The Rockets are on a Roll!

February 17, 2005

For anyone who hasn't been paying attention, the Houston Rockets are currently the hottest team in the NBA. Since the 6 and 11 record -- the low-water mark of the season, the Rockets have won 26 of their last 32 games. The Rockets head into the NBA's All-Star Break on an eight-game winning streak. Rockets fans are excited once again. The "Yao Ming bashing" has stopped and so has the "Fire Jeff Van Gundy" or "Jeff Must Go" rants. It's amazing what winning can do. It is indeed true: winning cures a lot of ills. However, after the Break, the Rockets embark on their toughest part of the schedule; so, I suggest holding off the plans for a parade in downtown Houston in late June.

The Rockets thorough thirty-point thrashing of the Washington Wizards Tuesday night was a great way to end the proverbial "first-half" of the NBA's season. However, after the game, to a man, everyone was talking about the "toughest part of the season" is about to begin. Hanging in the Rockets' locker room a sign stated: "5 days off. 29 games in 59 days. Toughest part of the schedule." Jeff Van Gundy, Tracy McGrady, and Juwan Howard each said "We have Seattle on Tuesday and San Antonio on Wednesday when we come back."

I was shocked and impressed by the mindset of the team. No one was satisfied with the winning streak or content with the team's improved play of late which is admirable and important as the team continues its push for the playoffs.

Over the last 29 games of the season, the Rockets will face the most difficult schedule (percentage-wise) in the league. Sixteen of the 29 games are on the road; however, more importantly, the Rockets will play 18 games versus teams who currently have .500 (or better) records.

This year's Rockets team has done something past Rockets teams have had tough times accomplishing: beating teams they're expected to beat. I know this year's team lost to the expansion Charlotte Bobcats twice; but, since those embarrassing losses, the Rockets have taken care of business.

I do not consider the Rockets an elite team; but, I'm not blind to the fact the team is playing good ball with a vastly improved efficiency on offense. The assist-totals are much better than last year; and, the balanced offense is much more evident. In-season acquisitions David Wesley and Jon Barry have fit in nicely and the Rockets are playing good team basketball.

The Rockets are not very athletic; but, the players have compensated for the lack of athleticism with basketball smarts. The team still has a big problem defending the pick-and-roll; and, I';m amazed more and more teams don't get Yao Ming involved in defending the pick-and-roll. But, if other teams don't run the play, then, that is not the fault of the Rockets.

Houston still relies on the three-point shot too much for my personal tastes; but, that's just me. However, two crystal-clear examples to back up my point occurred this week. In Sunday's game versus the Portland Trailblazers, the Rockets did not make one three-point basket (out of 11 attempts) and scored 81 points in a one-point victory. Contrast that effort, to the 123 point outburst versus the Wizards thanks to twelve made three-point baskets (out of 24 attempts).

Juwan Howard has recorded four double-doubles (points and rebounds) this month in the seven games the team has played thus far. Howard only posted one double-double prior to February this season; therefore, Juwan's improved production is a big plus in the team's turnaround. (Keep in mind, I did say Juwan should have been the starting power forward months ago.) With Juwan's consistent production, the talk of "flower forwards" and a need for another power forward have died down.

The Rockets are going to enjoy the time off for the All-Star Break and get ready for the second half of the season. Looking at their remaining schedule, it won't be a simple task to continue the winning ways; but, the journey to the finish line is no longer filled with all of the potholes the team faced in November and December.

"5 days off. 29 games in 59 days. Toughest part of the schedule." How long will the Rockets' roll last?