Magic Numbers against the Western Conference

<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp; TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number &nbsp;Diff</B>
&nbsp;1&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;58-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-14
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;28-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(-1)
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;44-30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-7&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;24-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40-34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eclipsed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #8 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>March 31</B>.

The Rockets were finishing up their Spring Break tonight. Shane got in some solid work on his tan, Landry did some healing, Deke was sexing things up, Morey was bending spoons with his mind, and Ron got back on his meds. Hopefully they’re well-rested and ready to hit these final 8 games hard. Meanwhile the other 7 likely Playoff participants were all in action.

Race for the Southwest Update
I’m going to be updating the Race for the Southwest situation if the Spurs or Rockets play for the rest of the season. For more info on our race with them for the Southwest and all the tie breaks on the line, please read Post 607. I’ll be updating Divisional Records, Conference Records, and Record against All Playoff Teams as the Rockets and Spurs play them.

The Thieves have actually played much better basketball since Scotty took over coaching duties. Brooksball took down the Spurs once in OKC, but surely they couldn’t score the upset in SA. Right? The Thieves built a solid 17 points lead when I turned the game on only to watch the Thieves promptly blow that lead, which had me nodding my head in expectation. However, they built it back up again only to have the Spurs close to within a point in the waning seconds. Still the Thieves played some good D in the final minute and held on for a dramatic win. These two teams play again in OKC next Tuesday. Kevin Durant had 31 points and 8 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook chipped in with 16 points and 10 assists for the Thieves. Tim Duncan had 21 points, 12 rebounds, but shot just 3-7 from the charity stripe. Ginobili scored 17, and Tony Parker had 11 points but just 4 assists for the Spurs.

The loss drops the Spurs into a tie with the Rockets at 48-26, and they also lose a Magic Number. The Spurs also drop a critical conference loss where the Rockets now have a 1 game lead in the loss column. For tonight, the Spurs still have the tie break on us due to their ½ game lead in the divisional record so they go to sleep with a tenuous claim to the Southwest lead.

Criterion 3: Conference Record
Rockets Conference Record: 31-14
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 6 (-1)
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 7 (-1)
Spurs Conference Record: 31-15
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 7
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 8

Rockets Conference Games: @Suns, @Lakers, Blazers, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets, @Mavs
Spurs Conference Games: @Thieves, Blazers, Jazz, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets

As you can see we now control our own destiny to finish with a better conference record than the Spurs. This is critical for our chances to win the division. We have tied head-to-head, and we control our own destiny to tie the divisional record. Right now, if the Rockets win out, they win the Southwest Division. Folks, this race is going down to the wire.

The Rest of Tuesday’s Games
Once again I have to state that Utah sucks on the road. This was a problem for the Jazz since they were playing the Blazers in Portland. True to form, the Jazz stunk things up again. The Blazers raced out to a 39-25 1st quarter lead and never looked back in a solid victory over a division rival. The Blazers stay just 1.5 games back of Enver for the division lead. This is now 15 straight road losses to winning teams for Utah, who draw the Nuggets, Hornets, Mavs, and Spurs on the road in their next 5 games. It certainly looks like Utah is going to be dropping in the standings and will finish no higher than #6. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points, and Brandon Roy added 25 points and 11 assists for the Blazers. Deron Williams had 16 points and 8 assists for the Jazz who lose a Magic Number.

The Lakers continued their road show in Charlotte against a Bobcats team that for some strange reason has their number. That mastery keeps rolling as the Bobcats gain some momentum for their Playoff bid with their third straight win. Gerald Wallace had 21 points and 13 assists, and Emeka Okafur had 13 points and 9 boards for the Bobcats. Kobe had 25 points on 11-28 shooting, and Pau Gasol added 16 points, 11 boards, and 7 assists for the Lakers, who lose a Magic Number and fall 3 full games behind Cleveland for the best record in the NBA.

Josh Howard returned to action as the Mavs traveled to Minnesota. That apparently was the spark they needed to end their 2 game losing streak as they hammered the Pups on the road. Dirk finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Jason Terry had 21 off the bench for the Mavs, who move 4 full games up on Phoenix. Kevin Love had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Mike Miller added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Wolves.

The Nuggets were playing for a Playoff berth against a Knicks team that’s been dangerous of late to Western Conference Playoff teams. A night after nearly staging a huge comeback against Utah, the Knicks found themselves in another huge hole in Enver. They put together a huge run to make it a game, but the Nuggets made enough plays down the stretch to pull this one out. The Nuggets have won 9 of 10 and move a ½ game in front of both the Spurs and Rockets for sole possession of the #2 seed. Carmelo scored 29 points, and Nene added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Nuggets. Nate Robinson put up 30 points, and Al Harringon added 23 for the Knicks.

Suckramento looked like they were going to pull off their second straight upset when they hosted the Hornets. Beno Udrih hit a jump shot to put the Kings up 2 with 1.7 seconds to play. Rasual Butler, however, came out of a timeout and hit a game-winning 3 at the buzzer. David West put up a monster 40 point, 9 rebound game, and Chris Paul added 15 points and 15 assists. Andres Nocioni scored 23 points, and Kevin Martin added 20 for the Kings.

Heading to Phoenix
Enough of that long furlough. The Rockets are back in action starting with a trip to Phoenix. We had 3 full days to get ready for a Suns team who hasn’t looked very good lately, especially when facing quality teams. They’re 2-3 on a stretch of games I used to call the 9 Games of Mostly Doom. I’m now calling it the 9 Games of All Doom after they lost a brutally ugly game to Suckramento. Still this game makes me a bit uneasy. Phoenix is a wounded animal, and they can score points at an alarming pace. Fortunately the defense is usually pretty bad, so I think we can answer their barrage with a bigger one of our own. Hopefully Rick had a chance to put in a lot of new wrinkles to hammer the Suns with. We’re 2-0 against Phoenix this year, beating them in their 7 Seconds or Shaq phase as well as the Terry Porter-led grind it out team. Hopefully we make it 3-0. A win puts the Rockets a ½ game up on the Spurs for temporary control of the Southwest and slots them at the #2 spot.

Also on tap for Wednesday: Lakers at Bucks , Heat at Mavs, Hornets at Clippers

 

<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Games&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Con&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Team&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W/L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H2H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Left&nbsp;&nbsp; TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Div&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TB&nbsp;&nbsp;TieBreak&nbsp;&nbsp;Number &nbsp;Diff</B>
&nbsp;1&nbsp;Lakers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;59-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;38-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;2&nbsp;Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;3&nbsp;Spurs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;4&nbsp;Rockets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-6&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-15
&nbsp;5&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8-4&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;29-16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;6&nbsp;Blazers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47-27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1H&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;7&nbsp;Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;46-28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;8&nbsp;Mavericks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45-30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5-7&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;24-21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;9&nbsp;Suns&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;41-34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25-20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes*<B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eclipsed</B>

* Indicates the Tie Break is final

<B>Clinched the #8 seed</B>

Here is the latest batch of Magic Numbers after all games were played on <B>April 1</B>.

An Ugly Loss
It was good to have the Rockets back in action tonight. I’ve been going through a bit of withdrawal, but I watched Game 7 from the 1995 Suns-Rockets series on ESPN Classic and was pumped for this game.

Apparently the Rockets weren’t so pumped. They looked rusty and flat as they let the Suns run all over them in the first half. Rick must have read them the riot act during halftime, because the Rockets were a different team after the intermission. They looked in control of this game until they went brain dead in the fourth and played unbelievably sloppy ball in handing over a very disappointing loss. We stay at the #4 seed, just a ½ game up on Porltand and New Orleans. We didn’t get any other help, so no changes to the Magic Number Chart.

Race for the Southwest Update
The win puts us a ½ game behind the Spurs with us down 1 in the loss column. It was also a conference loss, which evens us with the Spurs at 31-15.

Criterion 3: Conference Record
Rockets Conference Record: 31-15
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 6
Rockets Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 7
Spurs Conference Record: 31-15
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Tie: 6 (-1)
Spurs Conference Record Magic Number to Win: 7 (-1)

Rockets Conference Games: @Lakers, Blazers, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets, @Mavs
Spurs Conference Games: @Thieves, Blazers, Jazz, @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets

I’m expecting the Spurs to drop at least one of their next two games, which are in Indiana and Cleveland. Those, however, won’t be conference losses.

For more information on the tie break situation with the Spurs, please read Post 607.

The Rest of Wednesday’s Games
The Lakers are battling for the best record in the NBA but have been sputtering lately on their extended road trip. They looked like they might drop a third straight game in Milwaukee, but the Lakers staged a comeback in the fourth and held on for the win. The victory enables the Lakers to only stay 3 back in the loss column behind the Cavs. I’m also glad they lost so they’re not angry and sporting a 3 game losing streak when we come to town on Friday. Kobe had 30 points and 8 boards, and Lamar Odom stepped up with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. Ramon Sessions had 16 points and 16 assists, and Richard Jefferson scored 30 for the Bucks.

The Mavs have looked pretty shaky lately, but the Heat haven’t been playing terribly well either. Miami led for much of this game but never by very much, but they completely melted down in the closing minutes and let the Mavs eek out a close victory. The Mavs are just 1.5 games back of Utah for the #7 spot and have a Magic Number of 4 to close the Suns out and clinch a Playoff spot. Dirk scored 30, and Josh Howard had 20 points and 8 rebounds for the Mavs. Dwayne Wade had 23 points and 6 assists, and Mario Chalmers added 18 points and 6 boards for the Heat, who fall to #6 in the East.

The Hornets are a wildly inconsistent team. They can take down the Spurs one night, but they can play uninspired ball and nearly lose to Suckramento a few nights later. I had no idea what to expect when they traveled to LA to play a terrible Clippers team. This game was close, but the Hornets took over in the last quarter and won comfortably. Chris Paul finished with 30 points and 14 assists, and Julian Wright added 18 points and 9 boards for the Hornets. Zach Randolph put up 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Baron Davis had 13 points and 12 assists.

On tap for Thurday: Jazz at Nuggets

 

We have clinched a spot, and ESPN.com has it wrong (not the first time). They even said on ESPN broadcast last night we had a spot.

But look at the head-to-head records for us and the Suns:

Code:

[B]Suns[/B]
vs. Spurs        1-3   None
vs. Blazers      2-2   None
vs. Jazz         2-2   None
vs. Hornets      0-2     1A
vs. Mavs         1-2     1A
vs. Rockets      1-2     1H

[B]Rockets[/B]
vs. Spurs        2-2   None
vs. Blazers      1-1     1H
vs. Jazz         2-2   None
vs. Hornets      2-1     1H
vs. Mavs         2-1     1A
vs. Suns         2-1   None

Pick any team and add up combined records, and we come out ahead. The only way we could lose would be if we bombed our record against a team and Phoenix had a stellar record against them. That's not the case this year.

 

I was kind of figuring a 2-2 split with the Suns, Lakers, Blazers, and Magic. @Kings, @Warriors, Hornets, @Mavs are MUST wins.

If there were 2 games to lose in those first four games, it was last night and the Magic. Orlando because they're not a conference team, and the Suns because they're not a Playoff team.

We really need to take that game from LA. Most of us would have taken a 1-1 split with the Suns and Lakers beforehand, and it actually favors us better to win the Laker game (4th Criterion in the Spurs tie break).

The Blazer game is obviously crucial to give us the tie break over Portland and drop their Magic Number 3. This game could be the deciding factor for home court.

I think the Spurs will go 5-3 or 6-2 down the stretch. If we can win the tie break over them, I still think we'll win the division. Without it, we probably have to go 6-1 or even 7-0.

I'm still mighty disappointed with last night's game, but I'm hoping the Rockets are as well and take out that frustration on the Lakers. They've shown a resiliency to bounce back from tough losses lately. It's going to be a might interesting weekend for the Rockets. If they can ace their games, this team is in a prime spot to take the division title, at least the #3 seed, and home court in the first round.