I realize that New Orleans is 3 games up and more than likely will get in but their schedule is also extremely tough (every game against a playoff contender fighting for a spot or seeding). If they mess up, they can slip out as well.
I don't care about respect. I want as many other teams to feel the boots of the Rockets as they move up the standings as possible.
"The Rockets are one of just four teams in the top 10 both offensively and defensively since the All-Star break. The defense was big last week, when they went 4-0 despite shooting less than 42 percent from the field." "Schedule: Houston - All four play a tougher-than-average schedule, but the Rockets have five more cupcakes (GSW, NJN, SAC, LAC and MIN) to play." Nice nice nice.
Phoenix (35-33) Pace: 96.9 (8), Off: 107.0 (9), Def: 106.8 (23) Perhaps the Suns should thank the league for suspending Aaron Brooks for Sunday's win over the Clippers. Brooks had shot 4-for-20 over the previous three games and was a minus-23 in Monday's two-point loss in Houston. Steve Nash hit six of his seven threes in Phoenix's two wins over the weekend. Ouch.
