throw!

Big game tonight against the Sacramento Kings. A must win.

Damn it's good to have "Luis Landry" back 100%!

Rockets vs. Kings

I decided that since my focus was really on the NCAA tournament (Hook'em Horns, and yes I'll be there Friday) over the weekend, I will ignore the Suns and their 70% shooting first half from Saturday night. It was a game I figured we'd lose. As Dave said, Golden State/Phoenix road back to backs should be outlawed. Tonight the Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings at 7:30PM CST at the Toyota Center.

Sacramento Kings: 31-38 (10-26 on the road) 4-6 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 47-23 (26-10 at home) 7-3 in their last 10

The last time we saw the Kings was before the All Star break when we won by 20... oh, wait, we didn't win by 20? We only won by 2? And Steve Novak had to hit a game winning shot? Oh well, we should have won by 20 and a win was a win going into the break. The 8th win in a streak that ran to 22 eventually. A streak that is now over. The Rockets have dropped to "5th" place in the West from our once lofty first place spot. I put "5th" in quotes because the dirty Utah Jazz are stealing a spot because they are in the underachieving Northwest division. They are 1.5 games off the 4th spot pace, but in the 4th spot regardless. Even with the 1-3 run the Rockets are only 1 game out of first place.

The Kings will most likely be without Beno Udrih, Brad Miller and most importantly, Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest. Artest has historically lit the Rockets on fire, so I'll take that when I can get it. That guy loves destroying the Rockets for some reason. Maybe he feels like he's an even more underachieving Tracy McGrady, I don't know. Either way, I won't miss him scoring 30 on us.

This game will be win number 2 of our 12-2 stretch to end the season.

Go Rockets!!!

Check out Sactown Royalty for blogging greatness

I'm back and... we lost to the Fat Ass?!?!?

I'm running on fumes and what is left of my adrenaline from Las Vegas.

I'd like to thank Villanova, San Diego and UNLV for being awesome and making me money.
I'd like to give a double-fisted middle finger to Indiana, Oregon and especially St. Joseph's. Oh, and Kansas, too. Kansas couldn't hit the over. Damn you, Kansas!

I see the Rockets beat Golden State AND we got Carl Landry back! Oh, hell yeah!

I also... what the fuck?!? We lost to the Fat Ass and the beady-eyed Canadian?

T-Mac had to take 31 shots to get his points? Oh, no - T-Mac did not just revert back to the bad Tracy from earlier in the season, did he??

When did we sign Loren Woods??

We let the Fat Ass score 23 points?!?

Ugh.

Well, at least I won in Vegas. Now that I'm back the Rockets can start winning again, too.

Rockets Win! Get to Face Scorching Suns

The Rockets won last night and get to turn it around and go to Phoenix to play the Suns who have finally put something together in the post-Marion days. Not a lot of insight to the game, except that Golden State should be much better than they are. They have too many good players to be fighting for the last place in the West. With the athletes they have they really need to learn how to play defense and Al Harrington needs to learn how to dunk (he missed 3). Carl Landry was phenomenal and proved last night how much the Rockets have missed him in the 5 previous games. Our defense was not very good, but at times did show up. I fully expect it to be better tonight in Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns: 46-22 (25-10 at home) 7-3 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 47-22 (21-12 on the road) 8-2 in their last 10

The Rockets get to keep up their streak of playing teams without a key player as Raja Bell should be out with an injury. McGrady should be happy to not be guarded by him.

I've said the Rockets would lose this game, but I fully believe a win is obtainable.

Go Rockets!

Rockets vs Golden State

Also known as win 1 of 12 for the rest of the year. Golden State is a tough matchup for the Rockets, but their defense, ya, well, it doesn't exist. And the Celtics and New Orleans won because they were able to defend. The Rockets should not have an offensive problem tonight, but Golden State's should. The Rockets defense has been very good with the exception of Bonzi Wells in the fourth on Wednesday night.

Golden State Warriors: 42-25 (23-10) 7-3 in the last 10

Houston Rockets: 46-22 (20-12) 8-2 in their last 10

The season series is tied at one right now, with the Warriors winning early in the season and the Rockets starting their 22 game winning streak with a win on January 29th.

I'm not going to lie, I'm watching the tourney games so I don't have much to say right, but I do have this to say: The losing streak ends at 2.

Go Rockets!!

I did not see it, but I know it wasn't pretty

Well, I didn't get to watch the game last night, so can we pretend it didn't happen? That's two losses in a row. Unfortunately some are acting like losses on a back to back means that we didn't win 22 in a row, and that we aren't still in the top 3 teams in the West record wise. We've played poorly in two straight second halves, but let me remind you that we were tied at halftime of the Celtics game and were winning by 5 at halftime of the Hornets game. All is surely not lost.

Newsflash for everyone out there: The Rockets are still good, but so are the Celtics and Hornets. Oh, and we beat this Hornets team twice during the streak. The series is tied for the season at 2-2, so it's far from a disaster that the Rockets lost. It was only a matter of time before we lost a few, in fact the Bucks lost 3 of 4 after their 20 losses and the Lakers 2 of 4 after their 33, I'm betting no one came crashing down on them after their losses.

The last two games to me have been a problem for three reasons: 1. Somehow our 28 year old superstar is tired in March 2. Rafer reverted back to being Rafer 3. We still don't have Carl Landry. Scola has been great, Shane's D has been good even if he hasn't been knocking down as many shots, and Dikembe has been pretty good as well. The shooting has to improve from the outside, but it's not always going to be great like it was during the streak.

Bottom Line for me: We need Carl Landry and his energy back and Tracy needs to suck it up and deal with being "tired" for 20 million dollars. Oh, and Rafer needs to stop talking trash while he is playing this poorly.

Here's my prediction for the rest of the season:

Adelman and McGrady on the loss

song of the day: Over Now

I can't let the Streak go. I just can't.
But I also can't get this song out of my head after last night.

I present... Alice in Chains "Over Now"


Good night...
Yeah, its over now, but I can breathe somehow

When its all worn out, Id rather go without

You know its been on my mind
Could you stand right there
Look me straight in the eye and say
That its over now

We pay our debt sometime
Well its over now, yet I can see somehow
When its all gone wrong, its hard to be so strong

You know its been on my mind
Could you stand right there
Look me straight in the eye and say
That its over now

We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime
We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime

Guess its over now, I seem alive somehow
When its out of sight, just wait and do your time

You know its been on my mind
Could I stand right here
Look myself in the eye and say
That its over now

We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime
We pay our debt sometime
Yeah, we pay our debt sometime

Time to gamble away my sorrows

What was once a 22-game winning streak is now a 1-game losing streak.

I accept that this is part of life in the NBA.
Once every 35 years or so that is.

In the meantime, I probably won't be able to watch the next three games (Hornets, Warriors, Suns). For I am leaving for Las Vegas this afternoon. Yes, Vegas. For March Madness. And to up the ante even more -- it's for a Bachelor Party. That's like the trio of crazy events.

Vegas + March Madness + Bachelor Party = oh, dear God I hope I survive.


My next 4 days should be a blur of NCAA basketball games (of which I plan to place bets on at least 80% of these games. Except games involving Kansas, North Carolina or Duke. I hate those guys), some good ol' fashioned Texas Hold 'em poker (cash game or tourney, I have not decided yet) and, of course, lots and lots of alcohol-based beverages.

If anyone has any good suggestions or inside knowledge on which teams to bet on - send me an e-mail, I'm all ears.

I promised Lee I would not bet on the Rockets. At all. We are afraid of any jinxes. But I won't have Internet access either. Or at least I won't be accessing the Internet while I'm there.

See y'all on Monday.

Go Rockets!

Rockets vs. Hornets

The Rockets have to bounce back from a demoralizing loss last night quickly. The Hornets are nipping at our first place heels and after the game the Rockets traveled to New Orleans for the second end of a back to back. The game starts at 7PM CST and unfortunately for only the fourth time this year, I will not be able to watch the game live. We're 3-0 in those games in case you were wondering.

I feel like I have a hangover right now. Not because of the late ending of the game, just because it was such a huge high watching the Rockets win 22 in a row. While you know it has to come to an end sometime, something inside of you forgets what losing feels like. It was a remarkable run, one in which we dominated the Hornets on two different occasions. Here's hoping we keep up our game against them and that the team doesn't have the same hangover I have.

New Orleans Hornets: 45-21 (25-10 at home) 7-3 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 46-21 (20-11 on the road) 9 and a painful 1 in their last 10

The Hornets, who had been backsliding a bit, are back in the hunt for the number 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets are that number 1 seed right now. If David West is healthy, and our friends over at AtTheHive think he'll play, then we will really need Carl Landry to play. He made the trip, so that is a good sign that he might be able to play.

What's my prediction? I'm out of that game, 22 in a row is as crazy as it gets, but a new streak sure wouldn't hurt my feelings! Maybe a little hair of the dog (a win) is what the good guys need.

Conversing with the Enemy: At The Hive

In our series of Q&As this is the second we've done with At The Hive. These were done before we lost last night so the first questions may seem a little out of place, but here they are. Check out At The Hive and Hornets24/7 as both are fantastic Hornets blogs: (You can see our side of the story here)

1. I know you are doing this just to jinx us into losing tonight against the Celtics, but I’m going to give you a pass. So, let’s say, hypothetically, because it might not happen, but maybe the Rockets come into the Hive at 23 in a row. This would be the Hornets third time to try and stop the streak. They had a chance to after 10 at New Orleans , and one after 17 in Houston , and were not able to end it. What do you think it will take for the Hornets to finally throw the Rockets streak for a loop? You know, if they still have the streak…

At The Hive: 2 major things: First off, fix up the recent defensive problems. Houston does come in tied for the 5th worst offense in the West, in terms of efficiency, but the Hornets have definitely "struggled" defensively against the likes of New York and Washington. Believe it or not, I'm not worried at all about the Peja on T-Mac match up; Peja's done a passable job (far more than I ever expected), and Chandler provides great help defense. Instead, the guy I'm worried about is Paul (and his ankle)- he's missed quite a few defensive rotations, and that won't bode well against shooters like Battier and Alston.

Offense will be much, much more difficult since the Rockets are the number 1 defensive team in the West. The key for us will be David West, and how healthy that ankle is. If Peja and/or Mo-Pete are feeling it, I really like our chances. Through all this, I'm of course taking for granted the awesomeness of Chris Paul.

2. Will David West play? Is the injury possibly worse than they are letting on? Or is he just prepping for the week off since Xavier has a 3 seed in the NCAA tourney and he wants to watch?

At The Hive: As I kind of alluded to above, I'm pretty sure he'll be playing. He did practice yesterday with "no apparent limitations." West did mention some slight swelling, but he really seemed like wanted to play tomorrow. So basically Byron's final say could be the only thing preventing him from returning. As far as the severity of this injury goes, I'd have to say it's not that terrible. It's one of those nagging injuries he's had now for almost 2 seasons, and he just keeps re-aggravating it.

3. I firmly believe Chris Paul is the MVP of the league this year. Why is he better than Kobe and Lebron this year in your opinion? Or are you willing to go out on a limb in front of your Hornets’ fan readers and say he’s not?

At The Hive: Haha, no way, I'm with you on this one. I base most of my thought process off statistics, since I think leadership, grit etc. is largely overrated and for the most part captured by the statistics themselves. Going defensively, Oliver's Defensive Rating has Paul #1 (103 Points Allowed/Possession) and James and Bryant virtually tied for #2 with 104. Before we go further, I need to point out how amazing that is... a 6' 0'' point guard contributing more on the defensive end than a 6'8" 240 lb, linebacker like forward, and a former All-Defense first teamer? That's absurd.

Offensively, Oliver has Paul #1 (125), James #2 (117) and Bryant #3 (114). Hollinger has James slightly better than Paul, with the two 1-2 in PER. However, PER isn't normalized for position- a point guard is supposed to have a lower league average PER just because of the way the game is played today. So I contend that Paul's 28.7 is actually more impressive than James' 30.

The thing that hurts Paul in the race is that he doesn't score as much himself. Most people would say "give me Kobe" or "give me Lebron" for a last second situation, since they can envision either one hitting a game winner. It's harder to glorify a guy passing to a scrub for a game winning layup.

4. Exactly how many girls has Bonzi infected with an STD since coming to the Crescent City ? Is he keeping the team out all night at the clubs like he did here in Houston ? And how mad are Hornets fans that we stole Bobby Jackson from you?

At The Hive: Hahah, so far he's already managed to violate the dress code once. Other than that, he's fit our second unit very nicely. As far as B-Jax is concerned, I think most Hornet fans were pretty... I don't want to say "pleased," but perhaps "indifferent in a positive way" with him leaving. We had two 6 footers backing up another 6 footer, so it was good to get some forward depth in return.

5. What’s your prediction for how the NBA regular season playoffs? Give me your 1-8 and your eventual Western Conference finals prediction.

At The Hive: Ah, way to put me on the spot. Okay, here goes:
1. Los Angeles
2. New Orleans
3. Utah
4. Houston
5. Dallas
6. Phoenix
7. San Antonio
8. Denver

I still think Los Angeles comes out of the West.

All good things must come to an end sometime

Congrats to the Celtics for ending the Streak.

Nothing else can be said. We got outplayed badly tonight.
By a seemingly better team.

I'm only sad because the very things we did to start and keep the Streak, we seemed to have forgotten tonight. Don't get rattled... pass the ball... motion offense... control the defensive rebounds... rotate on screens... get the loose balls... all of that was in the Celtics' favor tonight.

I'm also disappointed that 80% of the Houston fans bailed at the beginning of the 4th Quarter. I saw empty seats everywhere with 8 minutes left. That's sad. Houston is known as a fairweather fan city - and for good reason - tonight just backed up that stereotype. If you're going to be a fan in the good times... you gotta stick with the guys during the bad times, too. That's part of being a sports fan.

As for the game itself? Rafer getting baited by Rajon Rondo was a bad sign at the start. Rafer's head was immediately out of the game. The result? A 4-13 shooting night. T-Mac started great, but once he sat down it's like he never came back in the game. The Rockets still can't make free throws. That achilles' heel is going to hurt bad in April.

Scola was player of the game. And I loved Mike Harris' effort.

Damn we need Carl Landry back. Like 3 hours ago.
Come back, Carl!!!

Tomorrow? Time to start a new Streak.
Big, big game against New Orleans. A must win!

GO ROCKETS!

The Streak is over at 22

22 games in a row, now the second longest in NBA history. We finally lost a game and it's to the best team in the league, no shame in that. We went away in the second half from what we did so well in the streak. Let's be clear, the Celtics beat us, we didn't give the win to them, they took it, but we sure as heck didn't help. The substitution pattern was awful, and that's only the second time in the last 30 or so games that I've said that. Rafer allowed a second year player to get in his head and played quite possibly his worst game in two years. I'm really begging that he puts this behind him and remembers that this isn't the streets, you don't have to buck up just because some punk challenges you. Tracy was everything he wasn't during the streak, passive, poor shooting, and bad body language. I also hope we don't see that Tracy ever again. Anyway, I'm still a little sad from the loss, but let's revisit the greatness that was the streak and focus on the good:

22 wins
50 days in between losses
Still in 1st place even with the loss

1. Golden State - A game even Dave thought we'd lose, it was game 1 of the ten game streak I predicted and was fantastic, the Rockets found a way to hold the lead late and win it.

2. Indiana - Up until the Celtics game, this was the game where the Rockets were tested the most, it took some late scoring to get the streak going at the beginning

3. Milwaukee - No Micheal Redd for the Bucks and the luckiness of the streak begins

4. Minnesota - Al Jefferson had a monster game, but the Rockets weather the storm for number 4

5. Cleveland - Here is the second big game of the series, the Rockets took Lebron and company to task, blowing them out by 15

6. Atlanta - This is the game that made the Hawks fired up for the 20th win by the Rockets. There was a layup line going and Atlanta wasn't invited. A 19 point victory that wasn't anywhere near that close of a game

7. Portland - Dave and I were able to see this one live and the good guys did not disappoint. Yao had 25 and 7 and thoroughly destroyed the Trailblazers

8. Sacramento - The Rockets tried to blow this one, losing a 20 point lead and having to rely on Steve Novak for a game winner right before the All Star break. They tried to give me a heart attack, but they kept it going

9. Cleveland - On the road, versus Lebron, a lot of people thought they would lose, instead they won by 8 and hushed the Cleveland fans. For the haters all it did was create one more team that they didn't think was a good test even though they thought it was pre-game

10. Miami - Miami sucks

11. New Orleans -Yao had 28 and 14 in effectively his last real game. He was phenomenal and we really could have used him against Boston tonight. He's the best center in the game and even while the streak continued there were moments when he was greatly missed.

12. Chicago -Tracy had 24 points and 8 assists, Yao started to show he was hurt. The Bulls were simply no match in the long run for the Rockets

13. Washington - Yao is out for the season and I am sad. How would the Rockets play without him? The Wizards wish they didn't have to find out. The Rockets continued to roll with their 4th double digit victory in a row

14. Memphis - Memphis sucks

15. Denver - Admit it, with Yao out you thought the Rockets would lose this game. It's okay, just admit it. The Rockets and Shane Battier killed Denver ultimately winning by 14. It was a true team game as a different player led us in points, rebounds and assists

16. Indiana - Payback for the close game in win 2 of the streak was not pretty for the visiting Pacers, the Rockets ended it with an 18 point victory. The 16th victory in a row gave the Rockets a new team record.

17. Dallas - No Dirk? No contest. The Rockets beat Dallas in Dallas for the first time in what seems like a lifetime. Tracy led the way with 31 points and 9 assists.

18. New Orleans -Try number two for the Hornets to break the streak, and even with a super-human performance from CP3, the Rockets were too much.

19. New Jersey -Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson were so flustered that they shut it down in the early 3rd quarter. The Rockets tied the NBA record for double digit victories in a row with their 10th win and it just so happened to come against the Nets who previously owned the record

20. Atlanta - Marvin Williams can't handle being the 11th team in a row to get beat by double digits so he kills the streak with 5 seconds to go. The Rockets played terrible offense for 3.5 quarters and then put it together at the end of the game to win by 8

21. Charlotte - Emeka Okafor tried his hardest, but Tracy managed to do it mostly by himself, pouring in 30 points

22. Los Angeles Lakers - Shane holds Kobe to 11-33 shooting and the Rockets finally move from 10th to first. Great game on national television and the Rockets show they can play with the big boys.

And just in case y'all forgot, the Rockets still have a long winning streak intact: They haven't lost on the road for 12 games and here we go on a three game road swing...

"I don't want money and I don't want medals"

What is better... being part of a team that is on a 22-game winning streak? Or receiving an individual award? (MVP, ROY, most improved, DPOY, etc.)??

This is a great article from SI.com discussing how the Streak has given the Rockets enough exposure that we might get to reap in some individual awards. T-Mac for MVP, Ricky for Coach of the Year, Scola for ROY, Battier for D-POY, Daryl Morey for Exec of the Year (hey, I already covered this!) ... and even Rafer freakin' Alston for Most Improved Player.

Two months ago, none of these guys were even in the discussion. Today? Adelman and Morey have to be serious contenders, while T-Mac, Scola and Battier will definitely finish in the top 5 of voting for the respective awards. Rafer... well, I just don't see how he could legitimately be "most improved" - he had a damn fine season in Toronto three years ago. I don't think he's "improved" on that season. But, hey, national recognition is always a good thing!

I'll take it! Though I'd still prefer we keep the Col. Jessup mindset and continue to order Code Reds on the rest of the NBA. No need for medals or awards just yet. We do like rings though.

Rockets and Celtics - a pro/con list!

The Boston Celtics come to town tonight. Lee tells me the game is on TNT at 8:30pm because it's a marquee game. So I have to wait an extra hour for my entertainment now? That's a bunch of crap! Anyway...

I've constructed a pro/con list to truly gauge tonight's matchup and the viability of a potential 23 game winning streak:
Pro: The Rockets are really good.
Con: The Celtics' record (53-13) suggests they might actually be better.

Pro: The Rockets are at home tonight.
Con: Boston is 24-8 on the road, including last night's victory over the Robert Horrys.

Pro: St. Patty's Day was yesterday... no distractions!
Con: St. Patty's Day is over. :-(

Pro: Ray Allen unlikely to play tonight!
Con: Yao is not walking through that door.......

Pro: But Carl Landry just might!
Con: Boston still has that KG guy.

Pro: The Rockets still have T-Mac.
Con: The Celtics also have Paul Pierce. And Sam I Am.

Pro: The Celtics played last night... it's a back-to-back for them!
Con: It's not like KG is prone to getting tired.

Pro: The Rockets are on a 22-freakin'-game winning streak!
Con: Yeah, there's no "con" for that - we're awesome.

Pro: Rafer Alston is coming off a career high 31 point effort on National TV!!!
Con: Rafer might actually think he's good now. Uh oh.

Pro: T-Mac is unlikely to have a 4-16 game again tonight.
Con: Rafer probably will...

Pro: The Rockets are the #1 team in the Western Conference.
Con: The Celtics are the #1 team in the Eastern Conference.

Pro: The Eastern Conference sucks.
Con: Boston is 21-4 against the West.

Pro: Shane Battier is the Defensive Player of the Year.
Con: Shane can't guard KG *and* Paul Pierce. Or can he?

Pro: We have Luis Landry.
Con: Ha ha! There is no "con" here! Suck on that, Boston!

Go Rockets... 23 in a row! What a cool number for a Streak.

Quick NBA Rules Lesson

NOT against the NBA Rules

Not sure who created that at Clutchfans (I stole it from Hornfans.com that stole it from Clutchfans) but nice work.

This is not, repeat, not, against the NBA rules. Face guarding in this manner is legal in every way. The only way to make it illegal is to face guard from behind a player without the ball. Stop saying it's illegal mainstream media and message boarders, please just stop.

Here is the rule straight from the NBA rulebook:

m. Eye guarding (placing a hand in front of the opponent's eyes when guard-ing from the rear) a player who does not have possession of the ball is illegal and an unsportsmanlike technical shall be assessed.

So there you have it, there is no reason to point out "from the rear" if it is also illegal to do it from the front. It is not illegal, end of story.

Rant over

As an add on, here is an example of journalistic integrity, Charley Rosen proving once and for all he doesn't actually read the rule books.

Relentlessly hounded by Battier, Kobe was 11-for-33 — although it must be noted that Battier face-guarded Bryant on virtually every jumper. The last time I looked at the rule book, face-guarding was illegal.

The Green Invasion, Rockets go for 23 in a row

Tonight the Rockets have perhaps the largest test of the streak to date. The Boston Celtics come in to the Toyota center to take on the guys in Red and White at 8:30PM CST live on TNT. I'll spare you the suspense: Charles Barkley will assuredly say that the streak will end tonight and Kenny Smith will finally let a little Rockets bias through and pick Houston saying something along the lines of "They just keep winning, I don't know, but they just keep winning".

Boston Celtics: 53-13 (24-8 on the road) 9-1 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 46-20 (26-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

What can I say about the Celtics that hasn't already been said? Oh I know, Detroit is NOT better than they are. In fact, they are 5 full games worse. I have no idea why people keep trying to say they are worse than the Pistons (or why that would be an insult even if true). They have played the game 3 times this year and Detroit won by 2 early in the season at Boston, then Boston returned the favor winning by 7 in Detroit. Only 13 days ago today the Celtics closed out the series in a blowout winning by 12 (and any double digit victory in a game with teams that good is a blowout). They took defense to a new level in that game, holding the Pistons to 11 in the fourth quarter. And let's not forget that this is basically the same Detroit team (admittedly with some good additions but still basically the same) that lost to Cleveland in the playoffs last year, so I'll believe their prowess when I see it in the playoffs.

Last night the Celtics came back from down 22 (yep, 22) to beat the Spurs in San Antonio. They actually tried to give the game away as Kevin Garnett threw the ball away with a few seconds left and Big Shot Rob had an obstructed look to win but missed. Boston is now 21-4 against the West this year, with their losses coming to Utah at home by 18 last week, and three back to back to back road losses to Denver, Phoenix and Golden State in mid February. Essentially that wraps up to "The Boston Celtics are really good", you know, in case the 53-13 thing didn't convince you. I'm guessing they are about as sick of the "They play in the East so I'm really not sure how good they are" as we are of the "The Rockets haven't played anyone in the streak so I'm not really sure how good they are". 21-4 against the West and wins over the Hornets (home and away), the Lakers, the Mavericks, the Nuggets, the Trailblazers, etc are your answers respectively. Both teams are really good and can beat any other team in the league on any given night.

What's my prediction? 23 in a row, the luck of the Irish was last night, the luck of the Rockets is nightly.

Injury Updates: Looks like Ray Allen is out and Carl Landry could finally be back

Conversing with the Enemy: CelticsBlog

Rockets host the Boston Celtics tonight. I really hope the Celtics are hungover after last night's St. Patty's Day victory over the Spurs. Of course, in anticipation of today's game - Lee and I had a nice Q&A back and forth with the guys over at CelticsBlog. We posed a handful of questions... their answers are below. (Our answers to their questions can be found here.)

With that... take it away, Tom!

_________

1. Given that a year ago the Celtics were openly tanking for the worst record in the league (and a shot at Oden/Durant) but this year are now competing for the best record in the NBA... how has the popular opinion about Doc Rivers changed? And how much of a badass is Kevin Garnett? (is Garnett in the same level of popularity as Tom Brady or David Ortiz?)

follow-up: Doc Rivers is still your head coach? Really?

Openly tanking...I'm offended. Answering in order, people really don't talk about Doc as much any more. Last year it was Doc this or Doc that, but this year there have really only been a few instances where Nurse, Doc's bad coach alter-ego, came out in full force and had a meaningful impact on a game. Unfortunately, the most recent instance of this was Friday night when Doc bizarrely kept Rondo and Perkins on the bench well into the fourth quarter, when it appeared to most Celtics fans that Eddie House and Big Baby just weren't getting it done against Utah. Kevin Garnett is an off-the-charts badass. He has an ability to motivate that is unreal. Players, coaches, staff and especially the fans have all raised their intensity levels this year due to KG. (See here for motivation: Intense KG) As a non-resident of Boston, I had to go out for help on your next question ranking popularity of Boston sports stars. Donoghus, one of our forums moderators had this to say: " The average Boston sports fan loves KG but I don't see him at the same level as a Brady or Ortiz. Those two are on such a high pedestal that I feel it'll take a title and clutch play by KG in the playoffs to even breath the same air as those two right now. However, his stock has risen considerably since the beginning of the year. People are taking a lot more notice of KG now."And lastly, yes Doc is still our head coach. To be fair to Danny Ainge, it would have been very hard to fire Doc after last year with what he was given and the injuries. Anyway, let's not talk about this anymore.

2. On a scale of 1-to-10, how much does Danny Ainge want to sign himself to a veteran's minimum contract and un-retire so that he can play with KG, Pierce and Ray Allen? (I say a solid "7")

If I knew of a way to do it, I'd just send you pic directly, but see image 8 from this gallery for your answer. Mr. Ainge Unfortunately, even in jeans and dress shoes Danny could probably still take Scal. But yeah, 1986/87 Danny Ainge would be fantastic on this team.

3. How do you see the Eastern Conference playoffs playing out?

I think its really all about the top four seeds. Toronto could make things interesting versus the Cavs, but I can't imagine that powers that be would let the playoffs go without LBJ making it out of the first round. The national NBA media seems to forget that the Magic are actually pretty good, and will be a tough out in the 2nd round. All that being said, I think we're destined for a Celtics / Pistons Eastern Conference Finals, which will be a war. I think the Celtics match up well, particularly Big Baby Davis who has destroyed the Pistons this year (I love BBD). In the end, I'm going with the obvious and picking the Celts to make it to the Finals.

4. Does the green jersey make Sam Cassell look more or less like E.T.?

Sam is the popular choice for E.T. look-a-likes, but don't sleep on Rajon. Especially when you see how freakishly long his fingers are. Sam I Am. Is this a good thing that both of the Celtics point guards look like an alien. I say yes. Who doesn't love E.T.? He makes inter-galactic communication devices out of speak and spells and can make your bike fly. In my book, that's awesome, and those are intangibles that don't show up in a box score. Hopefully those qualities will rub off on Sammy and Rondo.

5. With the Red Sox recently winning a championship and the Patriots finishing 18-1, how much does the city care about the Celtics right now? Are they a solid 1, 2 or 3 in the pecking order? My gut says Red Sox 1, Celtics 2 and Pats 3, but I'm not there so I have no real insight (I assume the Revolution are not even on the same radar).

Well if I were to answer this for you my answer would be 1. Celtics, 2. Giants, 3. Mets, so back to Donoghus to finish this up. As amazing as it sounds, I still get the sense that this team is flying under the radar with a bunch of people around here. You listen to WEEI or read the two major papers and a lot of the talk is still on the Pats offseason or Red Sox spring training. Mirabelli's release was getting a lot of press the other day. The guy's a backup catcher. I'm not sure if people are taking a "wait and see" approach with this team until they reach the playoffs or what but the city is NOT Celtic crazy right now. Best comparison I can make right now is that its a lot like the 2001 Patriots where people were happy they were winning during the season but weren't convinced that it was going to result in anything as dramatic as winning the title. Almost as if its a "let's see where this ride takes us, we're not quite sure what we have here" mentality. The pecking order is still 1) Red Sox 2) Patriots and 3) Celtics. Last year, fans pretty much had the C's and Bruins at the same level however the attendance illustrated that the C's were the more popular brand. This season, the Celtics have clearly pulled down the 3 spot and I happen to think that once the playoffs roll around, you'll see real excitement and attention on this team. Even if they win a title, I think it'd be hard to crack Top 2 just due to the multiple titles that the Sox & Pats have won this decade and the C's would still be viewed as the up and comer. It would take as stable and long term run of success along with some stumbles by the Sox/Pats for the Celtics to jump either of them.

Thanks again for the Q&A guys! Oh, and Go Rockets!

The Dream Shake on Ball Don't Lie (Yahoo)

The incomparable J.E. Skeets over at Yahoo's Ball Don't Lie NBA blog asked the leading bloggers for playoff-bound teams in the Western Conference to provide a short synopsis of (a) what team do we want to face in the playoffs, and (b) what team(s) we'd very much be happy to avoid in round 1.

For some unexplained reason, Lee and I were selected to be the bloggin' representatives for the Houston Rockets. Surprising, I know!

Here's the link - and I strongly suggest reading Skeets and Kelly Dwyer over at BDL on an hourly basis every weekday. They are like witty and cool. What we aspire to be here.

Oh, and I hate the Utah Jazz. So very, very much.

The NBA: Where the Houston Rockets happen

I suck at YouTube... but fortunately I'm in the minority there.
Saw this today.
It is awesome.



Go Rockets!

Rockets vs. Lakers - a new kind of double/double!

The Rockets have won 22 games in a row. Yes, in a freakin' row. 22!!!

For all those who said the Rockets' Streak was just a fluke... that we didn't play any good teams... that we're really not that good of a team? Yeah, suck it - we just beat the Lakers. Who were the #1 team in the West until the Rockets decided today that it's our turn at the top.

So, yeah, that's 22 consecutive wins. The 2nd best Streak of all time.
And, in case anyone has forgotten - that is now TEN (10) consecutive wins since the Ming Dynasty abdicated his throne until next season.

It's like a double-double... 12 wins in a row with Yao. 10 wins in a row without Yao.

Before anyone says anything about it... yes, I saw Rafer score 31 points. And make eight (8?!?!) three-pointers. I am still in shock and in total disbelief. He'd have gone for 40 if he could make a layup!! (Hey - I can't completely be nice to Rafer - even after a career day on national TV!)

Okay, okay - Rafer killed the Lakers and gave a double-middle-finger to my season-long criticism. I admit it.

On the flip side... Rafer's career day effort was sorely needed. Tracy McGrady had a rough and I mean really rough day. Maybe not as rough as Kaz Matsui's backside... but rough nonetheless. 4-16? In a huge matchup against Kobe? 0-4 from the three-point line? 11 total points? Ouch, babe - very ouch.

But this is why the Rockets are a true team. And why this team kicks ass. When T-Mac has a bad day - it's not a problem. Rafer steps up. Or Scola steps up. Or Mike freakin' Harris steps up. Or Bobby Jackson? Bobby Jackson?!? Wow - awesome game from Bobby, by the way.

Of course, the real MVP of today was one Shane Battier. Considering he's a Duke grad and all - it should not be surprising given that today was Selection Sunday for the NCAA tournament. It's kind of a big deal at Duke I hear. As an SMU alum, I would not know. But back to Shane. The MVP of the NBA this year is Kobe Bryant. It is, just trust me. What does Kobe do with Shane guarding him? 11-for-33. Yes, that's not a typo. THIRTY-THREE shots. 33%. It's like Evil Rafer played for the Lakers today and wore #24. And in those 33 shots, Kobe only scored 24. That's a phenomenal defensive effort.

Shane Battier must have earned himself a spot on the NBA All Defensive First Team with today's effort (he already belonged, but today's performance should get him all the votes).

Kobe? pwn3d, bitch.

The Houston Rockets - #1 in the Western Conference. #1 in the Southwest Division. #1 in the hearts and minds of NBA fans and all of America. 22 and counting.

Next up? Rockets host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. We did a Q&A with the guys over at CelticsBlog. Their answers to our off-the-wall questions should be posted here sometime on Tuesday morning.

Also - for a gameday live-blog of today's Rockets/Lakers game - head on over to Hardwood Paroxysm. Matt did a bang-up job blogging Rafer's big day.

Rafer says FU Dream Shake for number 22!!!!

Rafer Alston just scored 31 on 8-11 shooting from the three point line (we'll pretend he didn't shoot from inside the line) and ran the offense very efficiently. I will personally take responsibility (Richard Justice style) for his domination of the Lakers as I feel he did it just to shut us up. In fact, just to keep it up and so I don't jinx him, you still suck Rafer (but I do like you, and that was a hell of a game).

The crazy thing is, I can't give Rafer the singular title of player of the game. I will give him co-player of the game though, as Shane Battier frustrated Kobe Bryant to no end. He held Kobe to 11-33 shooting and made him visibly upset on 5-6 occasions. Shane also only allowed Bryant to dish the ball off for 2 assists and made him turn it over 3 times. I love 2-3 Assists to TO ratios for the other teams star guard. He was in his grill like a dead bug on the front end of a Mack truck. I am openly campaigning for an injustice to be righted; every year Shane Battier does not make the NBA 1st team All Defensive team is a travesty of the utmost.

The game was so incredibly exciting that I can't even clearly remember all of the events. Tracy didn't score in the entire first half and it was so impressive of a game that it didn't even matter as the Rockets took a 15 point lead to half time. It happened so fast that I don't even remember exactly how it all transpired. I know there were a lot of Rafer Alston three pointers, some Bobby Jackson drives and some Shane Battier in your face defense but it's all a blur right now. Suffice to say, a lot of Laker tail was kicked in the second quarter.

The second half started with a huge Lakers run, driven mostly by poor Rockets defense and horrendous Rockets shooting. LA got within 2 in the third, but never took a lead after they lost it with 10:22 left in the 2nd quarter. That's a real testament to the Rockets defense; they bent after getting a big lead, but never broke. Kobe scored with 4:56 left in the game to get to 24 and cut the lead to 5. Then came sheriff Shane to lock him up, causing Bryant to miss 4 shots after that and turn it over once. It was all over after that shot, the Rockets got the difference up to 15 in the last few minutes and ultimately won by 12.

To anyone saying the Rockets haven't played anyone, Rafer's message to us is our message to you. Next up, the Rockets play the Boston Celtic at 8:30PM at Toyota Center? Could it be 23?

21 in a row, and here come the big guns

The Rockets won their 21st game in a row on Friday night and I only was able to hear the 3rd quarter on the radio and the Rockets took off, then I had to mute it and the Bobcats came back. Then I got home and watched and they started dominating again. Basically I'm not allowed to miss a second of the Lakers game on Sunday. I don't have a lot to interject about the game that can't be summed up in the following: The Bobcats have a a lot of young guys that are good, but not great. They could be very good in a couple of years if they stick together. The Rockets are a much better team and road the young team wave for a bit before dominating the rest of the game. There, end of recap.

Next up, 2:30PM at Toyota Center tomorrow: The Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant minus Pau Gasol

So just to recap, the Rockets got New Orleans without David West, then Dallas without Dirk, and now LA without Gasol. You know how much sympathy I have for those teams? We have no Yao, so screw them. The Rockets have won regardless, so I just don't have any bad feelings about how other teams have showed up on the court. We're now tied for first place with the Lakers in the West, they own the tie breaker right now with a better record so far in conference. A win tomorrow would give the Rockets the season series 2-1 and they would own the first tie breaker and not need to get to the second.

Los Angeles Lakers: 44-20 (22-12 on the road) 7-3 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 44-20 (25-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

The Lakers lost their last game to the New Orleans Hornets, beat the Raptors at home before that and lost to the Kings at home before that. They aren't playing as well as of late as they were right after the Gasol trade, but they are easily a top 3 team in the league right now. I'm not sure how badly the Gasol injury hurts them as much like Mike McDermott before Worm came along, they were winning before he got there. In a one or two game situation it could seriously interrupt their flow, but I'm not ready to say it will.

I actually can't wait for this game. The Lakers are a team that other tams have measured themselves against since the beginning of my basketball watching days (1986) and Sunday is no different. Kobe Bryant vs. Tracy McGrady is a huge match up. Or it would be if Tracy was actually going to guard Kobe. Instead the real match up for me is Shane Battier who has said that Kobe is the best player he's ever tried to guard. I say tried because Kobe torches everyone, even Shane hasn't found a way to slow Kobe down. I am hoping that is different this time around and the incredible team defense the Rockets have been playing of late can at least give him a small speed bump to go over. I also am hoping we can get back to a 40%+ shooting Rafer Alston and that we can control the clock a little better. In our last two games we took some really silly shots as a team overall early in the shot clock. We weren't using our offensive sets very efficiently and we need to get back to it.

What's my prediction? 22 in a row. Come on, have you seen the Rockets the last 21 games in a row???

Blackjack! (The good, the bad and the ugly)

That's 21 in a row. TWENTY-ONE!

In a row!

It was another trap game we survived. Barely. It was rather clear that everyone was looking ahead to Sunday. Or scoreboard watching. Or calculating "what ifs" for the standings. And that's okay - it's natural. I'm quite happy with winning 21 freakin' games in a row.

The Rockets are now in FIRST PLACE in the Western Conference. And in first place in the impossibly difficult Southwest Division (must still hold off San Antonio, New Orleans AND Dallas. Yikes.)

Also - do not attempt to dunk on Dikembe. It's a bad, bad idea.

That's the good.

The bad? Uh... am I allowed to say anything bad about Rafer? [yes, yes I am.]

You took another 19 shots? Where at least six or seven of those were wayyyyy too early in the shot clock or purely forced. Things to remember, Rafer: (a) you have teammates. Pass them the ball; and (b) you make about 50% of your layups. T-Mac, Scola and well, most everyone else makes a higher percentage. Pass them the ball.

There is no excuse for ever going 2-10 from the three point line. Ever.

That leaves us with... the ugly. And there's no good way to say this, but, why the hell was Tracy McGrady playing all of the 48 minutes?!?!? We shouldn't need him to play the full 48 just to beat Charlotte.

We need him for the next five games. Which, oh, by the way - FU NBA schedule maker! We have to play the Lakers on Sunday and then Boston, New Orleans, Phoenix AND Golden State... all in 7 days. Now T-Mac is going to be dragging ass because of pure exhaustion. This scares me. The only consolation at the moment? Well, for one - we have a 21 game winning streak. And the Lakers, Celtics, Hornets, Suns and Warriors DO NOT. Ha ha. But also - Pau Gasol, Chris Paul AND Ray Allen all got banged up last night. I'll take that.

I just need a healthy and rested T-Mac.

Who has won NINE in a row without Yao.




Go Rockets - make it 22 on Sunday!

Charlotte comes to town to get thrown down

The Rockets come back to Toyota tonight to play the Charlotte Bobcats at 7:30PM CST after working through an extremely tough game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Bobcats seem, to the unwatching eye, (since I've seen a grand total of 0 of their games this year) to be a similar team to Atlanta. Very young, very athletic. They will give the Rockets as much as they can to end this streak. As a young team it is something they can build on for the rest of the season.

Charlotte Bobcats: 24-40 (6-23 on the road) 5-5 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 44-20 (24-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

Prior to a loss at Dallas on Wednesday the Bobcats had won 5 in a row including 2 of their 6 road wins on the season by an overall average of 10.2 points. Over that streak they beat Toronto (Without Bosh), Minnesota (on the road), Golden State, Atlanta and Washington (on the road). Not a world beating streak, but still, confidence can be breed by beating anyone, and a 5 game streak is a 5 game streak. Then Dallas caused them to crash back down to earth.

Here are the 4 other road wins this season: Miami by 2 (Nov 4), Boston by12??? (Jan 9), Chicago by 13 (Jan 25), and LA Clippers by 7 (Jan 28). Nothing special other than the Boston win, but that Boston win is a hell of a win if you are only going to have 6 on the season.

I'm pressed for time after writing 3,000 words on Rafer earlier today but wanted to get a quick preview up, so there it was.

Of note: It is not expected that Carl Landry will play tonight and it is up in the air if he will play Sunday. His presence or lack there of Sunday may or may not drive my prediction.

What's my prediction? 21 in a row, of at least 21 (We'll talk about the rest on Saturday or Sunday)

Word of the day: "hyperbole"

I've been inundated with e-mails the last day or so claiming that I'm being overly harsh to Rafer Alston. Which surprises me because I actually said something nice about him on Wednesday. All kidding aside, yes, I know I'm harsh on him. Yet it's nothing new. The tone of this blog has always been to critique and criticize if/when appropriate - and often when it isn't. Rafer has always been our whipping boy. Ever since post #1.

Every single time we've tried to be nice to Rafer or give him credit for not being mediocre - he goes and shoots 3-18. Or has 7 turnovers. Or participates in the Philly Debacle. So I can't trust the guy. Consequently, I make over-the-top posts comparing him to Towelie, or Warren Harding, or I say that he would be beat by a chick-with-a-dick (which, by the way, got me directly linked by NBA.com).


The word we are looking for is "hyperbole".

hy·per·bo·le /haɪˈpɜrbəli/ [hahy-pur-buh-lee]

–noun
1. obvious and intentional exaggeration.
2. an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.”

Has Rafer played better lately? Yes.
Has Rafer improved on his November/December performances? Very much yes.
Is Rafer the starting point guard for a team on a 20 freakin' game winning streak?!?! Oh, hell yes!!!

Is Rafer an All-Star? No.
Is Rafer a career 40% shooter? No.
Is Rafer going to ever catch a break from the writers of this blog? Probably not.

Do I have to be nice to Rafer? Uh, no. Sorry. Not going to happen. Not even if we win 37. In a row. Which would be a record or something.

Why is Rafer so "hated" around here?

It's come to my attention from places wide and far that many think Dave and I are too hard on Rafer Alston. Some have used words like "nasty" and "unnecessary" to describe our diatribes. I'd like to take a minute or fifteen to talk it through. First, I do think that we have been pretty tough on him. I think Dave has been much tougher of late, but not any more mean to him in the past than I have been. Let's go through my history with Rafer:

I first heard about him in college, some due to his skills, some due to his playground legend, but then I knew his name because he was the guy that was in legal troubles while in college. I looked past that, and if my memory is right, the charges were dropped. Now I don't dislike Rafer for his legal trouble, unless he goes out and kills someone, I'm mostly okay with that (I do not condone opposite sex assault, but that's never been proven of him).

I lost track of him a bit until he came to the Miami and played pretty well running the offense. As a Rockets fan, I was able to overlook his horrendous shooting and appreciate him for what he was, a guy that took care of the ball 90% of the time and just wasn't a shooter. I admired him for his guts and for the fact that while he was best suited for the street ball world, he was one one of the very few that made a big enough transition from that game to the NBA. His ball handling skills suited him very well in Miami. He impressed me with a 4-1 assists to turnover ratio and his giant balls on the court. No matter how many times he chucked the ball, he had the guts to do it again and again until he had himself a few game sealers and some game winners.

I was excited for him when he signed his big deal with Toronto, and I felt like he played hard, going for 14 and 6 a night on a team that should have been better than it was. I didn't get to watch a lot of Raptors games, but liked what I saw when I did. He was pretty decent, but the knock back then was that he still couldn't shoot well. He did get better that year though.

I have to interject here that I really liked Mike James when he played for the Rockets. He was the anti-Rafer, a terrific shooter and instant offense at all times. He came in and lit a fire under the Rockets. He was everything that Rockets team needed and what I thought they still needed the next year. And it's a little out of the timeline, but the Rockets really did need that offense when Yao and Tracy went down for extended periods of time that year, but I truly feel that Rafer was the better player long term for the Rockets, no matter how much he upsets me sometimes.

The off season came after the Rockets got knocked out in a blow-out by the Mavericks and some odd news came. Mike James had just been traded by the Rockets to Toronto for Rafer Alston? I didn't get it, the Rockets seemed like they had it together the season before and that they could go places with the exact same team. Why did they need Rafer? Then I remembered that our starting PG was David Wesley, a good player, but definitely on the downturn of his career. Was a 29 year old PG the answer? I truly felt like the answer was yes and that as a true PG Rafer would be a phenomenal addition to the team. I even thought it now made us NBA championship contenders. He was my answer to the "what ails the Rockets" question.

It turns out that the Rockets season went down the tubes and it was really difficult to gauge Rafer's performance. I knew that at times his shooting made me want to pull what little hair out I had, but some of his passes were phenomenal. It was also just about impossible for an opponent to force him into a turnover, but he was known to force himself into one about 2 times a game. Those bad decisions were a head scratcher to me, they seemed to come out of nowhere. He'd have 3 great passes, some that seemed to be picture perfect, and then he just throw the ball to no one. I attributed it to being his first year with the Rockets and to having such an inconsistent cast around him. In other words, he could drive me crazy but I was completely willing to wipe the slate clean. He had two periods in that season where he was borderline fantastic, there weren't a lot of wins in those periods, but he looked great.

Last season I started off with a positive attitude about him and he started the season rewarding me, having more good games than bad, but tossing in an awful game here and there. But as the season progressed so did the bad decisions. His shot selection bordered on horrific at times and the assists went down. He wasn't really running the offense very efficiently and seemed lost at times. Then the Rockets turned their season around and Rafer started to play better, yet again I was giving him another chance. He seemed to be getting it and was playing pretty decently. Not good mind you. Sometimes I feel like people take him playing better than his worst and want to call it good. It's not good, it's just not awful. Here's the thing though, on a team with two superstars, solid is all you need, you don't need a "good" point guard, you need an efficient one that doesn't make the dumb pass or shoot the dumb shot. And that is what Rafer was for a good portion of the last 1/3rd of the season, solid. He had really bad games at times, but I'm not that picky, everyone has a bad game at times. So what happened that got me off the Rafer bandwagon again? The playoffs:

Game 1 - 3-11 overall and 3-10 from behind the arc. Dave and I went to this game and I made a concerted to talk good about him and cheer for him. He didn't really reward me from the field, but he did have 11 rebounds and 8 assists. He also had 3 really terrible turnovers. I left the game with mixed feelings. I wanted to cheer for him, I hate not liking one of my players.

Game 2 - 3-9 overall and 1-6 from behind the arc. He had 6 rebounds, 5 assist and 3 turnovers. Basically he had an awful game, he wasn't running the offense well but I gave him a pass after it because no one on the team was shooting well and he should have had another 4-5 assists. I also only recall 1 of the 3 turnovers being of the scream at the TV variety.

Game 3 - His stats were sub par in a Rockets blowout, but I turned the corner again with him as I thought he played pretty decent defense on Deron Williams even though the Rockets were destroyed, it wasn't his fault. I decided to openly cheer for him again in game 4.

Game 4 - How does he reward me for cheering? 5-14 overall and 2-7 from behind the arc. Both of his turnovers were killers and I just couldn't believe that's how he played when I had come around for him again.

Game 5 - 4-10 overall and 3-7 from behind the arc. Again, he pulls me back in, while his shooting wasn't great, he mostly took good shots, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. His 3 turnovers weren't too bad because 2 of them weren't horrible passes or to no one.

Game 6 - Another decent game, but again in a Rockets loss. He is 5-14 from the field and 3-8 from behind the arc. Dave disagreed with me on this one, but I thought he was solid, but it really didn't matter as the Rockets were killed. I couldn't fault him for the 14 shots though, he was just trying to make something happen in a bad game for everyone.

Game 7 - Let me say first that if you were to ask me off the cuff, I would say we lost this game because Tracy stopped shooting layups in the fourth quarter, but Rafer really solidified an entire off season of angst with his performance. He was 3-11 overall and 2-8 from behind the arc with some brilliantly bad shot selection thrown in. He did have 4 rebounds and 4 assists with only 1 turnover but it really didn't tell the whole picture. He was not making passes to the open man, he was behind on his decisions and he generally ran the team poorly on this day. The loss put a bad taste in my mouth and having the whole off-season ahead of me certainly didn't help.

Here's the thing, before the season I told Dave and anyone that would listen that I was giving Rafer one more pass. He had broken my heart so many times, but I figured that if he was able to beat out every comer, I could live with Adelman's decision. Basically that would be two consecutive NBA coaches telling me I don't know what I'm talking about and he is there best option. Actually, scratch that, it still didn't mean he was good, but it did mean he was the best option we had available to us. And that's how it played out, from day one he was the starter. Mike James and Steve Francis were relegated to the bench and I was okay with that. That is until this happened:

Rafer's first 20 games this season he averaged:
29MPG
3.3 - 8.75 from inside the arc or 37.7%
1.2-4.4 from behind the arc or 27.3%
.7-1.2 from the line or 58.3%
8.5PPG
3.2 Rebounds
4.8 Assists
1.55 Turnovers

There was no silver lining, the Rockets were 11-9 and Rafer was making bad passes, not hitting the open man and generally playing like he was a street-baller masquerading as an NBA player. He was not only not good, he was awful. Everything I wanted to forget about his poor stints was completely evident to anyone watching the game. It was a testament to how far James and Francis had fallen and I guess to what Adelman saw in practice that he was the starter. His performance caused me to start my Explosion of Awfulness posts and he deserved every bit of criticism he received from this blog. As others have put it when we've knocked him recently "you would have to be an idiot" to think he was doing a good or even borderline adequate job.

At the time I would have traded point guards with every team but: New York, Denver, Minnesota, Milwaukee, and Sacramento (because Bibby was hurt)

Then he started to have a few decent games here and there, his shooting percentage wasn't up, but his overall "what you see if you watch" game was up. He was making less silly passes and running the offense much more efficiently. It certainly wasn't an overnight change, but you could see it. I don't know how many times I told people that I wasn't as upset that he was our PG. He was winning me over a little at a time as the Rockets were starting to do some good things even though they weren't winning. You could see Rafer was getting the Adelman offense and that the Rockets were starting to come around. I had come around to the point that when Dave and I attended the Philadelphia game I actually said "I really like how Rafer is playing, if he can keep it up there aren't a lot of PGs I would trade him for". You know how he rewarded me? By personally giving away a game with 6 completely random and increasingly more pathetic turnovers. Every single time I compliment him more than "he wasn't bad" he F's me. I feel like I'm in Shawshank with the sisters, and sometimes I win, but sometimes the good fight isn't enough. Yes he was part of what got us a big lead in that game, but he was the A#1 biggest reason we lost that game as well. It was simply awful. Again he had forced me off the fence to the I hate Rafer Alston the PG camp. And again, let me reiterate, Rafer the person actually seems like a decent guy, someone I would like to hang out with and bust his chops. He had a effectively a 5-3 A/TO ratio during the second 20 game streak, and while he seemed better, the stats don't fully back it up.

His FG% was up a meager ~2% and his 3P% was up ~10% to a whopping 37.1% and his assists were up .6PG but his Turnovers were up 1.3PG. He was averaging 6.25 more PtsPG, but a lot of that was due to 5.15 more shots a game. In all, while he was trying to take a bigger load on and his statistics went up, he wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire with improvements. I did like that he was taking charge, but the overall history of his body of work was not going to blind me to a few good games here and there.

What happened next? This magical portion of the season called a 19 game win streak happened and Rafer started playing like the guy I thought he could be when he came in from Toronto. A guy that wasn't going to light the world on fire, but would be a perfect compliment to our two superstars. He started making the right pass at the right time and not just throwing the ball away (at least not as often). He seemed like he matured on the court. I even complimented him a few times, reserved compliments, but compliments nonetheless on this blog and live in person. I talked behind closed doors about starting to like him again. About how there weren't nearly as many teams I wouldn't hesitate to trade him to for their PG. He was winning me over again.
The stats played it out for once between his previous 20 games and the first 19 games of the winning streak. He raised his FG% another 5%, his 3point% another 2%, he even raised his rebounds by over 1 a game and his assists were up over 1 a game while his turnovers were down almost 1 a game. That last stat was the most impressive in the first 19 games.

Rafer Alston, the goat of this blog on probably 75+ different posts on this blog had done the unthinkable, he played well enough to get Dave to dedicate an entire post to his playing well. While I battled back and forth between utter disdain and slight joy over him, Dave held steadfast in trash talking through his hate. But even he couldn't ignore it anymore. So how does Rafer reward him? 3-18 including 2-8 from behind the arc. Contrary to the belief of some, not all of his shots were in the flow, he forced about 7-8 of them. He reverted to the awful Rafer of old. So it made Dave snap. It made me question his performance pretty harshly as well. Any other player on the Rockets would have a free pass for a game like that, not Rafer. His history did not allow for it, sorry, it just is not justifiable to say he's good overall when he's had the history with the Rockets that he has. I do feel that we have been overly harsh at times on him, and that he actually ran the offense pretty well in the Hawks game, something we in no way gave him credit for, but 3-18 nights from non-shooters will cloud your judgement.

The bottom line is that I want to believe, I really do. I hope he comes out and kills the Bobcats tonight and he is the main reason we roll through LA, Boston, New Orleans, Phoenix and Golden State. I want that more than anything. I love watching his attitude on the court in the first 19 games of the streak. He believed in himself and that caused me to believe in him. He's never going to be perfect, and I don't want him to be. I just don't want to see a pass to no one because of laziness. I don't want to see him think before he shoots the open shot because when he does it never goes in. I do want him to go back to making the extra pass and running the offense. When no one else steps up I'm fine with him driving the lane and taking the lay-up or dishing out. I'm not okay with forced three pointers just because you're being ballsy.

All in all, I want to say: I'm sorry for being too harsh on Rafer. I don't think saying he played poorly is being harsh, but I do feel how we've gone about it at times is. I also want to say that unless this streak ends one day, I won't be saying anything overly nice about him because I'd happily be the reason (I'm not full of myself enough to believe I am, but still) that he has a chip on his shoulder and just forgets a really bad game. What I don't want to lose site of is that we won that game, and while his shooting was awful, his passing and lack of turnovers really helped that cause.

I have no time to edit this today. I did spell check, but cut me some slack as this was mostly just rambling thought with some stats pulled in from basketball-reference.com. I'll edit it later if I have some time, but need to get up a Bobcats are getting taken behind the woodshed tonight preview post up!

Rafer, I'm sorry man, you're solid, and that's all I ever wanted from you. Now, for once, can you reward me tonight?

Like we said - Scola is a badass!

Luis Scola. Total Badass.

And now he's ranked #1 on ESPN's "rookie rankings."
It's about time!

Now we just need to figure out how to get a national campaign to get a co-ROY win for "Luis Landry". Step one - get Carl Landry healthy. Step two ... ????. Step three - profit!

Rockets/Hawks - the Best of Both Worlds!

Last night's game was not only our 20th (!?!?!!) win in a row... it was also the best of both worlds for me as I write today's recap. And no, I am not referring to Randal Graves' movie selections when I say "Best of Both Worlds." I promise.

No - it's a twin killing, because not only did we win - and win ugly - in a very classic "trap game", but now I also get to insult, cajole and ridicule Rafer Alston mercilessly after actually saying something nice about him yesterday afternoon. I think a chick-with-a-dick could have outplayed Rafer last night.

Seriously, 3-18? What convinced you that taking eighteen-freakin'-shots was actually a good idea, Rafer? Was it when you finally managed to hit the rim on shot #7? I mean, usually an 0-8 first half shooting display would encourage me to tone it down in the second half. But no, you chucked up ANOTHER ten shots! An impressive display of hubris!

Hey, Rafer - you suck! Ya jackass!


I can't believe you are a professional basketball player, Rafer. You should have been working in the snack bar during the 2nd half! What the hell was that shooting display last night?!?!?

Okay, okay - enough about Rafer. It's pretty clear he sucks again and the "old" Rafer re-emerged after two months in hiding. I sorta liked the new Rafer, but last night reminded me why I still hate the mere concept of "Rafer Alston, starting point guard."

______

As for the game itself - the win was absolutely freakin' necessary. And thank God we have T-Mac, Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes. Carl Landry would have been MVP of this game, but unfortunately he and Yao were back in Houston playing cards. For the first time in the streak I actually thought the outcome might be in doubt.

Let me put this in a different perspective. Richard Justice will probably rip this off later today, but whatever. Let's look at the standings. Right now the Rockets are 44-20 and on a 20-game winning streak. We are still one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for #1 in the Western Conference. Everyone knows this.

BUT - what if, for some crazy reason, we "only" went 15-5 over the last 20 games? I mean, it wouldn't have been all that surprising to lose to Cleveland once, the Hornets once or twice, the Mavericks or even the Atlanta team we saw last night. Not to forget about Denver. If we somehow dropped five of those games, we'd be 39-25. Still respectable, right? And yet, we'd be in 8th or 9th place in the West and still scrambling just to make the playoffs. Especially if one of the hypothetical losses was to Denver.

Think about this: We needed every single one of the games we won during the streak. How ridiculous is that?

Last night's game is why we love the Rockets though. To explain it using a poker metaphor - it was a classic night of being card dead and yet grinding out a profitable evening anyway. We couldn't shoot. We had trouble rebounding. We couldn't pass the ball either (thanks, Rafer). And yet we just found a way to stay in the game and somehow steal a victory. The NBA equivalent of a successful bluff.

Of course, it helps when the Hawks decide to try to guard Tracy McGrady with Marvin Williams. Yeah, that makes no sense. Thanks for the gift, uhhh, who is the Hawks coach again? I forgot his name. Do they even have a coach right now?


Well, a win is a win. And I'll definitely take it!

Friday night - the Charlotte Bobcats. Another young, athletic team.
Win #21 in a row!

Go Rockets!

We roll out the D team and roll on to #20

The Rockets played one of their worst offensive games that I can remember last night and still won by 8. And Marvin Williams deserves a special place on Santa's bad list for a dunk with 5 seconds left that purposefully ended the Rockets' double digit victory string at 10 (still the NBA record but only tied for it). Yeah for you Marv, you ended the double digit streak but your ass still got kicked. I guess he didn't want to add insult to injury.

This game actually played out about like the last time the Rockets had a long streak going into Atlanta. The Rockets won this one mostly because Atlanta is about 2 years away from having a winning team, but they also won because they turned up the defense when they had to. That's the great thing about this team; typically they have enough offensive firepower to win games, but have the defense that does not necessitate it.

Rafer was horrible last night in almost every non-assist oriented way. His defense was bad and his shooting was awful. That's the last non-offseason positive post we'll have up about him. Sorry guys, we aren't risking jinxing this team again just to give some semi-deserved props to him. It's almost like he was smoking some weed before the game and it mellowed him out too much. Usually when he sucks I don't hate him because he recognizes it and is visibly upset. I never noticed him get mad at himself last night and it was a much deserved internal conflict.

The game ball last night goes to Chuck Hayes with 8 points and 12 rebounds, he kept the team together when Luis Scola went out early with foul trouble. He even completed a few pick and rolls that were ill-advised by Luther and Rafer. Why is it again that they pass to him on a normal basis?

Some crazy "shooting" stats: The Rockets were 30-90 shooting last night including 6-29 from behind the arc. That's 20.7% from 3 and 33.3% overall. They didn't end their awful shooting there, they were respectful to the free throw line and shot 17-26 for 65.4% from the line. Basically it's the worst shooting performance I can remember ever watching them have. I'm not saying they haven't had worse, it's just fresh and is the worst I can remember.

Next up for the Rockets is the Charlotte Bobcats at 7:30PM on Friday night. Number 21 could be on the horizon.

Compliments for Skip?

As awesome as this winning streak is (19 and counting for those still unaware)...

the hardest part has been coming to terms with the fact that Rafer Alston is - for the most part - not stinking up the joint or getting in the way of things. In fact, he's actually been a competent if not better-than-average point guard the last 6 weeks. Yes, it kills me to say it because I'd have traded his useless ass for a moldy ham sandwich back in December. And it would have made for a most excellent Christmas.

Check it out - Sports Illustrated even named Skip one of the most "overlooked" players in the NBA right now. Really. It's true. Look here. Shocking, I know. I had to read it twice just to make sure. And then I closely examined the calendar to make sure it wasn't April Fool's Day.

I'm just in stunned silence right now. Okay, maybe not silence (no one can ever truly silence me)... but I am definitely stunned by Rafer's turnaround.

This is a brave new world we enter - one where Rafer "Skip to my Lou" Alston is... good?


Okay, so I still hate it when he takes that "tearput" shot of his. It's such an all-or-nothing shot. And yes, I still yell "nooooo!" at the TV whenever he winds up to shoot the 3. But I'm improving. Slowly. Baby steps, my friends. Baby steps.

Win number 20? Rockets versus Atlanta #2

The Rockets traveled to Atlanta yesterday and will take on the Hawks tonight in Philips Arena at 6PM CST looking for win number 20. They'll have to do it without Carl Landry (did not make the trip) who did all the little things last time around, but only had 6 points.

Atlanta Hawks: 26-37 (19-12 at home) 3-7 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 43-20 (19-11 on the road) 10-0 in their last 10

Here is a recap of the last 10 games at home for the Hawks:
Loss in OT to Portland 111-109
Win over New Jersey 104-92
Win over Philly 96-91
Win over LA Lakers 98-95
Loss to Cleveland 100-95
Loss to Detroit 94-90
Win over Sacramento 123-117
Win over NY 99-93
Loss to Golden State 135-118
Win over Miami 97-94

In their losses they are averaging 103 points and giving up 110. In their wins they are averaging 102.8 and giving up 97. Looks like if they play a little bit of defense then they can outscore you since they are averaging the same amount of points in their wins and losses. It's actually a testament to them that they haven't been blown out at all in those 10 games.

The Rockets are looking to add to the 108-89 drubbing they put on the Hawks on the 9th of February, very early in the streak. They are also looking for a little payback on the Hawks. Dave stole my thunder earlier, but these Hawks need a beat down for ending our 15 game winning streak, a streak that would have eventually gone to 23 without that loss. So I really hope the guys will think about that. Tracy seems to need something new each day for motivation, so there you go TMac, win one for Dream and Otis and Horry and Cassell and The Jet and hell even old Mad Max!

This preview is short, but I'm hoping my attention span tonight can be as well.
What's my prediction? Like you had to ask, 20 in a row on the way to at least 21

Once more, with gusto - FU, Richard Justice!

Hey, assclown, er, Richard Justice - could you please stop writing like a 12 year old who got a pony for Christmas???

Your Luis Scola article earlier this week practically ripped off an earlier Chron profile on Scola (that you did not write).

Your columns/blog on the Rockets streak exposes you as nothing but a bandwagon fan who is covering for the fact that you weren't around to write about victories 1-12.

Meanwhile, today's column on "McGrady's finest hour" is the journalistic equivalent of masturbation.

It must really take some huge cojones to begin a column about McGrady and the Rockets by interjecting yourself into the very story you are reporting on.

TRACY McGrady wants to know if I'm the guy who accused him of "bailing out" last season. He knows I am, and he says it so playfully that I figure it's his way of breaking the ice and telling me it's time to let bygones be bygones.

Wow.

So, let me see here... it's not that the Rockets are just really, really good. It's not that they are a team of dedicated professionals expertly crafted and assembled together by our boy genius GM, Daryl Morey. It's not that they are winning because they have to just to make the playoffs. No - they are on a 19 game winning streak because your comments gave Tracy McGrady a chip on his shoulder. Wow.

Of course, the entire rest of your column is nothing but a re-hash of things already written about previously by your co-workers (Jerome Solomon, Jonathan Feigen, even freakin' Blinebury).

It's pretty clear that DGDB&D was right about you all along. You really are a no-talent assclown.*


* this is not meant to be an insult to no-talent assclowns everywhere. I'm sure they do not want to be associated with Mr. Justice either.

Getting back on topic - Go Rockets!

I have an urgent and horrifying news story.

I need everyone to stop what they are doing... and listen.

It's a ROCKETS CANNONBALL!!!!!

No - really, I have big news. The Rockets are going for TWENTY (20) wins in a row. Tonight. Yes, tonight. The good guys have traveled out to Atlanta to take on the Atlanta Hawks. An under .500 Eastern Conference team. Which means if we somehow were to lose, I am going to cry. All night.

Flashback: In the fall of 1993, the Houston Rockets started the season 15-0. Yes, the 1993 Houston Rockets kicked a ton of ass, but that's another story for another time. Anyway, the 16th game on the schedule saw Hakeem, Otis, Horry and Sam I Am have to travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. Granted, those Hawks had Dominique Wilkins, but we still should have won.

Instead, the Rockets had plane trouble and didn't get into Atlanta until late from New York (yes, they had to play a back-to-back after facing the Knicks. Such b.s.). They were so late that Veronica Corningstone almost had to play in Hakeem's place. Hakeem should have punched someone right in the ovaries for that insult, but it was too late and the damage was done.

What was the result? An ugly, ugly, ugly 133-111 loss. It was horrible.

[edit: Lee is mad and says I stole his story idea relating to the '93 Hawks game. This is semi-true.]

Let's hope the gang learns from that history lesson and takes care of business tonight.

No Yao (and no Hakeem)... but there shouldn't be any problems. Unless Carl Landry can't play. We need him back!!

Go Rockets!

This is not *just* a Rockets blog

For those that may have been confused by the Kobe posts... allow me to explain.

The purpose of this blog was initially for me to air my grievances against the suckiness that is/was Rafer Alston (though he's playing phenomenal right now - he sucked donkey balls in November/December). I will continue to make such complaints here.

Other 'purposes' were to make random posts to continue the plea to get Robert Horry in the Hall of Fame; develop a site to fawn over the '94/'95 Houston Rockets championship teams; and to post ANY and all other random NBA or sports related thoughts in this space. Whatever we felt like writing about is to be considered fair game.

This is NOT just a "Rockets blog" - though 99.9% of the posts are about the Houston Rockets.

Yes, you read that right. In the offseason, there may be a ton of Astros/Texans related posts here. We've already made a few posts about Roger Clemens and other non-Rockets topics.

In fact, for those that might want to know, while I am a huge Houston Rockets fan, I am also an NBA fan and will watch any NBA game that's on TV (Miami Heat excluded). Just to get a better perspective, here are my top 10 favorite all-time NBA players. You'll see that they are not just Rockets players. I like being diverse.

1. Robert Horry.
2. Hakeem.
3. Kobe Bryant. Yes, Kobe.
4. Reggie Miller. Reggie was a badass.
5. Yao.
6. Clyde.
7. Sam Cassell.
8. Penny Hardaway pre-microfracture.
9. T-Mac.
10. essentially ayone else not named "Karl Malone" or "John Stockton" or "Patrick Ewing".

That is why I participated in the Kobe Bryant Blog Day over at Hardwood Paroxysm. I am a huge Kobe fan, but I hate the Lakers. Yes, I can reconcile the two.

Rockets Win! And My Personal F the Haters Post

I didn't get to see the game last night, but was constantly refreshing the blackberry and seeing the dominance that is our 19 game winning streak. Apparently we couldn't shoot but again found a way to win, making Carter and Jefferson quit early which is the key to beat New Jersey. I can't recap it much more, so on to more pressing issues:

I'm still trying not to cuss, but some of the world really doesn't want me to fulfill my goal. I've heard countless times that the Rockets streak is against a bunch of patsies and isn't really that impressive. To which I say...lots of words that I can't have an almost 2 year old repeat, no matter how funny it is when he does. Seriously, the teams pretty much all play the same schedule, give it up already, just applaud them for what they've done, and that's kick a lot of butt. I've compiled some eye opening numbers below, keep in mind, these numbers are just to date and the Rockets have Atlanta and Charlotte on the schedule next and will win at least 21 in a row.

By the numbers:
19 wins in a row

10 wins in a row by double digits

7 wins in a row since our All Star center went out for the season

3rd longest winning streak in NBA history

31 losses since January 29th by teams over .500 to teams below .500

42 losses since January 29th by teams over .500 to the teams the Rockets have beat

46 wins since January 29th over teams above .500 by teamst he Rockets have beaten

2 teams that the Rockets have beaten that don't have a win over an above .500 team

4 losses since January 29th by the Spurs, Lakers, Jazz, Celtics and Pistons
5 losses since January 29th by the Warriors
6 losses since January 29th by the Magic
8 losses since January 29th by the Hornets, Nuggets and Cavaliers
9 losses since January 29th by the Suns and Raptors
10 losses since January 29th by the Mavericks
13 losses since January 29th by the Trailblazers
0 losses since January 29th by the Rockets

11 wins against teams .500 or below on way to 19 in a row by Houston in 07-08

10 wins against teams that finished .500 or below on way to 19 in a row by LA in 99-00

9 wins against teams that finished.500 or below on way to 20 in a row by Milwaukee in 70-71
6 teams in league with that finished.500 or below records when Milwaukee won 20 in a row

19 wins against teams that finished .500 or below records when LA won 33 in 71-72
14 wins against teams that finished above .500 when LA won 33 in a row
9 teams in the league that finished with .500 or below records when LA won 33

2 billion apologies owed to the Rockets for trying to denigrate their awesome streak


Yes, the Rockets have feasted a bit more than the 99-00 Lakers (by 1 game) and the 70-71 Bucks (by 2 games) in their streak but look at LA's 33 game streak. They won only 14 games over teams above .500 and won 19 over teams .500 or below. Why isn't LA's streak knocked down? That's 57% of their wins over teams .500 or below, the Rockets are getting knocked for that exact same 57%. And I don't recall the Lakers losing Wilt or Gail Goodrich or the Logo or Jim McMillan or even Elgin Baylor, Happy Hairston or Pat Riley during that stretch. The Rockets lost Yao Ming the best center in the NBA and have kept it going! And let it be known that 33 is ridiculous, even more so than 19 so in no way do I think LA's streak should be diminished, they played the teams in front of them.

So stop, think, and look at the numbers, the Rockets are making history, just enjoy it. And to all 4 of our readers, if you see someone knocking the streak, send them this post please.

Kobe: Top Gun

What better way to explain Kobe's awesomeness than to reference a popular movie? It's kinda what we do best here. So, today - I give you Kobe in Top Gun.

[note: I wish I had Photoshop skills. Or at the very least Napoleon Dynamite's drawing skills. Then I could do an awesome Kobe/LeBron Top Gun poster image thing. Oh, well. edit: Even better! Find a blog reader to do it for you!]

_______

scene At the meet-and-greet prior to the 2007 NBA All-Star game.

Kobe: What's your problem, James?
LeBron: You're everyone's problem. That's because every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.
Kobe: That's right! Le... Bron. I am dangerous.

_______

scene A pre-season event, with the Commish giving an orientation.

David Stern: In case some of you are wondering who the best is they are up here on this plaque. [turns to Kobe]
Stern: Do you think your name will be on that plaque?
Kobe: Yes sir.
Stern: That's pretty arrogant, considering the company you're in.
Kobe: Yes sir.
Stern: I like that in a player.

_______

scene A timeout in early February during the 1997-98 NBA season.

Del Harris: Kobe, you just did an incredibly brave thing. What you should have done was pass the ball! you don't own that ball, the tax payers do! Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash. You've been busted, you lost your qualifications as team captain three times, put at the end of the bench twice by me, with a history of high speed passes over five Power Forwards, and The Admiral's daughter!

Nick Van Exel: David Robinson has a daughter? [Kobe shrugs]

Harris: And you asshole, you're lucky to be here!

Van Exel: Thank you, sir.

Harris: And let's not bullshit, Kobe. Your family name ain't the best in the NBA. You need to be doing it better, and cleaner than the other guy. Now what is it with you?

Kobe: Just want to serve my team, be the best player in the NBA, sir.

Harris: Don't screw around with me Kobe. You're a hell of an instinctive player. Maybe too good. I'd like to bust your butt but I can't. I got another problem here. I gotta send somebody from this team to the All Star game. I gotta do something here, I still can't believe it. I gotta give you your dream shot! I'm gonna send you up against the best. You two characters are going to New York!

_______

scene January 22, 2006 (Lakers v. Toronto Raptors)

Kobe: This is what I call a target rich environment.
Lamar Odom: You live your life between your legs Kobe.
Kobe: Lamar, even you could score in a game like this.
Odom: Hell, I'd be happy to just find a groupie that won't call me "Kobe".

(Kobe goes on to score 81 points and bang a groupie named "Charlie")

_______

scene Summer 2007 - USA Basketball FIBA Tournament (Las Vegas)

LeBron: You can be my wingman any time.
Kobe: Bullshit! You can be mine.

_______

scene Any game Kobe plays in. Ever.

Phil Jackson: Damn, this kid is good!

______

Again, all this is for Hardwood Paroxysm's Kobe Bryant Blog Day.

It's Kobe's world - we're just living in it

[this is our contribution to Hardwood Paroxysm's Kobe Bryant Blog Day today]

Even with the Rockets' 19 game winning streak, we still trail Kobe's Lakers in the Western Conference. Which leads me to today's thesis: Kobe Bryant is freakin' awesome.

Considering I have been a die-hard Rockets fan since I can remember (the 1986 season being the first I remember with any great detail), it's weird to say that I am a fan of a player on another team who has never had any real connection to the Rockets. Robert Horry got his career started here, so I don't see the problem in cheering for Horry while simultaneously hoping the rest of the Spurs all get leprosy and die.

Kobe is an anomaly though.

I was never a huge "fan" of Michael Jordan. Or Magic Johnson. Or Larry Bird. Or Dominique. I pretty much hate Karl Malone, John Stockton and Patrick Ewing. I even hated that Ewing was a Rockets' coach for a couple seasons under JVG. This is what makes my fandom of Mr. Bryant so crazy. It's unexplainable. And yet I can't stop following everything he does on a basketball court.

Maybe it's because from 1996 to, oh, about January 22, 2006 - most NBA fans (and people in general) despised Kobe Bryant for one reason or another. As I tend to gravitate towards unpopular opinions just to mess with people, I guess I considered Kobe a kindred spirit of sorts. I mean, we're both accused of being egotistical and arrogant. We're both insanely competitive - even amongst friends, winning trumps all. His middle name is "Bean" - just like the one my favorite musical artist gave his own daughter (Ms. Frances Bean Cobain). We also both seem to have a predilection for 19 year old white girls... (Kobe was clearly innocent, so Lee, you can cut out the "Raping Garter Snake" bit for today).

Now all of a sudden people finally realize that Kobe is the best player in the NBA. Of course, they can't buy into it completely (*cough*LeBron-is-not-the-MVP*cough*). This amazes me.

Let's backtrack - for I would love to be able to pinpoint when I truly became a devoted Kobe fan.

Was it when he announced his candidacy for the NBA draft? No - the sunglasses were too much.

Was it when he took Brandy to his senior prom? No - but that was awesome.

Was it when Shaq realized Kobe was awesome and tried to keep him in his place by calling him "Showboat" all throughout Kobe's rookie year? No - but because it made the Fat Ass jealous, that was definitely a plus.

I think it was when Kobe had his first true taste of failure. His first playoff series loss - against Utah. Kobe memorably shot not one, not two, but THREE airballs in the fourth quarter of what would be the Lakers' last game of the 1997 season. While the rest of the team couldn't believe a rookie had the balls to keep shooting even after the first two airballs, it showed me that Kobe just knew he was the Man to take those shots. Even Del Harris, his coach at the time, said that Kobe was the only player on the roster who could create his own shot in those situations. Kobe had lost the big game - and yet he had arrived.

Not even the Fat Ass could slow down Kobe after that. That has to be where it all began. Even in the face of defeat, Kobe remained defiant. To this day I respect the hell out of him for that. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the team that "beat" him that day was Utah. Damn I hate the Utah Jazz. Another thing Kobe and I have in common.

Maybe the Boston Globe was right after all (19-0!)

Last night, the Houston Rockets did what the New England Patriots could not - get that ever elusive 19th win (in a row). Suck on that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick! We are #1 - but you aren't! That's NINETEEN (19) WINS IN A ROW!

Fortunately for T-Mac and the Rockets, Elisha Manning is not on the regular season schedule. Though he has been showing up for a lot of basketball games lately - I think I even saw him at the Duke/UNC game!



Then again, not even Eli is a match for Luis Landry. (Come back Carl Landry - we need you. Bad! It was pretty clear we had a hole in our post offense last night!!)

What is there to say about last night's game? The Rockets could not shoot straight. They could not pass the ball. And they could not make free throws. So, they said "to hell with this, if we can't score, neither can New Jersey!" They then proceeded to shut down Jefferson. And made Vince Carter quit before the 3rd Q. VC quitting isn't exactly a surprise though - that had to be part of the gameplan.

Dikembe would not allow the Nets to score. At all.


I hesitate to write much more, because the game was really, really ugly on the offensive end. The Rockets recovered to shoot 46%, and the Nets limped to a 30% shooting game. No one player scored 20 points (T-Mac had 19 and then sat out the 4th Q). The Rockets free throw shooting was atrocious (though Tracy did go 6-7). 13-26. And we missed both of the FTs following technical fouls. Not quite a repeat of the Detroit game, but that is ugly. We cannot beat the other elite teams if we continue to shoot 50% from the FT line. It's unacceptable. Hopefully it's a byproduct of boredom from being up 20+ points every game.

Yeah, that's 10 wins in a row in double figures - tying a mark most recently matched by the Nets a handful of years ago. Impressive, indeed.

The 19 wins in a row ties the mark most recently matched by the 2000 Shaq and Kobe squad - on the way to their first of three rings (and the first of many locker room fights). Speaking of which, today is Kobe Bryant Blog Day over at Hardwood Paroxysm. Since Kobe is my current favorite player to have absolutely no connection to the Houston Rockets, I kinda sorta have to contribute. That should be posted shortly.

A 19 game winning streak (and counting) and day to write about Kobe. Awesome.

Go Rockets!

Lee's Wife for MVP!

So, we once again participated in the most recent round of Blogger MVP/ROY voting.

We are still pissed that Carl Landry and Luis Scola are not getting more love. And that Yao already fell out of the top 10.

But... look on the bright side - Lee's wife Brooke got not one but TWO votes! (and for the record our joint voting submission only counts as one vote...).

Blogger MVP/ROY rankings

On other note. Kobe > LBJ. Just sayin'.

Rockets Win! Next Victim? The New Jersey Nets

I didn't get to recap the game yesterday, because, well...I'm lazy. You got me, you pulled it out, I'm a lazy mofo. I had the computer up and decided to play with my son instead yesterday. So here we are, noon two days after a huge Rockets victory and I'm finally writing about it.

This streak of 18 games in a row and 9 games by double digits has been a bit odd. Mostly because the Rockets seem to just dump points on teams before you know it. I didn't get to watch the first half live on Saturday night and my DVR had some skips in the recording (I hate you Comcast), and it really pushed the point further, they'd be up 1 and then all of the sudden a minute later be up 6 or 7. It always seems to happen really quickly and the other team doesn't know what hit them. The guys just find a way to play 2-4 strong defensive possessions in a row and combine that with not missing shots themselves in their subsequent possessions.

With 8:22 left in the second the score was tied 28-28 and the Hornets didn't score until the 5:35 mark. The Rockets took that solid defense and didn't waste their offensive possessions scoring 12 unanswered points missing only one shot in that span. It was a remarkable stretch of the game, and the Hornets had no answer.

My overarching view of the game is that they really missed David West and only Chris Paul could make it happen without him. Chandler looked completely lost unless he was getting an alley-oop from CP3. The Rockets missed Landry badly as well, but decided to make 14 three pointers to compensate.

Chris Paul is a man, though he's not 40, he did everything he could to keep his team in it, but ultimately couldn't do it by himself. 37 points on15-26 shooting (and 4-4 from the line where he is a golden god) and 11 assists usually wins games, it didn't on Saturday. He's the best point guard in the league. (Note: Deron Williams is the second best, he is better in their head to head but not as good when not facing Paul) Rafer Alston was apparently trash talking the entire game, but I'm not sure about what, you don't have a guy shoot 57.6% on you and throw 11 dimes and talk trash to him. You just don't do it. Though I bet that was pretty fun to listen to.

I will give Rafer the props he deserves though. 7-13 shooting overall , 4-8 behind the arc, and (FINALLY) 2-2 from the line for 20 points deserves some accolades. He did hack Paul repeatedly though and get torched on the defensive end, so I'm going to hold back the back patting a bit.

Near the first 1/3rd of the streak I started praising McGrady for coming back to his old self, Saturday he shined like he hasn't in years. 41 points on 62% shooting and making all of his free throws is ridiculous. But he didn't stop there, he added 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Tracy played defense like he actually wanted to be there and it was awesome. Now you've shown me you can do it though TMac, I want to see it every night. You're only 28 years old and should have 6 or so years left, keep it up.

Next up for the Rockets are the New Jersey Nets at 7:30PM CST in the Toyota Center. I wish I could say I'd be there, but I'll not even be able to watch it tonight. My wife got free tickets to the rodeo so that's where I'll be. Hopefully I'll be able to catch the 4th quarter on the radio on the way home.

The good guys are looking for their 19th straight victory, something only 3 teams have achieved previously in NBA history, and they get to try for it against an Eastern Conference scrub. It just so happens that the Rockets can tie the Nets of 03-04 with a 10th straight victory by double digits if they can accomplish that tonight.

New Jersey Nets: 26-37 (11-20 on the road) 3-7 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 42-20 (23-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

The Nets have now lost 5 in a row and the Rockets have won 18 in a row, somehow they are both in the playoff picture of their respective conferences. When I first looked at the Nets last 5 games I thought, "Wow, they got killed by 5 good teams", then I saw this in there:

Mar 05 @MEM Loss 100-93

Ouch man, very ouch. Losing to Memphis at this point in the season? That's just not cool. It was on a back to back, so I guess I'll cut them a little slack, but still, that's hard to do.

Well, it's time to get back to what pays the bills, but...
What's my predictions? 19 in a row of at least 21

How is Daryl Morey not Executive of the Year?

During my normal course of interwebs browsing on Monday morning, I stumbled upon this random nugget of Laker propoganda on SI.com. Seems our esteemed writer here believes that Mitch Kupchak is or should be the Executive of the Year in the NBA.

Yes, that Mitch Kupchak, aka Kobe's bitch.

Now, granted, we did place a vote for Mitch Kupchak in a recent Blogger MVP vote. And I do not stray from this opinion. Kupchak's Gasol trade/theft caused a huge ripple effect that helped teams ahead of the Rockets sabotage themselves. It was awesome.

That does not mean that we think Kupchak is the GM of the year. Not at all.

Yes, Kup made the one huge trade. He also somehow made Kobe temporarily happy. He also did the smart thing in not trading Andrew Bynum (though my guess is that he wanted to, but he just couldn't do it). All these are valid points taken into consideration.

But where is Daryl Morey in all this talk?

The SI.com writer, Steve Aschburner, puts a side-panel list of candidates for the GM honor. You have Kupchak, Danny Ainge, Danny Ferry (what??) and a couple others... but nary a mention of Mr. Morey. Must be some bias against guys who are good at math. I'm quite familiar with such attitudes. Doesn't make it right though.

I don't know what Danny Ferry and Joe Dumars are doing on that list. Dumars is great, but has done nothing of substance this year. Ferry only added to the cap problems Cleveland had. Yeah, he got rid of Larry Hughes, but he added Ben Wallace. Not exactly an improvement on overpaid used-up players. I hate cliches, but the "re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic" line seems appropriate here for some reason.

All the while, what has Morey done?

1. Draft Carl Landry. Trades up with Seattle to select/steal Carl Landry as the top pick in the second round of the 2007 draft. All Landry has done since is be the most productive rookie in the entire league. Yes, even more productive than Scola, Durant or Horford. Check out the PER. It's like high and stuff.

2. Trade for Luis Scola. So, last year the Rockets had, uh, "issues" with the power forward position. Solution? Trade Juwon Howard. Draft that Landry guy. And then make sure we get it right by acquiring Scola from a division rival. In the process we only gave up a greek forward who didn't want to play for us anymore. So we took on the Butler contract... so what. It really didn't cost us anything. In exchange, we get our best power forward since Otis Thorpe (according to Morey). Scola is a badass. This trade ruled on a thousand levels.

Boom - we have "Luis Landry!"

3. Dump Bonzi and Mike James! Bonzi was lazy and out of shape all year. He didn't really like playing defense much either. Nor could he make a layup. Mike James, meanwhile, sat at the end of the bench and collected huge paychecks. Solution? Trade 'em both for someone we can use who is also familiar with Rick Adelman's system. Score!! Final tally? Save money, get rid of character problems... clear up the rotation for Ricky... and acquire a sorely-needed backup PG for the playoff run.

4. Not trading T-Mac. Yeah, we discussed this theoretical trade on this blog before. We also said it was never going to happen and that most of the deals just did not make sense for us. The reward? Tracy has taken the trade talks as motivation, and we are now enjoying the fruits of his labor in the form of an 18-game winning streak (and counting). Plus, he's going to win a playoff series this year. Just watch. He will.

5. Draft Aaron Brooks. Okay, so the Aaron Brooks success story doesn't sell as many papers as the Carl Landry "coming from nowhere" story. Plus, I wasn't exactly a fan of this pick last June. I admit it. But Aaron Brooks is going to be huge for us. He's super quick in a guard-oriented league that rewards such quickness. He may be a work-in-progress, but he is practically an untouchable on our roster because he's in the mold of a Tony Parker/Devin Harris. And for a mid-20s draft pick? Pretty freakin' awesome.

6. Sign Rick Adelman as Coach. Okay, I'm an unabashed JVG fan. I still think we'd be successful if he were here. But the rumors are that he wasn't sure he wanted to come back - so quickly replacing him with Adelman was a pretty sneaky and smart move. A winner so far.

We're going to ignore the Steve Francis signing and the Mike James trade... because in the end they really didn't hurt us or the cap situation. Practically non-events.

The Rockets you see today (you know, the team that's on an 18 game winning streak...) are the byproduct of the smart and often under-the-radar moves of their talented boy-genius GM. Who for some reason is getting overlooked by the media. That just ain't right.

Go Rockets! And keep up the good work, Mr. Morey!

Hey, that's *my* joke!!

She stole my line!! Sort of...

Besides, the real "legal" age is 17 here. Yes, 17. 18 is voting age, as we've covered here earlier.

Rockets to make it 19 in a row tonight against New Jersey. 7:30pm CST!

The streak is maturing before our eyes!

18!!!

The streak is now of voting age!

(Uncle Sam wants you... to get on the bandwagon)

CP3 tried everything he could do. And I mean the 37 points and 11 assists kind of everything, but the Rockets continue to win. And win by double-figures. Again.

T-Mac had 41. First player to score 40+ in the Toyota Center since Carlos Boozer in the playoffs last year. I guess T-Mac doesn't hate the home rims so much anymore.

Rafer continues to figuratively give me the middle finger every time he takes the court now. A very, very impressive 20 points, just enough to cancel out the only All Star on the court last night. Rafer was apparently trash talking Chris Paul the whole game, too. Ballsy. For example:

"I don't like them. They don't like me," Alston said. "They keep telling me to stop talking. I'm great at talking trash."

Paul, considered an MVP candidate, was pretty good at it, too. "I wish I could be half as good as him one of these days in the NBA," Paul said, "since he thinks he's so great."

For a while I thought it was the Duke/Carolina game I was watching - with all the long-distance shooting and complete lack of free throws. Rafer, Novak, T-Mac, Battier, Luther Head... everyone was making threes. It was crazy. And I loved every minute of it.

Bring on New Jersey... as the streak marches onward to 21 (and it better hit 21 - our next three games are against sub-.500 Eastern teams).

Landry Out for Tonight

Lumped into an article about Mike Harris being signed (big fan) and Gerald Green being cut (not a big fan) there was this tidbit:

surging rookie forward Carl Landy out for tonight’s game against the New Orleans Hornets


THAT BLOWS

Rockets Versus Hornets, the Road to 18

The Rockets host the New Orleans Hornets tonight, looking for win number 18 in a row and the company of only 6 other teams. Only one of those teams didn't win the championship...I'm just saying...

New Orleans Hornets: 42-19 (20-9 on the road) 6-4 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 41-20 (22-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

Usually this is the section where I break down the bad road record, but the Hornets have the best road record in the West and are only one game in the loss column worse than the Celtics for best in the league. One of those victories was against the Houston Rockets earlier this year and was the loss prior to the mind blowing Philly loss. It ended the Rockets 5 game winning streak, also the first streak Dave and I predicted this year. It was also one of the days that got me to stop predicting scores and just project wins and losses.

The Hornets just happen to be the team I like to watch the most in the NBA not named the Rockets. They play the game the right way, and while I know Byron Scott has his critics, I really like what he does with this young team. With David West at 27, Tyson Chandler 25 and Chris Paul at 22, this team has a strong future ahead of it. But don't think for a second that the Rockets won't make a run at CP3 in 2009/10 when McGrady is in his last year and CP3 is coming off of his contract as well. I think I just got a chubbie... Chandler is locked up until 2011 and West is under contract until 2012.

I've got a long day ahead of me, so if I get some time later, I'll add to this, but for now make sure you check out our Q&A with Hornets247, we have their answers here and they will have some questions and our answers up later today.
Edit: Here is the direct link to the Q&A

What's my prediction? What the hell... 18 in a row!!!!!

Go Rockets!!

Q&A with Hornets247.com

With another Rockets/Hornets game coming up Dave and I got together with the guys over at Hornets247.com for a little Q&A. Ryan answered a lot of questions and got Ron to answer a few as well.

1) What does it feel like knowing you have the best point guard in the league and that you effectively stole him when Atlanta didn't pick him?

He is my precious jewel, and I shall sit at his feet and gaze at him in wonder. Seriously, Paul is awesome and about as likeable a star as I've ever seen. Pick any interview with him, and he never talks about himself. At all. He always brings up his teammates or his coach, and talks about how great they are. On the floor he's as fiery a competitor as any I've seen, and he also works on his game all the time, and improves every summer. I'm convinced next year he'll have figured out a way to grow four inches and crap gold that posesses the magic power to sign players while ignoring the Salary Cap and Luxury Tax.

2)The Hornets have backslid a slight bit from their previous perch at the top of the Western Conference standings. What do you feel is the reason for this? Are they just still young and prone to losing a few silly games, like twice to Washington? Or was it just a lull in the season and you expect them to take their spot back by the end?

Their hold on the 1st seed was never that ironclad. The largest lead they ever had was only one game. I don't think they'll regain the top spot. Since the All-Star game, you can tell teams are gameplanning for them a lot more now - particularly David West - and though they are still a great team, I'm not sure they'll be able to keep the pace they had early in the season. The let down games against the Wizards were ugly, yes, but The Hornets are 24-5 against teams with losing records this year. Those games happen, and I can live with those results.

3) Here's the rest of your season, how do you see it playing out? And wow, y'all really have it relatively easy the rest of the way. 11 tough games, but 6 of them at home and 10 games that should be no-brainer wins.

There is no way I'd call the rest of March easy. 11 games in 22 nights. Eight of those games against the Lakers, Houston x2, Detroit, Boston x2, San Antonio and Cleveland? In April it eases off, but the rest of March will be tough. That said, I'm thinking we go 14-7 or 15-6 and end with 56-57 wins.

4) Are you from New Orleans, do you live there? What do you see as a way to get crowds out to games more regularly? I like the idea of a team in Nawlins and can't stand the idea of Oklahoma having one. I just can't bring myself to believe they can support something Louisiana can't. The NBA seems dedicated to the area, but no attendance will change that in a heartbeat.

I don't live in New Orleans, unfortunately. I live in Richmond, VA. My co-writer, Ron Hitley, moved to the city about three months ago and he's the one who gets to go to all the after game parties, All-star Shindigs, hang out with(and apparently hug) the Honeybee cheerleaders, play video games with Chris Paul, and shine GM Jeff Bower's hairless head. I'm not bitter or anything. As for bringing more crowds in? That's already starting. The All-Star game was great advertising, and football season, which is huge in New Orleans, is over. Due to the need to work out draft prospects in Oklahoma(the facilities weren't yet available in New Orleans) the Hornets were a little late in getting back to New Orleans from OKC in the offseason so their marketing pushes started late. They also had to fight a mountain of negative national media that claimed the Hornets could never make a go of it in Louisiana. Nonetheless, they've climbed up four spots over the last two months from dead last in attendance, and have sold out four of the last seven games. I think New Orleans is starting to embrace them, and they'll be fine.

5) What is your final prediction for the Western Conference seeding?

Man. That's tough, they are packed in at the top like sardines. Still, here's my guess.
1. Lakers
2. San Antonio
3. New Orleans
4. Utah
5. Houston(better record than Utah)
6. Dallas
7. Golden State
8. Denver(I don't like Denver, but I think Phoenix is done.)

6) Next year I'm going to find a way to see a Rockets/Hornets game in New Orleans, what do I need to do when I'm there this go round? I've been a dozen or so times, so the normal tourist stuff is out for me, I'm looking more for something new to the town.

I got Ron Hitley to answer this question for you, since I don't live there:
I've only been living here for three months, so it's all new to me and I haven't even come close to experiencing everything. Also, I've had little chance to do the day-time tourism stuff (damn you, day job!), so most of my sight-seeing comes after dark. My normal routine after a Hornets game is to drop by Gordon Biersch (near the casino) to have a few brews and listen to the post-game radio show that's broadcast from there. Usually a good atmosphere and the food is great, too. Beyond that we usually move on to bars like Lucy's, Masquerade or the Balcony further uptown. I like the French Quarter every now and then but try to stick to places with more of a local crowd. If you're killing time during the day, you could do worse than heading uptown along St. Charles and/or Magazine to see what you can see. River side of St. Charles especially is pretty safe and there's a ton of great bars, restaurants and stores around there. I hear Audubon Park is nice with the scenery, joggy people and zoo, but I haven't caught much of that. I've found though that the best thing about New Orleans is the random cool people you run into, so get out and get talking to folks however you can. Not having a plan and going with the flow generally results in a good time.

7) How did David West get so awesome... and how did so many teams pass on him in the draft?
(Note: This is Dave's question because I have a mad man crush on West and knew the NBA screwed up in passing him over so much - Lee)

They passed him because he is a little undersized for his position - and his offensive game in college was more predicated on punishing players down low with good footwork and post moves than the versatile offensive game he shows today. Smaller power forwards reliant on post ups usually don't pan out that well in the NBA. He's an All-Star now by relentlessly working on his game. His rookie year he was an unremarkable, slightly undersized banger, reliant on rebounding, putbacks, and a rare 10-footer. His second year, he got injured and sat out 52 games - and spent that time shooting, shooting, shooting. His third year, he was a pick and pop player almost exclusively. No dribbling. No post up moves. He just floated to a point and shot it off the pass from Paul. Last year, he added an effective three-dribble drive from the high post and lefty hook to his game. This year, he's started going back into the post, and has developed a solid fadeaway while displaying that he never forgot the footwork he learned in college. Having all those options allows him to counter anything he comes across. If strong players like Boozer, Duncan or Bynum are guarding him, he takes them out to 17 feet and shoots over them or drives by. If they are his size or smaller, he takes them into the post and works them over. Now he just needs to learn to handle double teams a little better.

Rockets/Mavs - "17" is legal in Texas!

To get the proper perspective on what is now a SEVENTEEN game winning streak - we go straight to the voice of authority. Chef.

Hey, Chef, what's the right size for a winning streak?

17.

But what if our best player gets injured and is out for the season after only the 12th win?

17.

But what if everyone says that we can't win without Yao and we're only winning because our schedule is soft?

17.

Okay! Thanks, Chef!

The Rockets absolutely destroyed the supposed streak-breaking Dallas Mavericks last night. No, they didn't have Dirk, but we'd have won even if he played. We didn't have Yao - and you don't hear us bitching about it. We've won five straight after having our season declared dead by such NBA luminaries as Stephen A. Smith, Charles Barkley, Jalen Rose and most of the blogosphere.

Our daily Luis Landry update? 29 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and a handful of soul-crushing dunks by that Landry guy.

And holy hell - the Mavericks made Rafer look like CP3. Shooting, passing, dancing around... Dallas could not stop Rafer Alston. Rafer had a SEASON-HIGH 24 points to go with his 4 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. The best part? During the game Marv Albert was openly fellating Rafer. 2 seconds after tip-off, Marv said that Rafer was having an "excellent season" (Marv must have been busy doing something else in November/December). Then, after halftime, Marv said Rafer is "having a career year" (no, he's not, but he was an absolute badass last night).

Then again, Reggie Miller said that Carl Landry's "weakness" is rebounding. Yeah, apparently Landry is a poor rebounder. Do the TNT guys watch any game film at all? Landry's weaknesses are free throw shooting and an inability to hide his God-like tendencies among normal human folk. That's it. The dude rebounds. He just doesn't have to when we shoot 54% and the other half of Luis Landry gets the available rebounds. Teamwork rules.

Speaking of ruling... I rule!!

I predicted a win against Dallas. I backed it up by taking a bet. And now that bet is paying off. Sometime later today, the unfortunate victims at The Big and The Brown will be posting my recap of last night's game. And, oh yes, I went back to the Toni Braxton story. Picking on Jason Kidd is fun and necessary all at the same time.

Don't mess with the Rockets, Texas (or me). Just stay out of my way. Or you'll pay. Listen to what I say.

17 wins in a row. Rockets are 41-20. Playoff bound.
Dallas? Not so much.

I'm calling it with 5 minutes to go, that's 17 in a row!

That's right, the king of superstition here is calling a game before the clock ticks 0. As Dave said, if we found a way to lose this it would be worse that Oilers/Bills, so screw it, it's over. As I type this, the Rockets have a 20 point lead and have eviscerated the Dallas Mavericks. 17 wins in a row is crazy talk people, only 6 teams in NBA history have ever done better than that. I'll wait till the game is over to toss in some stats, but suffice to say the Rockets kicked a lot of proverbial tail. Unless something dramatically changes this will be the 8th game in a row that Rockets have won by double digits, and they just happen to be leading by 17 and that is the average margin of victory they have had in that streak as well. It's also 11 games in a row won on the road. In our 4 losses this year, 3 have come at home, I'm not sure how that happens, but only having 4 losses all year will get me to gloss over it.

As an FYI, I'm trying to give up using four letter words and their variations. My boy is learning to talk and likes to copy daddy, so you may see some really poor filler words until I up my vocabulary to compensate. I had to say that because I bet Mavs fans have a few choice words for how everyone but Josh Howard played this lovely Texas evening.

And there it is, 17 games in a row!! The game is over, 113-98, keeping the road streak, the double digit streak and most importantly the overall win streak intact! I'm betting the guys over at The Big and the Brown are regretting that bet right about now. I'm going out on a 2 inch limb and saying they have no idea how ruthless Dave can be. It will be all in good fun... well most of it will be I'm sure.

Jason Kidd was borderline awful tonight only scoring 7 to go with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. He was not a game changer and never really caused the Rockets any fear. Of course you could say the same for Dampier and is 7 points and 8 rebounds. Seriously? I thought you were the "Best Center in the West"? What happened to that big guy?? Oh wait, getting destroyed by Yao isn't enough, you needed to be destroyed by Chuck Hayes and 41 year old Mt. Mutumbo? Without Dirk this game doesn't tell us much. It does tell us that the Mavs are done if he ever gets hurt though.

Tracy McGrady put forth his best offensive game of the season tonight, going 13-23 and only shooting 3 from the arc, scoring 31. His best stat was only 1 missed charity shot! All 9 assists were timely and passed from the double and triple teams the Mavs threw at him, and he only had 1 turnover. That's right, 1 solitary itsy bitsy turnover. TMac's rebound total of three was only low because the Rockets rarely missed, shooting 54% from the floor.

And you it's time, holy crapola, Rafer Alston was on fire tonight, 10-21, though he was 2-7 from behind the arc, for 24 points. My favorite stat tonight was his 4 assists to go with ZERO turnovers. He was throwing great passes and great ball movement lost him a few possible assists tonight. He had 5 timely rebounds and 2 steals, getting his hands in the passing lane to break up passes all game.

Luis Landry was 11-19 from the field and 7-10 from the line for 29 points. They had 3 offensive boards and 8 defensive for 11 total rebounds. They also had 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Again, they ruled. And darn you Blinebury, it's Luis Landry, not whatever that ridiculous thing you came up with, come on man, you can use it, I don't mind. You don't even have to credit me.

Great win gentlemen! Only 5 turnovers in the entire game, with 3 coming after it was decided for good. Next up for the Rockets is not cakewalk. The Hornets come into Toyota on Saturday night at 7:30PM CST. I'll put up a preview tomorrow night or Saturday morning, either way, I'm going to enjoy 17 in a row.

Speaking of cake, I think I might go find myself a piece.

We should seriously open up a Psychic Hotline

The only thing better than being able to enjoy the Rockets' 16 game winning streak?

predicting it.

here. here. here. here. here. here.
And, just for good measure... here (where it all began).
Who needs a magic 8 ball? We're here to tell ya that the streak is 17 after tonight.

edit: And the bet is on. After we win our 17th in a row tonight, look for me playfully taunting some Dallas Mavericks fans over at the Big and the Brown.

And the beat goes on!

"You're sixteen... you're beautiful... and you're mine!"

Who would have thought that Ringo freakin' Starr would be the person to best sum up the Rockets' winning streak -- which is now SIXTEEN (16)!!!

Rockets beat Pacers. Win by 18 points and the Pacers were never really in the game once the first quarter ended. That's seven in a row where we've beaten down the opposition by double figures. That's some imposing stuff there! Almost as if Yao's presence never really left.

Chuck Hayes - of all people - chipped in with 9 points and 11 rebounds. If you ever wondered why Luis Scola is now starting, Chuck's 9 points is a SEASON HIGH. Yes, it's true, look it up.

Meanwhile, Luis Landry had another 26 points and 14 rebounds. It's becoming routine.

The Sports Guy even took time out of his Celtics/Patriots/Red Sox schedule to notice that Carl Landry is seriously kicking ass all over the NBA. Which is awesome and yet... we're the ones who started the bandwagon. Simmons can't just take over. And all this time I thought Simmons was too busy fluffing Tom Brady, KG and David Ortiz to ever pay attention to the Rockets. I guess no one is able to ignore 16 game winning streaks.

I just like saying that - 16 game winning streak.

It's 17 as of tonight if we can take care of business.

16 in a row, could 17 be next?

The Pacers review is short. The Rockets destroyed them with teamwork and offensive/defensive efficiency for 1.75 quarters. Then they let the Pacers back in for about a quarter with lazy jump shots because they got bored with a 20+ point lead. Unlike the Rockets team that would have lost this game in December, they decided to turn it back on and put the game away for good at the end of the third quarter going back up by 16. In the fourth it was more of the same. In a 4:20 span from around the 10 minutes mark to around the 5 minute mark the Rockets killed any hopes of a comeback with stifling defense not allowing a single point. From the beginning of the 4th until they built a 25 point lead with 4:54 to go the Pacers only scored 4. It was brutal defense that caused it, and when the Rockets had a lapse Indy was so scared of the defense that they shot poorly anyway. The Rockets forced allowed only two layups in that span and one was missed, the other was the last 2 points in that time frame.


Here is the shot chart, the good guys forced a ton of bad shots:

Luis Landry Update: 10-18 and 6-8 from the line for 26 points, 7 offensive and 7 defensive boards for 14 total rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, typical bad-assness

Special props go out to Shane Battier who once again shut down the opponents best player. Mike Dunleavy only scored 13 points on 9 shots, Shane tore him up. Yes he hit 3 of 4 three pointers, but 2 of them Shane wasn't on the floor for and the other 2 he made 1 and Shane was in his grill. Next up for Shane is Josh Howard.

It all adds up to a franchise record 16th win in a row, the last 7 of which have come by double digits and an average of 17+ points. And here's the crazy thing, if the Rockets can get past Dallas tonight, then they get to return home for CP3 and NO, which I like more than playing them in NO even if we split the series the wrong way so far this season, and then the schedule gets easy again. But first things first.

Last night the Rockets took the 30 minute flight up to Dallas to take on the -allas Mavericks, no Dirk no D fellas, and what's good for the Wi--rds and no Agent Zero is good for -allas. And contrary to popular belief the Mavs actually play pretty good D, so they would have had it going into the game if Dirk was around. Tonight they go head to head at 8:30PM CST in Dallas at the American Airlines center.

That brings us to why Dirk is out for the game. On Monday the Mavs took on the Utah Jazz, a team I actually hate, unlike the Mavericks. During the first quarter Dirk gently placed AK47 on the floor because the hardwood came from Russia and he thought he should be with his family. Unfortunately for Dirk the refs didn't know he was just testing AK's durability (those things are supposed to shoot in any weather and with any amount of abuse) and that he found the rumors to be untrue. Personally I think the foul should have been a flagrant 1 and not a 2, but I'm not complaining, anytime you don't have to face a superstar is a good thing, and Dirk just so happens to take pleasure in kicking the ever living turds out of the Rockets.

I keep seeing and hearing "The Rockets wanted to play the Mavericks at full strength." Here's my response: That is absolutely ridiculous. In basketball more than any sport the athletes have short term memories, they won't really care or remember that Dirk wasn't there when the playoffs come around. They are just going to remember that they have scoreboard on the Mavericks, period, end of story. Though, let's not forget, a lot of times teams come out on fire the first game of a superstar being gone, so the Rockets will need to temper that, or just play some shut down defense and eliminate the possibility. Anyway, back to my point, the Rockets just want the win, they don't want to face the Mavericks in the playoffs anyway and winning is one way to help avoid that. Winning is a contagious thing in the NBA, it just blurs together and who you played doesn't matter, you gain confidence and then you simply remember that you win, and that's how it is.

Dallas Mavericks: 39-22 (25-3 at home) 5-5 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 40-20 (18-11 on the road) 10-0 in their last 10

Though the Mavs have lost 2 in a row and 5 of their last 10, all of those were on the road. They have won 12 in a row at home, and their 3 losses were to Washington by 12, Denver by 13, and Cleveland by 7 all before the new year. They are 19-11 on the new year, so 7-11 on the road and 12-0 at home. I'm thinking I would have rather this game be at Toyota, but I'll take no Dirk as the equalizer. They've also won 6 straight overall against the Rockets and 5 straight at Dallas to go with 10 of 11 at Dallas. You know what I take from that? 1. The Rockets are due and 2. The Mavs lost 1, rolled off 5 in a row, lost one, rolled off 5 in a row, and now the Rockets come in to take 1 from them. I like that trend as sick as that sounds.

What's my prediction? I think you know where this is headed... 17 in a row!

Check out Mav's Moneyball and The Big and the Brown for the Dallas side.

No Yao... but No Nowitzki, too!

The true first threat to end the Rockets' winning streak is/was Dallas. Who we play tomorrow night on the wrong end of a back-to-back. (If Indy wins tonight, more power to them, but I'm not ready to write the necessary rant and rave if the Rockets F this up tonight).

Dallas was an even bigger threat until about an hour ago. When we learned that the Diggler had been naughty and won't be able to come out and play.

Dirk suspended for 1 game.

And since Yao is out for, oh, another 20 games... no sympathy here, Dallas. Next time try not flagrantly fouling. Only Robert Horry gets away with that in this blog. And only sometimes.

In the meantime, Dirk, I suggest you try to enjoy your time off. Maybe have a cool, island drink or two. Spend some time with a quality lady friend. And, definitely, take pictures.

Just don't watch the game, because you might not like what you see.

Nice Job Jerome

Much like our friends over at DaGoodDaBad, and Demeco, we have a problem with some of the stuff put out by the chronicle. I've put up a few articles here and there that I didn't like and broke down why, as has Dave. I would be remiss in not mentioning it when someone writes something very well. Kudos go out to Jerome Solomon, probably the writer I like the most there, for this piece on Yao:

Yao must watch the next million or so steps

It isn't forced and isn't lazy, it's extremely well written and that's hard to do on a subject that has been broached so many times. I've only been writing on this here blog for a short time and I've been lazy as hell at times, so it's nice to see someone that writes daily for a living not go that route.

The Road to history

After tonight the Rockets will be in some unique company. 16 straight wins would tie them for the 6th longest streak in NBA history with:

16 in a row
64-65 Boston Celtics - Won the Championship
70-71 Milwaukee Bucks -Won the Championship
90-91 LA Lakers - Western Conference Finals Loss to the next team
90-91 Portland Trail Blazers - Lost in the Championship
99-2000 LA Lakers - Won the Championship

Beating Dallas who I'm hoping will be without the services of one German named Dirk Nowitzki would get us to 17 in a row. Looking at the list, you don't want to end your streak at 17. It would tie us with:

17 in a row
46-47 Washington Capitols - Lost in Semifinals.
59-60 Boston Celtics - Won the Championship - Don't F with a long winning streak Boston Team
95-96 San Antonio Spurs - Lost to the Jazz in the Semi-Finals
06-07 Phoenix Suns - Got hosed by the Spurs and one Mr. Big Shot Rob
06-07 Dallas Mavericks - Lost to Golden State in Round 1, HAHA

Here's where the sweet spot is, 18 games in a row guarantees you a good run. We'd need to beat Dallas on the road AND then New Orleans at home, tall task indeed.

18 in a row
69-70 NY Knicks - Willis Reed and Walt Frazier didn't F around, Won the Championship
81-82 Boston Celtics - Won 63 games but lost in the East Finals to Philly and Dr. J
95-96 Chicago Bulls - Greatest season in NBA history, Won the Championship, also had a 13 game streak that season

Added to our Dallas and New Orleans needed wins, the Rockets would need to then beat the New Jersey Nets at home, a much easier task than the first two.

19 in a row
99-2000 LA Lakers - Won the Championship 67-15 on the season

At Atlanta would bring the next needed victory to get to 20 in a row, we would destroy them if it came to this.

20 in a row
70-71 Milwaukee Bucks - Won the Championship with Kareem and the Big O, that's just unfair

I find it odd that streaks went up to 20 and then the Lakers blew it away going to 33. Even I'm not drunk enough on the Kool-Aid to say this is going to happen, but... you never know... I mean, there are enough games left in the season to get to 38...

33 in a row
71-72 LA Lakers - Won the Championship, and did I say the Bucks were unfair? This team had Gail Goodrich, The Logo, Wilt the Stilt, Pat Riley and Elgin Baylor

an interview with Rafer?

An inside source (and possible fan of this here blog), directed us to a video interview with none other than our personal whipping boy favorite Rockets player ever, Mr. Rafer Alston.

Without further adieu... Rafer Alston on HoopsTV online.

(whoa, they even linked to us - kick @$$!)

Mike Dunleavy, Jr.? Meet Shane Battier

T-Mac, Luis Landry and the other Rockets host the Indiana Pacers tonight.

And I'll spare you the dramatic conclusion to any game preview - the Rockets are winning their 16th in a row tonight. Why? Because the Pacers best player has to earn his points against one Shane Battier. Oh, yeah, it turns out they already know each other. Awesome.

Back to the point though. Dunleavy has apparently learned how to not suck as a basketball player this year. He recently had a career high 36 points. And then matched it in the next game. But tonight he gets to try to go for 36 against Mr. Battier. Whose sole purpose in life right now is to make sure the opposing team's best player has a bad night.

Battier usually succeeds in these missions.

Dunleavy's only real chance? Distract Battier with trivia questions about popular television shows from the 1970s.

Seriously though - does anyone really think Dunleavy, Jr. is going to top 30 tonight? Battier has shut down Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, Antawn Jamison and D-Wade (among others) within the last couple weeks. Dunleavy is not on their level.

Who else is going to score tonight for Indy? Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy are ecstatic that Yao Ming isn't playing, but they still gotta get their shots up against Mt. Mutombo. And then they get to battle with Luis Landry. So far, no one has really enjoyed that task.

If T-Mac plays nice, Luis Landry has the typical 20+ points, 10 rebound performance, Battier holds Dunleavy Jr. under his average and Rafer doesn't decide to shoot 20 times - the Rockets should be in really good shape to maintain the winning streak in anticipation of Thursday's HUGE game against Dallas.

Go Rockets. Win #40 coming tonight.

The Rockets take on the Pacers

Wow, seems like I haven't written in forever, even though it has only been a couple of days. The Rockets took a much needed two day rest and get back to the job of ass kicking tonight against the Indiana Pacers at 7:30PM CST in the Toyota Center.

Indiana Pacers: 24-36 (12-18 on the road, 12-18 at home for that matter), 4-6 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 39-20 (21-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

The Pacers are crazy symmetrical this year with the same amount of win and losses on the road and at home. They've even beat some big names on the road: New Orleans by 12, Denver by 2, Portland by 6, Orlando by 6, and Toronto by 11. In their last two games they are averaging 124 points a game, of course they are also giving up 105.2 on average this season, third from last in the entire NBA.

The last time these two teams played, the Rockets escaped with a Carl Landry led victory by only 3 points at Conseco Fieldhouse. He scored 13 in the fourth in front of his Purdue coach and the legend of Landry really started to gel. It was also win 2 in a row in a streak that is now standing at 15. It was a no-effin way game, as the Pacers were making everything, but the Rockets somehow pulled it out and started to prove my prognostications correct.

My prediction for tonight? 16 in a row. Can you believe it? We will be 20 games over .500 after tonight's game, this team was 2 games under .500 on January 2nd.

Check out IndyCornrows as it is always fantastic

Luis Scola now officially a badass

We apologize greatly for not seeing this news when it was first announced, but:

LUIS SCOLA NAMED WESTERN CONFERENCE T-MOBILE ROOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY!!!!!!!

It's true... it's like official and everything.

That's what you get when your team makes the entire NBA its collective bitch for an entire month. Rockets go 13-0 in February... which just so happened to coincide with Scola being named a starter. Hmmmmm...

Yup, it's official. Luis Scola is a complete and total badass.

T-Mac has a selective memory

Sometime last week, I read in the Chronicle an article about Tracy McGrady being ready to answer the critics now that Yao is out. T-Mac gave Feigen all the right answers... and naturally the topic came to last year's playoff series against Utah.

T-Mac before Game 7 last year: "It's on me."

(no one argued this at the time)

T-Mac today? "It's not on me," he said. "It's on us. I think this year, we have much more of a supporting cast. As you see, my scoring is down a lot. That's because guys are making shots. We really have more offense this year."

(yeah, you have Luis Landry this time 'round, and not Juwon Howard)

So far I agreed with everything. Then T-Mac commits a cardinal sin and starts making excuses for last year:

"I got criticized in Game 7 last year of the playoffs that I was settling too much for jumpers, despite me having 29 (points) and 13 assists. Damned if I do; damned if I don't."

Tracy, this is why people criticize you. There are three major problems with this statement. One, you are making excuses. Leaders do not make excuses. Leaders find a way to win. Period. Two, you DID settle too much for jumpers. You did. Admit it. You'll feel better. Lee and I delayed watching the De la Hoya/Mayweather fight just to watch you NOT aggressively take the ball to the basket in the fourth quarter last May. It was infuriating. Three, your personal stats for the game mean absolutely jack shit. So what if you had 29 points and 13 assists? Your team lost, so obviously something in your analysis is wrong.

Let's look at the box score from that fateful Game 7.

Yes, Tracy, you did have 29 points... and those 13 assists. Congratulations. That said, you took 25 shots to get those 29 points (and missed all four of your three-point attempts), and in all of those shots, you took exactly... 9 free throws (making only 5, ugh). Granted, Rafer didn't help you by going 2-8 from 3 and 3-11 overall, but you did settle for jumpers in the late stages of the game. I only have to look at your shot chart to prove that.

1st quarter:

2-6 from field
(one made dunk/layup, one made jump shot, 4 missed jumpers from 14 ft, 17 ft, 20ft and 22ft)

2nd quarter:

3-5 from field
(one made dunk/layup, two made jump shots [7ft, 11ft], 2 missed three-point attempts)

3rd quarter:

4-8 from field
(two made dunk/layup, 2 mid-range jump shots, 2 missed jump shots from 19ft and 27 ft, oh and two missed runners near the basket for good measure)

4th quarter:

3-6 from field
(one made layup with 10:37 left in the game, one made dunk with the game already over, one made 9 ft jumper, *3* missed jump shots)

At the 6:54 mark in the 4th Q, T-Mac entered the game with the Rockets down 84-82. He quickly made two free throws and the 9 ft jumper. After that, he missed a 25 ft attempt for 3 and a 17 ft shot. Other than a pointless layup with 19 seconds left, T-Mac neither attempted a free throw or even took a shot from the 4:28 mark to the end. He passed up opportunities to put pressure on Utah by not driving to the basket and he constantly deferred to Yao and even Rafer.
There is one thing I was certain of last May. Utah could NOT stop Tracy McGrady. Yet T-Mac never made them play defense against him. He settled for jump shots and did not try to dunk on them like they were Shawn Bradley. The statistical and video evidence proves this. I only point this out so that T-Mac can learn from it and possibly not be the Cowardly Lion this year.

Or, made more simply --

Tracy, more of this:

and a whole lot less of this:
I rest my case.

Get Well Big Fella

Yao underwent surgery today and it was successful according to Rockets team doctor Tom Clanton and his co-doctor (is that a term?) Bill McGarvey. I trusted that it would go successfully; Houston is the greatest medical society in the world, things are done here with fantastic results that aren't even tried in other places.

Here are Yao's thoughts after the surgery was complete, and I assume after he was awake from the go down medicine:

"I am very relieved that everything went well with my surgery today,'' Yao said. ``I am looking forward to getting better and starting my physical rehab as soon as the doctors say I can. I would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes during this time and I look forward to the day that I can rejoin my Rockets teammates on the bench."

Get well big guy, make it back for the Olympics and represent your country well.

Where we welcome back a familiar friend

Lost in all the hulabaloo about Yao, Yao's season-ending injury, "Luis Landry," the 15 game winning streak (soon to be 16), the Bobby Jackson trade, and T-Mac actually trying to defend his performance in Game 7 last year (yes, this will be a post of its own... the audacity of T-Mac!) -- I realized I had forgotten about someone!!

This guy:

To be fair, lots of things get overlooked when your team wins 15 freakin' games. IN A ROW! But, just to be clear... we maintain the following stance:

Rafer Alston sucks.

I realize I had not used that tag in any recent posts, but certain moments in the last few games reminded me of this eternal truth. I was a the Memphis game. Rafer played great for 2 minutes... making three 3s and a layup almost immediately. Then he never scored again. Or played defense. Or did much of anything. Fortunately, the opponent was Memphis, so it did not matter.

Then last night I'm watching the Rockets/Nuggets game - and right from the tip, Rafer is chucking shots like there is no tomorrow. And, naturally, missing badly. He even took a 3 from somewhere around 28 feet. With plenty of time still on the clock. Made no sense to me. He did finish with a respectable stat line, but his tendency to get shot-happy scares me.

Think I'm over-reacting? Check this out:

Rafer's stats for the past five games.

If the playoffs started today, Houston would host Utah. Which means Rafer would be matching up with Deron Williams. Oh... shit.

In the last five games, Rafer is averaging six (6!!) three-point attempts per. While making about 1/3 of them. Which is okay, I guess. But that's a lot of unnecessary chucking. He's also averaging over 12 shots a game. When Yao went down, I did NOT expect Rafer to be the one to take the extra shots. The offensive pecking order should be T-Mac, Scola, Battier... and then somewhere after that guys named "Rafer."

Amazingly, Rafer is up to over 40% shooting on the season, and 34% from the 3 point line. A major improvement over November/December, but he's starting to regress back into the unconscious shooter he should never be. He still can't shoot free throws though. And he and Luther Head combined to make the Lowry/Crittenton guard combination look like All Stars. It is not a comforting thought.

While I really like the chemistry and ball movement we've shown with Yao out, and the Rockets' team D has been undoubtedly fantastic... Rafer's potential to undermine all of this forward progress scares me to death. Then again, if you told me we'd get 12.4 points and over 7 assists per game from our starting point guard - I'd guess I'd be happy with that.

Just know that you're not off the hook, Rafer... we're watching. Closely.

It's a bird... it's a plane... it's...

Superman???

No! It's Luis Landry! Here to save the day for the Rockets -- again.

That's 15 in a row, bitches! We kinda called it. And yet no one believed us. Maybe now you will listen?? Hey - the Rockets are going to make the playoffs. We are. In fact, we'd have an awesome re-match with Utah if the playoffs started today. And we'd have home court freakin' advantage, too. Just like last year.

But unlike last year, the Utah Jazz will actually have to defend our power forwards. Who can actually catch, shoot and just enjoy being awesome. Sorry, Chuck Hayes, I like you, but awesome you are not. Okay, maybe a little awesome, but not Luis Landry awesome.

No Yao? No problem. Luis Landry only tore up the Nuggets for 30 points (on 14-26 FG) and 19 rebounds. I think they even made Iverson piss himself in fear. The Answer went an awesome 7-22 from the field, doing his best Kevin Durant impersonation. Looks like you do need practice, there, Allen.

Rockets... 39-20, 5th in West (though would have HCA against Utah, currently 4th because of the stupid rule that division winners get seeded higher).

Teams that may NOT make the playoffs:

Denver
Phoenix

Yes, I'm calling it now. The Shaq trade has backfired so much that the Phoenix Suns are going to be in danger of completely missing the playoffs. It's not Houston that has a playoff problem, it's the Fat Ass and his band of merry men.

Rockets cruise to number 15 in a row

The Nuggets proved to be the team I thought they were last night, the Rockets took it right to them and Denver had no answer for it. They tried to run on us and actually were relatively successful during the first quarter, then the Rockets stopped being lazy, played strong, in your face, defense and made good decisions with the ball. After a six steal first quarter, they had 4 the rest of the way, 3 of which came randomly with 10-12 point Rocket leads. It really was a masterful job by the Rockets, they took team play to a, well, I would say new level, but it's the same level they played the two games before. The Nuggets proved to be a decent team, but not a mentally tough team. The Rockets took it to the hole a decent amount and only went to the line 3 times. So even with all the calls going their way Denver could not stand up to the Rockets, that's the definition of soft.

The player of the game was undoubtedly Shane Battier. He forced Melo to pass out and not shoot as much as usual and caused him to turn it over once for every assist he had. It was a remarkable defensive performance. On the offensive end Melo was lost, Shane and the rest of the Rockets kept him close to the three point line and limited his rebounds. And the best part? Shane outscored him. Honestly, he all around out-played him.

I would be remiss without mentioning what I felt was a solid game by Rafer Alston. He shot 7-15 and had 16 points and 8 assists with only 1 turnover. He also played great defense on Allen Iverson, someone he typically would match up horribly with. I really like this Rafer, he's a solid point guard when he plays like this. Please stay around for the rest of the year, PLEASE! Compare Rafer to AI from last night and you wouldn't know who the superstar was. Rafer held him to 7-22 from the field including 1-7 from three, keeping Iverson out of the paint where I think he is most dangerous, limiting him to 17 points. He also had 4 assists, but much like Shane did to Melo, Rafer got him to equal that with 4 turnovers.

Luis Landry dominated the PF position again last night. I'll just let the stat line speak for their performance:

Tracy, with the exception of his three point shooting and early turnovers, had a great day. He was 9-15 inside the arc and 1-6 outside the line. He was routinely fouled and didn't get the call; it was an odd occurrence, as TMac always gets those calls. His 22 points lead all scorers and he added 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. It was an overall strong game.

Great game by the Rockets, I thoroughly enjoyed everything after the 2 minute mark in the first quarter. Next up is Indiana at Toyota on Wednesday at 7:30PM CST.

Rockets vs Nuggets

The Rockets and the Texas Longhorns both had perfect Februaries. The Rockets are looking to do what my Horns could not, keep winning in March. Right now we stand at 14 in a row, on a streak I have said would go to 16. That was prior to the devastating news that Yao is out for the season. With Yao sitting on the bench, and now opting for surgery, we have destroyed two teams. Washington and Memphis aren't exactly world beaters, lately they haven't even been bottom dweller beaters, but these were complete dress downs of two NBA teams. Tonight the Rockets take on the Denver Nuggets at 7PM CST in Houston on ESPN.

Denver Nuggets: 35-23 (12-16 on the road) 6-4 in their last 10

Houston Rockets: 38-20 (20-9 at home) 10-0 in their last 10

They have played each other twice, one was a 28 point beat down in November by the Rockets at Toyota, and a one point OT victory in December by the Nuggets in Denver. Over their last 10 games on the road, Denver has won by an average of 15, and lost 5 by an average of 12. So they aren't in a ton of close games, and the blowouts either way are huge. That makes a lot of sense to me, during the few games I've seen of them they haven't played more than 5 minutes of defense the entire game, either they are on fire from the field or the other team is.

In their last 5 games:
Clippers - Al Thornton scored 33 and Corey Maggette scored 28
Seattle - 4 players had 15 or more
Detroit - Prince, Billups and Hamilton each had 20
Milwaukee - Micheal Redd had 42 and Mo Williams had 26
Chicago - Ben Gordon had 37, Noccioni had 21 and 4 others had 14 or more

To their credit they have managed to win games while letting other players go off on them. I think they will have a tough time doing that if they don't play defense tonight. What's amazing is that Marcus Camby is getting so much run as Defensive Player of the Year. That's absolutely absurd as he only has one other team member that rebounds in Carmelo Anthony and they shoot a ton of shots are run a fast paced game. He's able to get a lot of rebounds that way. And in the games I've watched (admittedly only about 5 games) he isn't playing good one on one defense, he's getting his blocks on help defense since they are letting him roam.

What's my prediction? 15 in a row, on the way to 16

Check out The Nugg Doctor for more on the game