Anybody remember when the Houston Rockets last lost a game?? Their current win streak has now been extended to 19 straight games including 8 in a row since Yao went down.

No one gave the Rockets a chance to do any damage in the post season even with a healthy Yao and T-Mac. The Denver Nuggets silently cheered the news of Yao's season ending surgery as it supppsedly gave them that outside chance to sneak into the 8th spot. But two weeks later the Rockets are just a game out of the top spot in the west and the Nuggets are still 2.5 games out of the final spot.

With roughly 19-20 games left anything can happen as it relates to the streaking Rockets getting shot down and brought back to earth. Can any one theorize how they are doing this and any one to venture on how long the Yaoless Tmacled rockets will keep this up? One thing not mentioned in most of the Rocket stories is that they are actually 28-4 since 1/1/08, which is the best in the league over that period. They have also won an NBA record 10 straight double digit victories. Are they for real? Well of those 19 victories the only five would be considered quality wins including 2 over the Cavs, 2 over the Hornets and one over the Mavs.

Can they get to 25 straight? Is Yao expendable...did he slow them up?
Well they have a couple of possible easy games vs the Haws and Bobcats, but then five straight vs the Lakers, Celtics, Hornets, Warriors and Suns


ROCKETS: Schedule (http://www.nba.com/rockets/schedule/)

Can they get to 25 straight?No.
Is Yao expendable...did he slow them up?Absolutely not. Yao's taking the team away from McGrady and becoming the best center in the NBA is the main reason they had any chance of getting out of the first round in the first place.

Their current streak is luck, a couple of guys playing above their talent levels (Alston, McGrady, and Mutombo most notably) and Landry and Scola being better than expected.

They'll still be very very lucky to make the playoffs, much less win a series. One rough patch like the one they've got coming up will bring them back to earth.

Their current streak is luck, a couple of guys playing above their talent levels (Alston, McGrady, and Mutombo most notably) and Landry and Scola being better than expected.

19 wins in a row is luck? I don't think so.

19 wins in a row is luck? I don't think so.
It's hard to believe that luck wouldn't play a factor in 19 straight wins.

A little luck, and the extraordinary feeling of relief that must have come with the demise of JVG.

"What?!? We can actually run down the floor???"

luck plays part in any streak... but you can't say its just luck

think the last 12 have been by atleast 10 points. They are also in such rare air now that everyteam that has won atleast this many games in a row has won the championship.... well that won't happen, heck chances are they won't get out of the first round.

got to show some respect for showing up to play that many nights in a row.

It's hard to believe that luck wouldn't play a factor in 19 straight wins.

Even Tiger Woods will tell you that you need luck to win but the post I was commenting on seemed to characterize it as mostly luck. I find that hard to believe. The current team does not expect much offense out of Mutombo so they know they don't need to toss it down there to him all the time. They no longer have that mindset that Yao has to get his touches. This frees them up to do their thing. Not saying Yao isn't a good player, but 50.7 FG percentage ain't that good for a center IMO. Even old Shaq shoots better than that.

The best part about the win streak is this: YouTube - Rockets imitate Deke! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3MA9m9_FJQ)

Not saying Yao isn't a good player, but 50.7 FG percentage ain't that good for a center IMO.
Beats the hell out of T-Mac's percentages, even for a guard.

And it's the same as Duncan's, the only other center in the league who's comparable to Yao. FG% tends to dip as a big man has to create more of his own offense. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/olajuha01.html)

They are peaking way to early. They will never sustain it through the post-season.

No team in the NBA or any other professional league can sustain such a streak all the way to a championship. Anybody remember the Patriots?

College, maybe. Pros, no way!!

If that's luck then maybe a lot of the teams that win NBA championships are "just lucky"...

I tell ya, that Scola simply got game and so does Landry. Also, Alston and T- Max play way aove his usual level. I still wonder why they traded away Mike James and Bonzi, but who knows, maybe they were chemistry killers.

they are in a good funk in wrong time...as pistons did last year

They are peaking way to early. They will never sustain it through the post-season.

No team in the NBA or any other professional league can sustain such a streak all the way to a championship. Anybody remember the Patriots?

College, maybe. Pros, no way!!


The Lakers 33 game win streak in 72 didn't go all through to the playoffs, but they still won the whole dang thing later because they were good...it was not luck either...it was confidence ...and they had HOF allstars

I am not sure if the Rockets can sustain this as we already saw the Tblazers fade after their double digit win streak in November/December.

If the west wasn't so competitive I think the Rockets could still make the playoffs, but they could lose those 3 games to the Lakers, Celtics and Hornets next week and be out just like that!!!....but if they win all three:sssh:

Beats the hell out of T-Mac's percentages, even for a guard.

And it's the same as Duncan's, the only other center in the league who's comparable to Yao. FG% tends to dip as a big man has to create more of his own offense. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/olajuha01.html)

I think the Spurs defense can overcome a bad shooting night from Duncan more efficiently than the Rockets can with Yao. Although the Rockets' D is quite good (fourth in the league).

If that's luck then maybe a lot of the teams that win NBA championships are "just lucky"...


It's a good point. Perhaps the Pistons would have a couple more titles if Joe D had not walked under that ladder back in '05.





they are in a good funk in wrong time...as pistons did last year


It wasn't the wrong time for Houston to go on a winning streak. They were out of the playoff picture before their streak started. It was the perfect time for them to go on a run.

I think the Spurs defense can overcome a bad shooting night from Duncan more efficiently than the Rockets can with Yao. Although the Rockets' D is quite good (fourth in the league).

Sure, but they also have Ginobili, who's better than McGrady, and Parker, who's a hell of a lot better than the Rockets' other guards, and a better supporting cast, and a much better coach, etc. That's why the Spurs are a championship team and the Rockets (even with Yao) aren't.

Sure, but they also have Ginobili, who's better than McGrady, and Parker, who's a hell of a lot better than the Rockets' other guards, and a better supporting cast, and a much better coach, etc. That's why the Spurs are a championship team and the Rockets (even with Yao) aren't.

OK, all fair points.

I'm questioning at this point who is the better team: The Rockets with Yao or the Rockets without Yao. I just don't think this is obvious.

Which reminds me, the Pistons won their last two games without Sheed.

OK, all fair points.

I'm questioning at this point who is the better team: The Rockets with Yao or the Rockets without Yao. I just don't think this is obvious.

Which reminds me, the Pistons won their last two games without Sheed.


Maybe if we leave Sheed on the bench we can put together 17 more W's without a loss...now there is a debate. if we won 19 in row without sheed, would that mean we were lucky or our other team guys are better than we think???:stirthepot:

Maybe Sheed is on the bench coaching right now and Flip is just mouthpiece in these last two victories.:)

Maybe if we leave Sheed on the bench we can put together 17 more W's without a loss...now there is a debate.

I don't think the team would be as good defensively, but who knows?

They are peaking way to early. They will never sustain it through the post-season.

No team in the NBA or any other professional league can sustain such a streak all the way to a championship. Anybody remember the Patriots?

College, maybe. Pros, no way!!

Unfortunately for the Rockets they don't have the luxury to just cruise into the playoffs with the way the West is.

Peaking too early is better than not making the playoffs at all.

I don't think the team would be as good defensively, but who knows?

I concur there as we have given up an average of 103 pts a games in Sheed's absence. Of course our 3 ball attempts are down too:)

Current Rockets are designed for the regular season. Low turnovers and good defense can go a long way during the regular season in the West. Come playoffs, the Rockets will look very ordinary when facing the best every night. They'll need that real tall option, and he's not there.

Current Rockets are designed for the regular season. Low turnovers and good defense can go a long way during the regular season in the West. Come playoffs, the Rockets will look very ordinary when facing the best every night. They'll need that real tall option, and he's not there.

The Rockets probably should have looked at Dale Davis and Olawakhandi as pickups as opposed to relying Mutombo

Wow, talk about disrespecting the Rockets. You guys remind me of the entire rest of the NBA in 2004 talking about the Pistons.

I like the Rockets :)

Low turnovers and good defense can go a long way during the regular season in the West.

It has done well for the Spurs in past years..........resulting in championships!

Wow, talk about disrespecting the Rockets. You guys remind me of the entire rest of the NBA in 2004 talking about the Pistons.
Sure, if Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups weren't available in the 2004 playoffs.

It has done well for the Spurs in past years..........resulting in championships!



Of course you're right. Right now, the Rockets would also love to have Duncan in the lineup, instead of Mutumbo for 17 minutes per game.

Wow, talk about disrespecting the Rockets. You guys remind me of the entire rest of the NBA in 2004 talking about the Pistons.

I predicted that they'd fall off as soon as Yao got hurt. When that didn't happen. Instead of admitting that I was wrong, I just started bashing their playoff chances. Now that it's 19 in a row, that does sound pretty impressive......

I predicted that they'd fall off as soon as Yao got hurt. When that didn't happen. Instead of admitting that I was wrong, I just started bashing their playoff chances. Now that it's 19 in a row, that does sound pretty impressive......

Nemo...maybe you shoul go with the "just lucky" theory :)

Nemo...maybe you shoul go with the "just lucky" theory :)

I think he did believe it was lucky to win 18 in a row, but to win 19 consecutive games, it takes something impressive.

I predicted that they'd fall off as soon as Yao got hurt. When that didn't happen. Instead of admitting that I was wrong, I just started bashing their playoff chances. Now that it's 19 in a row, that does sound pretty impressive......

Personally I think it's a sign of good character to be able to stick with your POV even when the weight of evidence seems to be running against you. Stay strong and don't falter - they'll lose sooner or later.

Besides, it's Rick Addledman - how far can they possibly go? You know, one of those great regular season coaches that never seems to make it very far in the playoffs. You know, like...

Never mind. :sssh:

Personally I think it's a sign of good character to be able to stick with your POV even when the weight of evidence seems to be running against you. Stay strong and don't falter - they'll lose sooner or later.

Besides, it's Rick Addledman - how far can they possibly go? You know, one of those great regular season coaches that never seems to make it very far in the playoffs. You know, like...

Never mind. :sssh:
George Karl?

George Karl?

Oh yeah, him too.

Personally I think it's a sign of good character to be able to stick with your POV even when the weight of evidence seems to be running against you. Stay strong and don't falter - they'll lose sooner or later.

Besides, it's Rick Addledman - how far can they possibly go? You know, one of those great regular season coaches that never seems to make it very far in the playoffs. You know, like...

Never mind. :sssh:


Poor rick, he got to game 7 of the WCF in 2002, he just got rooked by Horry and the refs...He also got to the finals twice with Portland in 90 and 92, he just couldn't get past the Vinnie Johnson and Micheal Jordon heroics...that is little farther than both Flip and karl...:sssh:

George Karl is a terrible coach in the post AND regular season.

Of course you're right. Right now, the Rockets would also love to have Duncan in the lineup, instead of Mutumbo for 17 minutes per game.

I am just responding to your quote - "good defense and few turnovers will go far in the regular season in the west" I mean really, that statement is kinda bizzare don`t you think??

I am just responding to your quote - "good defense and few turnovers will go far in the regular season in the west" I mean really, that statement is kinda bizzare don`t you think??


If it's bizzare, then I can usually take credit for it........:pound:

20 in a row tonight.

They had come into the game losing 15 out of their last 18 in Atlanta.

The Hawks gave the Rockets all they handle before pulling it out. 21 anyone?

The Hawks gave the Rockets all they handle before pulling it out. 21 anyone?


McGrady predicted the win against Atlanta. Since the Hawks have had their number recently, delivering on this prediction will help the team build confidence against the looming stronger teams........Lakers Record anyone ?

I predicted that they'd fall off as soon as Yao got hurt. When that didn't happen. Instead of admitting that I was wrong, I just started bashing their playoff chances. Now that it's 19 in a row, that does sound pretty impressive......
Your consistent POV is impressive, or the win streak? :pound:

Nemo...maybe you shoul go with the "just lucky" theory :)
I'm tired of getting beat up for the luck comment by you and Ladies Coach. There is an element of luck, good fortune, divine providence, karma, what-have-you, and obviously the undermanned Rockets would not be pulling off a streak this impressive without that intangible element being in their favor. Good teams once in a generation pull of a streak like this. Not Cookie Monster and T-Choke.

Personally I think it's a sign of good character to be able to stick with your POV even when the weight of evidence seems to be running against you. Stay strong and don't falter - they'll lose sooner or later.
Leave it to the statman to argue for averages. :)

yall know i used to live in Houston and all you have to do is REALLY THINK about it: 21 WINS IN A ROW!!!?? THATS KRAZEE...but I cant think of a better city for it: I MISS Houston! and the women?// U CAN trust a big butt and a smile. LOL

U CAN trust a big butt and a smile. LOL

That is priceless!

21 in a row is nothing to sneeze at, however, the New England Patriots proved to us - it doesn`t matter how many reg season wins you get in a row, can you bring it all home???

21 in a row is nothing to sneeze at, however, the New England Patriots proved to us - it doesn`t matter how many reg season wins you get in a row, can you bring it all home???

Pistons proved that, too, a couple seasons ago.

21 in a row is a NBA media feel good story. Enough to move games around the schedule on ABC to see if they can bring in more of the curious and up the ratings. Kobe vs Yaoless T-Mac ... Battle for # 1 in the conference as both teams will enter the game with identical 45-20 records

Oh yeah, once again the Pistons have been relegated to the JV/consolation game with the Hornets who by the way are just a half game by the Rockets/Lakers at 44-20.

Still confidence is a good thing, Zoo.
We've all been waiting and knowing this could happen. T-mac getting his with a little help now.
Whatever happens it's going to be devastating.

U CAN trust a big butt and a smile. LOL


Millen used to say that about Shaun Rogers !!:)

Millen used to say that about Shaun Rogers !!:)
A+ stuff Nemo. Brilliant!

A+ stuff Nemo. Brilliant!


Being out here in Montana, I learned that a "stable relationship" can also happen inside the barn. It's a shame that Rogers couldn't live up to his potential and enjoy a stable relationship with the Lions.

Since I didn`t get the Pistons game, I watched all of the Rockets/Lakers game on ABC. I don`t think the Rockets are going to take the west, but they are fun to watch right now.

You get caught up in what they are doing and find yourself rooting for them. They are playing hard, and surprisingly are right there with the Pistons and Spurs, playing the best defense in the league.

If this streak gets to 25-26 games will they throw Adelmans` name out there for Coach of the Year?

You get caught up in what they are doing and find yourself rooting for them. They are playing hard, and surprisingly are right there with the Pistons and Spurs, playing the best defense in the league.I particularly enjoyed seeing Battier with his hand right in Kobe's face on a number of shots. I'd like to see him in a Piston uni one of these years.

Un-freaking-believable.

Best fan signs at the Lakers-Rockets game: "T-Mac for President" and right beside it, "Kobe for Governor of New York."

Off the hook! :pound:

15 point halftime lead without T-Mac scoring a point. Talk about no name team effort.

Who was the star of the day Jarvis Hayes' 29 pts on seven 3's or Rafer Alston's 31 pts and eight 3's?, and which team needed those 3's the most??:sssh:

Yall hear that rumble last night around 8PMEST??? That was the 'bigbutts' bumpin in H-town! 22 and counting!!! AH-ah-ahhh!


Seriously, take your next vacation to Houston around Rodeo time. Oh...my...God! Blue jean heaven....mmm


sigh

The streak is over and Susan Lucci wins!!!

You know what mean... The Boston D took over this game right before the half and shot the Rockets down after that. Tmac dished out 8 assists, but they held him to 11 shots so he only scored 8 pts. They beat the Lakers the other night, but the next three games at New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix could take them from first to sixth and before you know it the streak is all but forgotten.....

hey where da big butt women at? :)

The streak is over and Susan Lucci wins!!!

You know what mean... The Boston D took over this game right before the half and shot the Rockets down after that. Tmac dished out 8 assists, but they held him to 11 shots so he only scored 8 pts. They beat the Lakers the other night, but the next three games at New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix could take them from first to sixth and before you know it the streak is all but forgotten.....

hey where da big butt women at? :)

Damn Dre,

They lose one game and you callin' out da Big Butt Women?

I see potential for victory against GS, Phoenix, and NOLA.




I guess I didn't know who to root for in this game until I watched it. My ultimate realization is that I didn't care who won, but I wanted it to be devestating.

Boston just planted a huge seed of doubt in Houston's collective consciousness. That was one of the most embarrassing games of the year. Houston has a 22 game winning streak, they are at home, and they are playing the Leastern Conferences leader with Ray Allen out. And they got thwapped.

They didn't get out-shot, they got out-muscled. That is much tougher to get over and isn't the type of thing that will magically go away when you face them next time. The Celtics would have surely held the Rockets in the 60's if they wouldn't have pulled KG out due to pity.

I'm just a little jealous that it wasn't us laying down the defensive gospel on National TV.

Good riddance.

And to their fat-assed supporters as well.

The Rockets' crash back to earth against the Celtics continued last night in New Orleans. They were tied going into the 4th quarter, but then the Hornets outscored them 31-10, and Bonzi dropped 20 on them just in that quarter! That's quite a meltdown. And it doesn't get much easier for their next two games: at Golden St. and at Phoenix.

Nice thud they made. Don't really care if they get it back together. But it was a fun run. And Ming isn't returning soon. Can they go .500 from here?