"Rocket"ing Into Contention

Very few of the Houston Rockets' 19 consecutive wins have been on national television, and I was finally able to catch them in action against the New Jersey Nets two nights ago. As far as overall talent goes (without Yao Ming), it's difficult not to be underwhelmed by the Rockets. However, their performance and results have been more than impressive -- it's absolutely incredible that this group has won 19 games in a row as a member of the loaded Western Conference.

While most people want to give a majority of the credit to Tracy McGrady (particularly considering the six-straight victories without Yao), I'm giving the credit to head coach Rick Adelman. It would be a travesty if Adelman did not win the Head Coach of the Year award at season's end. Other coaches have done an excellent job -- specifically the Hornets' Byron Scott, the Lakers' Phil Jackson and the Sixers' Mo Cheeks -- but Adelman has unquestionably put forth the best performance considering the talent level (or lack there of) of his roster.

The question on everyone's mind is, how are the Rockets doing it? There are two distinct reasons: 1) everyone knows their role and plays it every night, and 2) defense.

With Yao out of the lineup, someone had to step up and provide more offense than they normally would. Rafer Alston (aka "Skip To My Lou" of the And-1 Mixtape Tour) has been that someone. Alston is an inconsistent outside shooter, but he's been more aggressive attacking the rim in Yao's absence and his scoring average has subsequently increased.

"Rookie" forward Luis Scola has increased his offensive output, as well. I place rookie in quotes, because of course Scola is considered a legend in international ball. He's far from a spring chicken. However, all that matters right now is that he's knocking down some short-range jumpers and finishing around the rim with a variety of low-post maneuvers.

Small forward Shane Battier continues to play his role as a defensive specialist who is capable of knocking down triples (sort of like San Antonio's Bruce Bowen); Dikembe Mutombo has been patrolling the middle, blocking shots and waiving his finger, making him nearly perfect in his role as Yao's replacement at the center position; young forwards Carl Landry and Mike Harris have provided rebounding, energy and easy buckets in the lane; and Chuck Hayes brings intensity and hustle, as always.

Defensively, Adelman has the Rockets playing as a unit. When Mutombo is in, Alston, McGrady and Battier funnel penetrators toward Dikembe, and the old timer makes them pay. Battier and Hayes are phenomenal one-on-one defenders at their respective positions, and Luther Head picks up his share of steals off the pine.

It's all working right now for Houston. That said, I'd be shocked if they made any noise in the postseason -- not enough weaponry, and their commitment to hustle and defense will be matched by their opponents in the playoffs. Regardless, my hat is off to the Rockets' entire organization for the success they've had thus far this season.