Streak impresses The Dream

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Notebook: Streak impresses The Dream
Mar 17, 2008
Posted by: Damien Pierce

HOUSTON -- The Rockets have had to dispel their share of critics over their 22-game winning streak since some have suggested that the team's run is merely the product of a beneficial schedule.

On Sunday, the Rockets added another backer in their corner -- Hakeem Olajuwon.

The future Hall of Famer attended Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers and was impressed with what he saw from the current collection of Rockets.

"History," Olajuwon said. "You see how they are doing it. It's not by accident. They have quality players. They work hard. And you can see the chemistry. It's wonderful."

Olajuwon acknowledged that he was a little surprised to see the Rockets doing so well without Yao Ming, but he believes the team has stepped up to fill the center's absence.

That's why he believes Houston can continue that strong play in the postseason.

"I think when you're playing in a different situation, you learn how to win," Olajuwon said. "So in the playoffs, that will help them tremendously."

Landry remains day-to-day

Rockets forward Carl Landry didn't have any setbacks with his sore right knee during a workout before Monday's practice.

But even with that good news, the rookie remains questionable for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics.

"It feels alright right now," Landry said. "I'm going to put some ice on it, but hopefully, it feels even better (on Tuesday.) The good news is that I'm getting better every day."

Landry has been out since March 8, missing the past five games. The rookie is anxious to return, but wants to be sure his knee is fine before returning to the court.

"I don't want to rush anything," Landry said.

Emotions in Check

Nearly 24 hours after getting into an argument with Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic, Rockets point guard Rafer Alston assured his teammates that he wouldn't do anything to get tossed from a game.

"I'm not going to get thrown out or suspended," Alston said. "I told my team that. I told coach not to worry about me because I'm going to tone it down."

Alston shared a few words with Vujacic after the Lakers guard swung down on the point guard's arm in the waning moment of the fourth quarter.

After the Vujacic was whistled for a foul, Alston pointed at the Lakers guard before being separated by one of the game's officials.

Alston felt like Vujacic was taking a shot at him after the Rockets point guard did some fancy dribbling.

"He took a swing at me," Alston said. "That's the one thing I don't understand about sports. I never understand why the referees don't get the first person. They always get the person that tries to retaliate, but they were right there to get the first person."

The incident was the second time in recent weeks that Alston has been in an argument with an opposing player. The point guard also had words with Tyson Chandler and Chris Paul after Houston's win over New Orleans on March 8.