Rockets Beat Blazers; Win Streak at 7

How difficult is the Western Conference? Well, your hometown Houston Rockets just defeated the Portland Trailblazers tonight to notch their 11th victory in 12 games. With a 31-20 record to their name, the Rockets nevertheless continue to find themselves battling it out with the Golden State Warriors for the eighth and final playoff spot.

Despite the grim outlook in the hyper-competitive conference, citizens of Houston can take solace in the fact that they are currently rooting for the hottest team in the NBA. With a 95-83 win over the Blazers, the Rockets have achieved a season high seven-game winning streak. The lopsided final score not withstanding, Houston struggled to maintain pace with Portland for much of the first half, entering intermission with a one point lead. The Rockets, led by Yao Ming’s 25 points and seven rebounds, came out of halftime with guns blazing, outscoring the Trailblazers 35-20 through the third quarter. Houston started the fourth with a 10-1 scoring advantage and Portland made only six of its final 15 field goal attempts, leading to the Rockets' ultimate triumph.

Helping lead the charge was Rafer Alston, who scored 17 points and has provided sizable contributions throughout the current winning streak, and Tracy McGrady, who contributed 12 points and dished out six assists. On the other side of the ball, former Texas Longhorn star LaMarcus Aldridge proved to be a handful for rookie Luis Scola, leading Portland with 22 points.

Photo: flickr user jeffbalke