The Houston Rockets possibly over achieved last season stretching a 7 game series with the champs Los Angeles Lakers. They fought hard, but just couldn’t pull it out.
The Rockets defeated the young Portland Trailblazers team in the first round of the playoffs 4-2. The Rockets season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in 7 games in round 2.
This nearly happened, as the Houston Rockets took the Los Angeles Lakers to a full seven games during the Western Conference semifinals last season. While the Lakers won this game 7 by a whole’ points, the Rockets had LA’s number during a few of these games, leaving many wondering just how dangerous this efficient basketball team was.
Under the effective leadership of head coach Rick Adelman, the Rockets team from last year will return for another season of basketball; only one thing has changed. Ron Artest, an integral part of this team, will no longer be a Houston Rocket. In fact, he’s now with the very team that put an end to Houston’s season last year.
The loss of Ron Artest is a blow because he was one of their best defenders. The Rockets ranked 6th in opposing team scoring last season but should see a drop off without Artest this season.
The Rockets did pick up free agent Trevor Ariza – who had a very good regular season and played even better in the playoffs. Aaron Brooks had his break out season with the Rockets averaging 16 points per game in the playoffs – 5 more then his regular season average. Luis Scola had his best season in the NBA averaging 12 points per game and 8 rebounds.
Tracey McGrady can’t stay healthy either. McGrady is only 30 years old but this is his 12th NBA season and his body has a lot of miles on it already. McGrady never played all 82 games in a season – the most was 78 games in the 04′-05′ season. McGrady’s scoring average has decreased every season 02′-03′ also.
While they did take the Lakers to 7 games – the Lakers team were by far the better team and should have won possibly in 5-6 games at the most.
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