www.foxsports.com/nba/rockets/teamreport.sml] The Rockets' skid reached the point they had to resort to the true measure of "worried." They called a team meeting. Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich missed Thursday's practice with an ear infection, prompting cynical assumptions that he was out because he looked at the Wednesday night game tape too closely. In his absence, his charges got together for what amounted to a group pep talk. "We feel we're a lot better team than this," Rockets forward Maurice Taylor said. "We want to make the playoffs, we feel we're a playoff team. But we don't feel we have to settle for the seventh or eighth spot in the playoffs. We feel we're capable of beating some of the better teams in the league." The Rockets have beaten a few of the league's better teams, the Suns and Lakers. But they have lost their last six games, including five consecutive at home. But they said they did not have issues to correct, only a higher level of play to inspire. "I don't think guys are being selfish," Rockets guard Steve Francis said. "The only way you can be selfish on the basketball court is doing too much one-on-one. I don't think we've lost those last (six) games just because one guy is doing too much. We lost it as a team, lack of team defense, lack of scoring." But if they have not been selfish, they have not been cohesive on either end of the court, a problem they hoped to talk their way through on Thursday. Carlos Rogers was removed from the injured list on Thursday. He had been out since Dec. 16. In 10 games this season, he had averaged 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds. Anthony "Pig" Miller was waived to make room for Rogers. -------------------------------------------------- Mo seems confident. Higher than 7th seed? Is that even possible anymore. ------------------ President of the Charles Barkley fan club...Oh he retired? When?
Of course it is - we are counting on it - expecting it. ------------------ Heath -where have all the spaces gone?
At least with Los back we know we'll be getting some non-stop hustle out of him (if he even gets PT) ------------------
Hopefully Los will help us...if he does get PT...which hopefully he will. Mo does seem very confident,and it is not impossible for the rockets to make the playoffs and do good. They have to get out of this skid and have a new streak...WINNING....streak that is. ------------------
