Houston-Portland: Rockets Continue to Roll, Beat Blazers

The Rockets have won five games in a row and have fans in Houston wondering if their team can do some damage come playoff time. I'm not ready to jump on that bandwagon yet, but I am somewhat confident the Rockets will lock up at least the fifth seed. 

The Rockets won their fifth straight game last night against the Portland Trailblazers, 98-94.  It was a thrilling game that saw Houston take a commanding early lead and nearly squander it late in classic Rafer-Tmac fashion. But wait, those two aren't on the court anymore.

Countless times this season, fans have watched in agony as the bench players have either brought the team back from double digit deficit's, or extended leads in the third quarter, only to watch as the starters inexplicably allow teams back in to the game and hand it to them on a silver platter.

It happened on two such occasions to the 76ers and Pacers, not very stellar competition to say the least.

It did not happen this night. Aaron Brooks and Ron Artest sank free throw after free throw to hold off the Blazer's late fourth quarter run.

While the Rockets will miss Rafer's court vision and ability to run the offense, what they will not miss is his terrible shooting from anywhere on the court.

Aaron Brooks has stepped up since Rafer's departure, going so far as to say he is "really excited" at the thought of running the offense.  Averaging 15.3 points and 4.3 assists per game, this fan would say he is doing just fine.

Ron Artest has gotten the nod at shooting guard since Tracy McGrady finally called it quits.  He has filled in admirably, averaging 18.2 points per game.  He is seemingly more comfortable in the starting lineup and is getting to the basket rather than settling for ill-advised jump shots.

Even more incredible about the Rockets current win streak is that they are doing it with Carl Landry in street clothes, who has been sidelined for seven days with a sprained right ankle. Make no mistake, he is an important player on this squad, and when he gets back expect the Rockets up the intensity.

With the Cavaliers coming to Toyota Center on Thursday, the Rockets have a chance to see where they stand against one of the league's best teams.  It is the Rocket's first game on national TV with this new lineup, hopefully they will show the NBA what they are capable of.