When it comes down to facing elimination or staying alive in the playoffs there is something that clearly separates star players from the rest of the players in the league. Star players understand that they must bring all they have to the game, and leave it all on the court afterwards regardless of the way it ends.  A lot of people agree that when Yao Ming went down, the Rockets lost a major component to their offense. Hell, Yao was the primary focus for the Rockets offense. And just like in years past he goes down with an injury, leaving the team without an effective threat in the middle. Surely I can’t blame Yao for being injured, because I don’t believe this guy’s intent was to be injured and ultimately not be there for the team. But what I am saying is that regardless of the situation, they were not able to utilize his talents at a time when all teams need there superstars the most. But look at the bright side; at least he’ll be ready in time for the China Olympics. Good news right?!?!

There is no excuse for our early exit again this year. The fact that one of our superstars was injured isn’t comforting and is irrelevant. With a record of 19-7, being a 5th seed, in a competitive Western Conference after Yao went down tells me there is no reason to believe this team didn’t make the adjustments needed t win games.  I don’t want to negate at all, what the Utah Jazz did to beat the Rockets. The Jazz is a good team. Calling on the talents of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams, this team continues to be a force in the West, and with this lineup, and Sloan at the helm, this team will continue to be one to reckon with in the years to come.

I for one hope Tracy McGrady returns for another year. In the process Houston has to get on the ball and prepare this team for possible injuries to our top players during the season. To me Dikembe Mutumbo, fulfilled his role stepping up to the role of starter in Yao’s absence, but Mutumbo is not a scoring threat, and just simply isn’t young enough to single handedly fill the gap that is left when and if Yao goes down. If we, meaning the Rockets, are going to ever get out of the 1st round of the playoffs again, then we better make damn sure we have some inside big men, and some viable offensive threats, to reduce the effectiveness of the double teams against TMac . Outside of Scola, and McGrady no one scored in double figures. Outside of the 5 assist from Tmac, no one else dished out more than 2, Tmac followed by Scola were the only two people rebounding yesterday. From a team standpoint, this is just embarrassing. During this offseason, Houston needs to get viable offensive players to ease the double teams on McGrady and we need consistent role players to ensure the team is competitive regardless of the lineup on the field.