by Digger

The Houston Rockets (43-20) 19 game winning streak has been nothing short of amazing. One more Houston victory will tie for the NBA's 2nd longest run in league history. (LA Lakers record setting 33 in 1971-72 is #1). Their dramatic rise has them trailing Southwest division leading San Antonio by one game and Conference leading LA Lakers by 1.5 games.

Most fans and experts had Houston left for dead after star Center Yao Ming's season ending injury. Head Coach Rick Adelman has worked wonders with this squad. Team leader Tracy McGrady has led the scoring attack with a season average of 22/game. Only one other active player has averaged in double digits (Rafer Alston, 12.8/g). The Rockets success has been a complete team effort from top to bottom in large part due to a stifling defense.

How far can this team go? Last season, Golden State stunned NBA Playoff teams by advancing all the way to the Conference Finals. This seasons Rockets will have a tough road and shouldn't be counted out. Nobody expected this sort of run from a team missing its' big man (Ming). Even while turning heads during this 19 game streak, Houston will have a rough time against the leagues best once Playoff hoops begin.

Nineteen in a row with nineteen remaining. Up next is a trip to Atlanta (26-37) before returning home for three beginning with Charlotte. Then they'll take on the Lakers & Boston who will certainly have their big guns ready to try extinguishing Rocket flames.

Good luck Houston...