Rockets extend win streak to 11 games

Many of the NBA’s so called pundits have dismissed the Houston Rockets’ accomplishments in achieving a 10-game winning streak, by exclaiming that until the squad beat a team of true substance, they were simply taking advantage of an undemanding schedule. Talking heads around the nation have stated that Houston’s road match-up against the Western Conference leading New Orleans Hornets would be the true test to determine if the Rockets were legitimate playoff threats.

Wonder no more.

The Rockets swaggered through New Orleans like General Sherman marching through Georgia, and officially put the Association on notice en route to a 100-80 victory. Consequently, Houston set a franchise record with their 10th straight road triumph and also extended its overall winning streak to 11 games, their longest since the 15-0 run to start the 1993-94 season.

Devout Houston hoops fans all know how that season ended.

Leading the charge were Houston’s superstar duo of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, the latter of which recorded 28 points and 14 rebounds. Just as important as his statistical exhibition was Yao’s defense of New Orleans big man Tyson Chandler, who was held to nine points and five rebounds, numbers well below his season average. Meanwhile McGrady scored 34 points while displaying the brilliant offensive play and arsenal of deadly mid-range jumpers, penetrating layups, and cataclysmic dunks that the Rockets thought they had attained after acquiring the swingman in a trade with the Orlando Magic several seasons back. Unfortunately, a variety of aches and pains to McGrady’s frail body over the past few years have proven otherwise.

The Rockets are 2-0 since the trades that brought Gerald Green and Bobby Jackson to the Bayou City, despite the fact that neither individual has yet suited up, thereby forcing Houston to play shorthanded. However, their opponent also found themselves undermanned last night because Jackson was acquired from these same Hornets in exchange for Bonzi Wells and Mike James, both of whom sat in street clothes on New Orleans’ bench watching their old teammates have their way with their new comrades. Until Jackson passes his physical examination (coincidentally he was in Houston waiting to do just that during game time), the aforementioned swap will not be considered official and James and Wells will continue to sit idly by anticipating their hardwood union with their new teammates.

In the end, despite the lack of manpower on both sides of the ball, it was Houston’s ability to control the Hornets offense, out-hustle their opponent on the boards, and minimize New Orleans point guard Chris Paul’s (14 points and 11 assists) efficiency in the running of the pick-and-roll offense that allowed the Rockets to walk away victorious for the 11th straight time.

That chattering sound you probably just heard was the rest of the Western Conference collectively turning their heads with a tremble of fear in Houston’s direction.