Yao Ming talks with Tracy McGrady before the Rockets try to win their 14th game in a row that would give the team an undefeated record for February. ‘Mission accomplished’ as Houston soundly beat the Grizzlies 116-95. Earlier in the day, Yao Ming flew to Charlotte, North Carolina to get a second opinion of his injury from another doctor, then returned the same day to cheer his team to victory. Click here for more photos of Yao before the game.

There’s something about this Houston Rockets team that is unique from many previous editions. For example, there was a time when you had to get nervous about them reaching a milestone (like winning all the games in a month, or lay claim to the longest winning streak in an NBA season), even against a poor team like Memphis. Like most Houston teams (except for a few exceptions), they just couldn’t stand too much prosperity, right?

Not these Rockets. Houston took care of business and put the Memphis Grizzlies away early by exploding with a fast break offense, and clamping down on defense to take leads of 14-0, 20-2, and to lead 37-17 by the end of the first quarter. After that, the Rockets cruised to a 116-95 victory to win their 14th game in a row.

Since the 1991-92 season, only five other NBA teams have won all their games in a month. They also beat Portland’s 13-game winning streak earlier this season. Houston’s victory Friday night positions the Rockets to tie a franchise record of 15 in a row Sunday night against Denver.

The way the Rockets are playing, you’ve got to be as confident as you can be they will deliver on tying that record as well as break the franchise record against Indiana on Wednesday March 5th.

All this success lately makes you take a look back at all the acquisitions and draft picks the Rockets have made to build their current roster, and how almost all of them have turned out as good as could be expected. It would be hard to name one player who has underachieved during this 14-game streak. From Yao to Luis Scola to Carl Landry to Dikembe Mutombo, all the way down to Aaron Brooks and Steve Novak (too numerous to name everyone).

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Yao Ming shoots over Memphis’ Stromile Swift and Pau Gasol on his way to 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting in a convincing Rockets victory over the Grizzlies. Yao also finished with 12 rebounds and 5 blocks.

What else can be said other than the obvious? Although they were playing against a struggling 8-20 Memphis team, the Rockets played very well Friday night in the absence of the injured Tracy McGrady, and beat the Grizzlies soundly 103-83.

It was another good performance by the Rockets without McGrady around (remember the 2OT game against Denver last week where the Rockets played pretty well?), and you’ve got to think it’s not just a coincidence.

As much as I see on Internet Web sites comments from Rocket fans saying McGrady should be traded, I have been a little more conservative on that notion (shocking, huh?) because I have thought if McGrady doesn’t go crazy with stupid jump shots, he can still be a very effective weapon.

But I think there is something even better that’s happening when the Rockets play without him. Unlike last year, other players now seem to be stepping up in his absence. Part of the reason is because the talent on this roster that the front office has assembled seems much more comfortable stepping out from behind McGrady’s shadow.

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Yao Ming throws down a one-handed tomahawk jam in the first half of the Rockets game against the Memphis Grizzlies. After 3 days off to rest and prepare, the Rockets’ team shooting improved to 51% for the game for the W. Click here for more photos from the game.

I had to work late on Wednesday night that overlapped with the Rockets-Grizzlies game. Then when I got home to watch the game on my DVR, I got sick to where I’m not able to write a full report like I normally do. But I’ll try to gut this one out.

After losing to the Grizzlies on November 13th in Memphis, the Rockets got some payback by easily defeating the Grizzlies 105-92 on Wednesday night in Houston. I was a bit concerned the Rockets would come out lethargic, similar to the last time the Rockets had 3 days off and didn’t look like they had done any preparation in a loss to Dallas on November 21st.

The big key to this victory was the re-emergence of Bonzi Wells (24 points on 11-of-14 shooting), who many people, including myself, had written off that perhaps he was going to sprial downward the rest of the season.

Bonzi was phenomenal in the second quarter when he scored 12 points, and looked like the same Bonzi who had destroyed the Spurs in the fifth game of the season. Although he had shorter guards trying to guard him Wednesday night, he still looked like a totally different player from the guy who had been missing so many shots during his slump lately.

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The Rockets went back to their old style of play Tuesday night in a 105-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. I swear, if Rick Adelman hadn’t been seen on the bench, I would have thought I was watching the 2006-07 version of the Rockets, but this time with a worse defense.

Before I start talking about the Rockets’ offensive struggles, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a bad defensive effort where the Rockets couldn’t stop the likes of Mike Miller (6-of-11 for 17 points), Pau Gasol (26 points on 6-of-11 from the field, 14-of-17 from the line), Darko Milicic (20 points on 9-of-14 shooting), and Rudy Gay (6-of-11 for 15 points). Memphis was 1-4 team before Tuesday night. They looked like an All-Star squad considering how easy it was for them to make baskets.

I had hoped the Rockets could have made a run at signing Milicic this off-season, but the price tag was way too high. Alot of people like to think that Milicic is a stiff because he never got off the bench at Detroit and people made fun of him since he was such a high draft pick, but that was mainly because the Pistons were a championship team his rookie year, and also because Larry Brown was being too JVG-like and not giving the rookie some playing time. Now he’s proving alot of people were wrong about him. I digress. At least the Rockets got Luis Scola, but Scola’s transition to the NBA game doesn’t appear it’s going to happen overnight. He needs more time, just like Milicic needed.

Sorry to say it, but a couple of times Yao Ming got caught napping on defense, like when he allowed Milicic to make a strong move into the lane for a hook shot without much resistance, and then in the fourth quarter Yao easily could have pinned Stromile Swift under the basket after Swift had grabbed an offensive rebound underneath the boards. But Yao let Swift off the hook by jumping up into the air on a pump fake, thus giving Swift the little room he needed to go up and put a shot off the glass for a very important basket in a tight game.

Not that I want to harp on Yao for this loss. He made 7-of-12 shots and hit all 8 of his free throws to score 22 points. He was the least of the Rockets’ worries. Instead, let’s focus on a bigger problem that was also evident in most of Sunday night’s game: the offense.

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Although the Rockets have been on a roll, having won 5 of their last 6 games, and were facing a Memphis team with the league’s worst record Tuesday night, you’ve still got to give them credit for winning 98-90.

After all, it was the second night of a back-to-back, Dikembe Mutombo ’s knee was hurting, Juwan Howard was sick, Bonzi Wells was out, the Grizzlies are averaging 111 points a game since interim coach Tony Barone took over for the ousted Mike Fratello, and they kept coming at Houston.all game long But the Rockets fended them off to sweep the season series.

And for the second game in a row, Jeff Van Gundy praised his team:

“That was as hard as a team can play. That was a classic night that most teams let up and lose. I couldn’t be prouder of the group.”

“That’s what we’re talking about with leadership. McGrady puts it on the floor two times in a row. That’s leadership. Deke playing 37 minutes; that’s leadership. Juwan fighting through it; that’s leadership. (Shane) Battier being disciplined; that’s leadership. So I loved the way we played.”

Two post-game conferences in a row with compliments from JVG? I think hell is freezing over.

Tracy McGrady was awesome again, scoring 33 points on 12-of-26 shooting, and also throwing in 8 assists. To boot, he had two fantastic flying dunks, one on an alley-oop from Rafer Alston, and another after a baseline pump fake on Rudy Gay that left a clear lane to the hoop for an easy jam. I love T-Mac’s dunks more than most anyone’s. They just have a flair to them that makes you ask, “How did he do that?”

Houston’s offense was very efficient, shooting 49.4% and making 12-of-13 free throws. Three players shot better than 50% (Shane Battier – 6-of-9 for 14 points, Luther Head was 5-of-8 for 11, and Chuck Hayes was 4-of-6). With that kind of shooting, and only 10 team turnovers, you’re going to win a lot of games.

Of course, the Rockets’ defense was solid as always, holding Memphis to 43% shooting, and 2-of-18 from three-point territory for 11% shooting, a season-low.

Battier was awesome against his former teammate and scoring extraordinaire Mike Miller, holding him to 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 0-of-8 from three-point range, snapping Miller’s 27-game streak of making at least one trey.

Now the Rockets – who have played their share of cupcakes lately — face a big test on Friday and play the red-hot Dallas Mavericks. It will be interesting to see how well they measure up against arguably the best team in the league.

They shot almost 10 percentage points lower than their opponent, they missed critical free throws down the stretch, but because of amazing 3-point shooting (14-of-31), the Houston Rockets held on to beat Memphis New Year’s Eve at Toyota Center, 111-109.

Tracy McGrady continues his improbable scoring binge after missing 7 games because of back spasms. He made 15-of-30 shots on his way to 38 points, making 5-of-8 treys along the way. After making only 40.5% of his shots and 28% of his 3-pointers before Friday’s game against Atlanta, he has hit 58% of his shots and 64% (9-of-14) of his threes his last two games.

It might be because of inferior defenses, but clearly T-Mac’s concentration — and confidence — is running sky high. The Rockets need that while Yao is sidelined with his fractured tibia.

Juwan Howard continues to look like his Fab Five self, hitting 5-of-10 shots but also making 12-of-13 free three throws on his way to 22 points and 7 boards. What’s surprising is that Howard’s shooting at the line is no fluke. He shot his average Sunday night – 92%. Pretty good for a big man who is playing extended minutes (38 Sunday night) and probably more winded because of Yao’s absence. He has been the biggest surprise of all during the Rockets 3-game winning streak.

Luther Head made two huge 3-pointers in the games final two minutes to give the Rockets some cushion against the hot shooting Grizzlies (52%), making 5-of-6 three-pointers overall for 18 points. Van Gundy gave the rising star props after the game. “He’s a terrific shooter…he’s had the courage from day one to shoot late,” Van Gundy said.

Howard and Head’s production were sorely needed considering Rafer Alston showed his inconsistency by making only 4-of-18 shots (1-of-7 three-point shooting), and missing those big FTs down the stretch – Yikes! But at least his line wasn’t a total disaster – only two turnovers on a night the Rockets gave up the ball 10 times.

The Rockets now head into the New Year with 3 days off before playing Seattle on Wednesday, and a 19-12 record. If you had told me before the season that the Rockets would have that kind of record with T-Mac missing 7 games and Yao out for 4, I would have taken it.

The added bonus is that the Rockets’ bench has been getting some welcomed playing time during those games without their studs, which will be crucial come playoff time. With the way they are playing, that’s a high probability with the Rockets currently seeded 6th in the West.

Click here for the Houston Chronicle’s story on the game.

Yao shoots over former teammate Stromile Swift on his way to 28 points in an 85-76 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday night at Toyota Center for the Rockets third win in a row. Click here for the game story. Click here for more photos.

The Rockets again showed Saturday night that when things are going south — like they did in the second quarter against Memphis – they can stare panic and defeat in the face and still find a way to get the job done. That’s a mark of a team that I think can go a long way this season.

Against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday night, the Rockets were sizzling in the first quarter, shooting 61% on their way to a 24-18 lead, with Yao making all four of his shots.

But then all of a sudden the wheels came off. The Rockets only hit 20% of their shots in the second, with Yao only making 1-of-4 shot attempts.

Meanwhile, Memphis showed their athleticism and quickness during a run that gave them to a 39-37 halftime lead. They were aggressive going to the rack, getting fouled, and shooting 20 free throws in the first half compared only to Houston’s eight.

Rudy Gay, Houston’s first round 2006 draft pick traded to Memphis along with Stromile Swift for Shane Battier, showed glimpses Saturday night why Memphis GM Jerry West wanted him so badly. At the half Gay was tied with Brian Cardinal for most Memphis points (7 points), led the team in rebounds (6) and blocks (2). One of those blocks came against Yao in an amazing athletic move.

So Houston went into the locker room at halftime wondering if their reknown fourth quarter offensive collapses were now moving up in schedule a couple of quarters early. Would they be able to put that bad shooting behind them and come out with more resolve at the start of the second half?

Did they ever.

Rafer Alston came out more aggressive out of the gate, scoring on three of Houston’s first 4 possessions with a jump shot, a running floater along the baseline, and a Skip-to-My-Lou crossover-like move to the basket for a layup. Throw into that scoring mix a dunk by Yao, a tip-in by Shane Battier after a missed Alston free throw, and a few easy shots by Yao, and the Rockets finally got some breathing room to take a 53-47 lead.

The Rockets ended up outscoring Memphis 28-13 in that pivotal third quarter to lead 65-54, and kept playing hard to open the lead up to 15 points in the fourth quarter, cruising to their third straight win.

Yao finished with a team-high 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting, 8 rebounds and three blocks.

The things I like about Yao’s game this season that is leading to his increased scoring numbers this season (26.4 ppg vs. 22.3 last season) are the following:

First, he’s getting to the line almost 3 times more per game this season, and making the same percentage (about 85%) of free throw attempts.

The other thing is that he isn’t blowing near as many chip shots around the rim like he has done in previous seasons. I think that might be coming not only with being stronger and using more of his weight to get exactly where he wants around the basket, but taking his time and concentrating all the way through his shot when he is around the rim.

T-Mac was fantastic, showing once again how great of a passer he is, finishing with a career-tying 13 assists and 19 points. I think he is still shooting too many three-pointers (1-for-4), although the one that he did make was a difficult one that came at the shot clock buzzer. It’s almost like if he has time to think about the shot, he misses it, but if he has to use his natural ability and just shoot, his muscle memory kicks in and the shot goes in.

But his ability to find open shooters is phenomenal, including a wraparound behind-the-back pass to Yao for a dunk.

Honorable mention goes to Luther Head, who continues to shoot lights out from three-point territory, hitting 3-of-4 treys (9 points total), including two in the fourth quarter that kept Memphis a comfortable distance away. Luther is really having a breakout year, hitting 50% of his three-pointers, and is just the kind of contribution they need from a second-year player. Dallas had Devin Harris come to the forefront last season, and his fellow Illinois teammate Deron Williams is having that kind of year this season (18 ppg, 9.3 assists per game) with the surprising 12-2 Utah Jazz.

Saturday night the Rockets lost their 7th of seven games when Yao and T-Mac aren’t in the lineup, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies 93-81 at Toyota Center.

Houston trailed 29-17 the first minute into the second quarter, but then outscored the Grizzlies by 10 points in the second quarter to get a 46-46 tie at halftime. I thought maybe the Rockets were in position to upset the 46-33 Grizzlies, currently the 5th seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Stromile Swift was looking great, hitting 4-of-5 field goals in the second quarter alone, and leading all Houston scorers with 10 points at halftime.

But that’s all Stromile would score, attempting only 2 shots (and missing them both) in just five minutes of action in the second half. Not sure why Stro’ didn’t get more playing time after such a great first half.

The Griz’ pulled away as you would expect in the second half, opening up an 18-point lead early in the fourth quarter. It was clear sailing from there.

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Memphis’ Mike Miller drives past Yao in the fourth quarter Monday night in Yao’s first game back in over 5 weeks. Despite Yao’s return, the Rockets lost 86-77. To see more photos from the game, click here.

by John

MONDAY, 1/30/06 - You hoped when it happened that it would make a difference.

Of course, I’m talking about Yao’s return to the basketball court Monday night — his first game back since having toe surgery December 19th, twenty-one games ago. Although Yao played decent minutes (32) and racked up decent stats (15 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 8 rebounds), the Rockets still lost to Memphis 86-77.

I wasn’t able to watch the game until about midway through the fourth quarter, and when I tuned in, they were down by 16 points. Just like they did against Miami the day before, they made a run to make things interesting, but never really threatened down the stretch.

If you look at the boxscore of the game, you see the big problem being 3-point shooting again. The Rockets were 3-of-17 from behind the arc (under-appreciated Scott Padgett looks awfully good right now, doesn’t he Jeff and Carroll?). Over their past two games, they are 6-of-31 from 3-point land, shooting less than 20%. That’s not going to get it done. Neither is 8-of-19 from the free throw line! Stromile Swift and Yao were both 1-of-4 from the charity stripe.

Now with Yao back in the lineup, I hope I will have more interesting things to write about. This losing (15-29 record, worst in the West) is getting so old, there isn’t anything new that can be said that hasn’t already been said. It reminds me of an old friend of mine who did freelance writing for a business publication after the tech bubble burst a few years ago. She ultimately decided to leave the gig, citing the reason, “There are only so many ways you can say the Nasdaq is down again today.” That’s what it feels like covering the Rockets.

John
john@YaoMingFanClub.com

To see the boxscore from the game, click here.

To read the Houston Chronicle’s article about the game, click here.

Yao goes up to throw down a dunk Saturday night in Houston on his way to scoring 29 points, but the Rockets were blown out by Memphis most of the game, losing 90-75 to the Grizzlies. For more photos from the game, click here.

by John

SATURDAY, 12/03/05 - I attended my first Rockets game of the season on Saturday night. I rarely use the elevator at Toyota Center to get to the upper level where I usually sit because the elevator can get a little cramped. But tonight I was in between the two escalators I normally take to get to the upper level, and the elevator was right there with the doors open, so I jumped on.

Wouldn’t you know it, on the elevator’s first stop, Rockets’ owner Leslie Alexander got on, along with a woman who I believe is his wife. I figured when I got off, I would say hello or something. When my stop came, Leslie got off the elevator temporarily to make room so the people in the back of the elevator like me could get off.

After I passed through the elevator doors, I said hello to him for just a second, and he and his wife seemed really nice. But a couple of minutes later, I was KICKING myself because I thought MAYBE I could have scored some better seats by telling him real fast, “Hi Leslie, I’m the guy who writes for the Yao Ming Fan Club site, and does it for free. My seats are in the upper deck. Is there a chance I might be able to sit close to where you’re seats are tonight?” Of course, I would do it tongue-in-cheek without any expectations of getting such a gift. But hey, it never hurts to ask, right? You never know: by some stroke of luck and a kind heart, maybe I could have gotten a great seat near the court – maybe even on the floor where he usually sits. After all, it turned out there were plenty of empty seats all around the arena tonight.

But after seeing the Rockets put on one of their worst performances WITH T-Mac this season, maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t ask for that favor and can hope for that same situation to occur again when the Rockets are playing better, because the way the Rockets played on Saturday night, I didn’t miss a thing sitting down low.

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