It ain't over till it's over, Rockets!

How many games have the Rockets lost in the last minutes of the game this season? Too many. And today was no exception. With 30 seconds left and the Rockets up by one, the Rockets let Chris Paul drive through the Rockets' “Matador” defense for a lay-up…and the game was theirs. Once again, turnovers, poor shot selections, rushed shots and lapses in defense in the last two minutes cost the Rockets a win. When are the Rockets going to learn to play the whole game? Up to that point, it was a great game played well by each team. Final score, 87-82.

The Hornets were led by the tandem of Chris Paul and David West. For the first 3 quarters it appeared like West couldn’t miss. He drove to paint and hit. He shot from the outside, and hit. The Rockets couldn’t stop him. However, he cooled in the fourth quarter and actually missed. He ended the game with 26 points on 12 -27 shooting and 12 rebounds. Chris Paul had 19 points and 11 assists.

Yao had his usually great game. In the fourth quarter it appeared that the Rockets had the game won when they went up by 8 points. However they failed to take advantage of the opportunity to score a couple quick baskets that could have put the Hornets away. And that has been pretty much the problem the Rockets have suffered all season long. They can not close games out. Yao led the Rockets with 30 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 block shots. He had a little help from the guards. A. Brooks had 11 points, R. Alston 12 points, and L. Head 11 points.

Some personal notes, Comet’s Tina Thompson was sitting courtside with her mother and son. And the Red Rowdies wish Aaron Brooks a “Happy Birthday” while he was shooting a free throw. Tomorrow, Brooks will be celebrating his 23rd birthday. Happy Birthday, Aaron.