Houston Rockets are the “Never Say Die” Team of 2009-10

If the playoffs were to begin today, the Houston Rockets would be a six-seed in the West.

However, the playoffs are far from starting; which means the Rockets have plenty of time to improve their postseason status.

It may not always be pretty, but Houston’s NBA team keeps on winning.

Meet the “never say die” Houston Rockets. I love this team.

The Rockets pulled out another big win on Saturday night, Nov. 21 at Toyota Center, in a 113-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

“I was really pleased with the fourth quarter,” Rockets head coach Rick Adelman told Rockets.com staff writer Jason Friedman following Houston’s win. “Before that I just thought we were really struggling, not really making any stops. I don’t know whether it was the four games in five nights, I have no idea.

Give Sacramento credit, they came out and had a really strong third quarter and took it to us. Our guys responded in the fourth and got a good win.”

With Saturday’s victory, the Rockets are now 8-6 on the season. Houston returns to the hardwood to host a pair of intrastate rivalries beginning on Wednesday evening against the Dallas Mavericks and concluding on Friday evening against the San Antonio Spurs.

“We’ve said it since day one: we want to keep our heads above water,” Rockets co-captain and team leader Shane Battier said. “We want to stay in the race because we know it’s a tough schedule. We’re not making excuses for our record but this is the No. 1 schedule in the NBA up to this point. Once the schedule breaks, we have to be in position to take advantage of it and go on a run like we have in years past.”

With a duo of Texas matchups followed by a trip to Oklahoma City on Sunday night, the Rockets have quite a tough road in front of them.

“I’m happy with the way the team has responded,” Adelman said. “Even tonight [against the Kings], both these plays really competed and we were able to do what we were supposed to do in the fourth quarter and come out with the win. These are the type of games we have to get at our place to stay and keep our heads above water and I’ve been very pleased with the way the team has performed and the way they’ve reacted.”

The coaching staff, players on the team, and fans alike are hoping the Rockets hard work and determination will continue to payoff in wins on the court.

At 8-6 and heading into a rough three-game Western Conference stretch, I’ll be happy if the Rockets can take two of three.

But a trio sweep this Thanksgiving week would also be oh so sweet…

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]