Rafer Alston after Rockets Roll by Bucks

Houston Rockets' guard Rafer Alston scored 13 points (one of six Rockets in double figures) in tonight's 106 to 87 win by the Rockets over the Milwaukee Bucks in front of an announced crowd of 14,287 fans.

The Rockets clinched their third playoff spot in four seasons with tonight's victory.

Alston said the team is "...trying to play more efficient basketball..." as they head to the playoffs.

Jeff Van Gundy after Rockets Beat Bucks by 19

Though they struggled in spurts, the Houston Rockets kept the Milwaukee Bucks at arms' length throughout tonight's ball game. The Rockets (45 - 26) defeated the Bucks (25 - 44) 106 to 87. With tonight's win, the Rockets qualfiy for the 2006-2007 NBA Playoffs.

Houston led 33 to 20 at the end of the first quarter and maintained a lead the rest of the ball game.

Six Rockets score din double figures: 22 points each from Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady; 13 each from Rafer Alston and Luther Head; 12 points from Juwan Howard; and 10 points from Shane Battier.

McGrady added nine assists while Howard added 10 rebounds.

Milwaukee's Michael Redd scored a game-high 26 points for the Bucks.

After the game, Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy told the media: "...we're just not playing real well the last couple of games..."

JVG after Rockets win over Detroit

The Rockets raced to a 10-0 lead over the Detroit Pistons tonight; pushed to lead to as much as 20 points; and held on to win to defeat Detroit 91 to 85.

Yao Ming led all scorers with 27 points on 10 for 19 shooting from the field. Tracy McGrady added 20 points on just 9 for 24 shooting. McGrady added eight assists and five rebounds. Rafer Alston scored 16 points; dished out six assists; and pulled down six rebounds.

Houston led by 17 points (73 to 56) at the end of the third quarter; but, Detroit managed to pull within four points (86 to 82) with 2:44 left in the ball game.

Listen to some of Jeff Van Gundy's post game remarks:
"...finishing mentality..."

Rockets Nip Clips by Four

The Houston Rockets may not be an elite basketball team; but, they are a good basketball team. Good teams find ways to win ball games despite playing poorly. Case in point, Wednesday night at Toyota Center before the 21st announced sell-out crowd of the 2006 - 2007 season versus the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Rockets (40 - 25) led the Clippers (29 - 35) by as many as 17 points in the ball game; blew the lead and trailed by three points (103 to 100) with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter; yet, Houston's defense (yes, defense) helped the Rockets beat the Clips down the stretch of the ball game.

The Rockets raced to a 12 to 0 lead on two three-point shots form guard Rafer Alston; two lay-ups from forward Chuck Hayes and a 14-foot jumper from big man Yao Ming. Clippers' forward Elton Brand hit two free throws to break LA's scoring drought; however, the Rockets' offense toyed with the seemingly lifeless Clippers' defense through much of the first quarter and led by as many as 16 points six times. Tim Thomas drained a three-point to narrow the Rockets lead to 31 to 18 at the end of the first period. Houston shot 60% (12 for 20) in the quarter while limiting the Clippers to just 30% (6 for 20) from the field. Chuck Hayes scored 10 of his career-high 16 points in the opening period. Hayes outscored Elton Brand 10 to 5; however, that trend did not continue throughout the game.

Houston's defense waned in the second quarter; and, the Clippers seemed to realize a basic fact: Elton Brand's is good. LA ran the offense through Brand in the second quarter and outscored the Rockets 34 to 26 in the period. Brand led all scorers with nine points in the quarter followed by eight points each from teammates Chris Kaman and Cuttino Mobley.

The Rockets led 57 to 52 at halftime; but, Houston connected on 21 of their 38 shots (55.3%) during the games' first 24 minutes which meant a five point lead should have been disconcerting.

Alston and Tracy McGrady began the third quarter by hitting consecutive three-point shots which kicked started the Rockets to a 14 to 5 run to begin the third stanza. Then, Elton Brand went to work and the Rockets had no answer for him. Period.

Brand hit eight consecutive shots (four to end the third quarter and four to start the fourth quarter). Though Houston led 87 to 76 at the end of three periods, a sense the game was far from over seemed to hang over the basketball court.

During Brand's unstoppable run, the Rockets' offense went stagnant. Houston scored just nine points during the first eight minutes and forty-six seconds of the final quarter; and, the Clippers tied the ball game at 96 on a three point play from center Chris Kaman. Los Angeles moved ahead on a three-point play from swingman Corey Maggette before McGrady drained an 18-foot jumper to bring the Rockets within one point (99 to 98) at the 3:14 mark of the quarter.

Maggette swished another jump shot; then, Yao Ming scored a lay-up. Daniel Ewing (Houston area product, Willowridge HS) followed his own missed jump shot and scored a tip-in basket to give the Clippers a 103 to 100 lead with just 1:42 left in the ball game. McGrady followed with a tough 23-foot jump shot; then Houston's defense stepped up.

While Ewing slowly dribbled the ball upcourt, Rafer Alston picked Ewing's pocket and converted a lay-up to give the Rockets a one point lead (104 to 103) with 1:12 remaining. Brand took advantage of poor rotation by the Rockets defense and rolled through the paint for a vicious two-hand jam over Yao Ming to put the Clippers back on top with 1:01 left.

With 39.5 seconds in the game, Maggette drew an offensive foul on Yao Ming; but, the Clippers failed to capitalize on the turnover as Brand missed a tough 16-foot jump shot over Yao Ming's outstretched hand. Alston rebounded the ball with 22.9 seconds left and the Rockets raced up the court. Alston dished the ball to McGrady; McGrady penetrated the Clippers' defense; drove to the basket; and passed to a wide open Luther Head who was standing in front of the Clippers' bench. Head launched a 23-foot jump shot which swished through the nets to give the Rockets a 107 to 105 lead with 12.2 seconds left.

Time-out Clippers.

Los Angeles in-bounded the ball; Brand received the pass; and set a pick for Maggette; Maggette rolled toward the basket; Shane Battier picked up Maggette; however, Brand tried to pass the ball over Yao Ming's seven-foot six frame -- with Yao's hands stretched out in good defensive position -- Yao Ming deflected the ball and picked up the steal. Los Angeles was forced to foul; so, they fouled Rafer Alston with 5.9 seconds remaining. Alston made both free throws to give the Rockets the 109 to 105 lead and seal the win.

Jeff Van Gundy: "...problem areas that need to be corrected..."

Six Rockets and six Clippers scored in double figures led by Brand's game-high 37 points (13 for 23 from the field). Chuck Hayes scored a career-high 16 points. Tracy McGrady scored 21 points and dished out nine assists while Rafer Alston scored 20 points (7 for 10 shooting including 4 for 5 on threes) and handed out seven assists.

Houston finished the game shooting 50.6% (39 for 77) from the field including 9 for 23 (39.1%) on three point shots. The Clippers shot 46.9% (38 for 81) from the field and 96% (24 for 25) from the free throw line.

Yao Ming's 37 Leads Rockets over Orlando

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming dominated the Orlando Magic in a quiet, workman-like manner Sunday evening. Yao's 37 points led all scorers in the game. He made 14 of his 22 field goal attempts and 9 of his 11 free throw attempts. In addition to his points; Yao added four blocked shots; seven rebounds; and three assists.

Tracy McGrady: "...searching out Yao tonight..."

The Rockets (39 - 24) led Orlando (29 - 35) for much of the ball game. Orlando forward Hedo Turkoglu scored the first points of the game by draining a three-point shot; however, once the Rockets took the lead 5 to 3, Orlando never led the rest of the game.

The Rockets shot 68.8% (11 for 16) in the first quarter and led Orlando 31 to 23 at the end of the period. Tracy McGrady scored 10 points in the quarter; and the Rockets dished out seven assists on the 11 made baskets.

The Rockets matched their shooting numbers in the second quarter (11 for 16); but, dished 11 assists on the 11 made field goals. Yao led the team with eight points in the second quarter.

Houston led Orlando 58 to 45 at halftime.

Despite making just 7 of 21 shots in the third period, the Rockets still outscored Orlando 25 to 21 in the quarter to a 17-point lead (83 to 66) into the fourth quarter. Yao scored 10 points during the third stanza.

Orlando managed a few mini-runs in the fourth quarter; but, the Rockets were never seriously challenged throughout the final quarter. Houston's lead dwindled to 10 points three times during the fourth period; but, the game was never in doubt. Apparently, Orlando Magic head coach Brian Hill didn't believe his team was a legit threat to the Rockets in the fourth quarter because All-Star big man Dwight Howard did not play a single second during the final period.

Howard finished the game with 16 points and 12 rebounds for his 45th double-double this season.

Houston finished the game with 30 assists on 36 made baskets (36 for 68, 52.9%).

Tracy McGrady finished with 19 points and 10 assists today. He now has six 10-plus assist performances this season and nine double-doubles. Overall, McGrady has recorded 11 career double-digit assist games with the Rockets.

Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy: "...fun to watch..."

Shane Battier, who was 4-of-5 from beyond the arc for 12 points today, had a season-high four blocked shots. He also led the Rockets with eight rebounds.

Rockets' Snyder on the Inactive List

Houston Rockets' guard Kirk Snyder did not play in tonight's ball game versus the New Jersey Nets. Prior to the game, Snyder was placed on the "Inactive List" by head coach Jeff Van Gundy.

JVG was asked why he made the move; and, he said, "...his response put him on the inactive list..."

Nets No Match for Rockets Friday Night

Friday night, the Houston Rockets routed the New Jersey Nets 112 to 91 before an announced sellout crowd of 18,144 fans. Houston started the game aggressively; slacked off slightly in the second period; regained their intensity in the third quarter and cruised to the victory in the fourth.

Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy after the game: "...how hard we've competed..."

Houston (38-24) jumped on the Nets (28-34) in the first quarter by scoring the first six points of the ball game. Yao Ming scored the first four points of the game and the Rockets never looked back. Tracy McGrady scored 13 points in the period while Yao added eight points on perfect shooting (3 for 3 from the field and 2 for 2 from the foul line). The Rockets led the Nets 31 to 18 at the end of the first quarter.

Houston limited the Nets to 30.4% shooting in the period. Vince Carter scored eight points in the opening period; but, he missed eight of his 12 shot attempts. Former Rockets player, Bostjan Nachbar scored seven points in the opening quarter.

Nachbar added 10 more points in the second quarter as the Nets bench scored 18 of New Jersey's 24 points in the quarter. The Nets pulled within seven points (49 to 42) with 13.1 seconds left in the quarter; however, McGrady penetrated the Nets' defense and dished to a wide open Rafer Alston in the corner. Alston drained a three-point shot to increase the lead to 10 points (52 to 42) as the teams headed to the locker rooms.

Carter made a three-point shot to start the third quarter scoring; however, McGrady scored seven points during a 14 to 4 Rockets run to boost Houston's lead to 14 points (66 to 49) with 8:08 left in the third quarter. Houston's active defense bothered the Nets the rest of the quarter; and, the Rockets continued to push the lead higher and higher. Houston led 85 to 64 after three quarters.

The Rockets put the Nets away early in the fourth quarter with 21 to 8 blitz for a 34 point margin (106 to 72) with 5:30 left in the ball game.

Tracy McGrady recorded a game-high 34 points tonight, including a 15-point third quarter. He now has 18 30-point performances in 2006-07, as the Rockets improved to 15-3 in those games.

Yao Ming finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds tonight, marking his first 20-point game since returning from his injury. Yao, who now has 13 double-doubles on the season, also connected on 12-of-13 shots from the free throw line.

Chuck Hayes, who matched his career high of 14 points at Boston (3/7/07), had 11 points and seven rebounds tonight. It marked just the second time in his career to post consecutive double-digit scoring performances (other: 11 on 1/25/06 vs. Charlotte and 12 on 1/27/06 vs. Minnesota ). Hayes also equaled his career high in free throw attempts (3-7 FT) tonight (other: 2-7 FT on 12/29/06 vs. Atlanta ).

Nachbar led the Nets with a career-high 29 points (4-7 3FG) tonight, surpassing his previous high of 26 set this past month at Toronto (2/14/07).

Spurs Blast Rockets by 23

The Houston Rockets participated in a game tonight featuring a chamionship-caliber team. Unfortunately, the San Antonio Spurs were championship-caliber team while the Rockets were merely pretenders (lightweights) learning from a true contender (heavyweights).

The Rockets (36-23) are a good team; but, tonight, the Spurs (41-18) played like a team getting ready to compete for an NBA title.

Houston led 3 to 0 and 3 to 2. That's it. Once Spurs' center Francico Elson connected on two free throws to give the Spurs a 4 to 3 lead, Houston never led the rest of the ball game.

The rest of the first quarter was a clinic on superb offense by the Spurs and woeful, almost comical offense and porous defense by the Rockets.

Tim Duncan dominated the first quarter; and, the Rockets' big men had no answer for the Big Fundamental. Duncan made five of his six field goal tries and free throws to finish the period with 15 points -- Houston scored 15 points the entire first quarter.

The Rockets treated the basketball like it was a subpoena no one wanted. Nine sloppy turnovers combined with 4 for 15 shooting from the field put the Rockets behind the Spurs 30 to 15 at the end of the first 12 minutes. The Spurs shot 11 for 15 from the field.

To their credit, the Rockets played much better in the second quarter; and, the Spurs offense slightly cooled. Houston outscored the Spurs 27 to 14 in the period. Tracy McGrady scored 14 points during the quarter and helped the Rockets trim the Spurs lead to a seemingly manageable 12 points (54 to 42) at halftime.

However, once the third quarter began, the Spurs played like the superior ball club. The Spurs scored on seven of their first nine possessions to open up a 20 point lead (71 to 51) with 6:10 left in the third. The Spurs up the lead to 22 (81 to 59) at the end of the third quarter.

Garbage time started with the 4th quarter. Billy Spanoulis started the period for the Rockets; but, he didn't score until making the second of two free throws with 2:05 left in the ball game. He did turn the ball over three times during his ineffective time on the court.

San Antonio's largest lead was 29 points (95 to 66).

For one night - at least, the Spurs showed they can win without All-Star guard Tony Parker. Parker did not play due to a strained left hip flexor. As Rockets' head coach Jeff Van Gundy described the game in his post-game press conference, this was an "ass kicking".

No doubt about it, JVG.

Check out my "courtside comments" from the game, too.