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For a while there, I didn’t think this post would actually get written in time.
The Houston Rockets, who now boast the second longest NBA winning streak at 21 games, had to put up a bit of a fight against a lesser foe in order to get there. The lowly Charlotte Bobcats gave them a scare in the first half, but Tracy McGrady and company managed to keep it going.
In my mind, I always compare this current Rockets streak to last year’s cinderella Colorado Rockies team, who won an astounding 21 of 22 games leading up to the World Series. The Rox had some stiff competition down the stretch, as they played all of their games against NL West teams all vying for the pennant. They managed to single handedly eliminate the Dodgers from contention (much to my chagrin) as well as catch the Padres to force an eventual wildcard playoff.
The Rockets have been no slouches either, beating quality teams like New Orleans (x2), Dallas, Denver, Cleveland (x2), and Golden State. Nine of their wins have come post-Yao as well, which have included W’s against Denver Dallas and New Orleans.
However, one must ask themselves just how much longer they can keep this up. Guys like Chuck freaking Hayes can only be so effective playing 30 mpg for so long. And their schedule ain’t exactly a walk in the park from here on out. Their next five game stretch is one of the most brutal I could imagine, as they host the Lakers and Celtics, followed by a 3-game roadtrip through New Orleans, Golden State, and Phoenix. YIKES. In addition, teams are likely to be gunning to stop the streak, just as teams did against the New England Patriots. Hell, Atlanta and Charlotte just gave them a run for their money.
It certainly has been a remarkable run though. Houston has climbed the standings and is sitting pretty for now. With Yao’s season-ending injury, you gotta give up for McGrady. He will be garnering a few MVP votes this year for keeping the Rockets going at this level. If it wasn’t already Kobe’s year, McGrady would be a potential Jimmy Rollins-esque MVP candidate, as the versatile shortstop had a career year and propelled the Philadelphia Phillies into the postseason last year as well.
