I didn't think he was going to hold up as well as he did. After missing the first two playoff game with a hamstring injury is serious business. That kind of injury is so unpredictable. But you saw what I saw and that was a player moving around the court as if he had not skipped a beat. Yes, Skip To My Lou was as good as he played during the Rockets 22 game winning streak.

Rafer has had an interesting past to say the least. The Rockets have been trying to replace him since he got here but he has developed into something special. Not only is his quickness and cocky style of play contagious, he is also very sound and under control as he leads this team. The Jazz certainly found that out. He is also very emotional. We will never forget how he loves his teammates. Maybe too much at times. In the closing seconds of the game, with the Rockets leading, Deron Williams drove to the basket and with sensational timing, rookie Carl Landry blocked the shot to secure the win. What Rafer did next is pure RAFER. He went over to Landry, put both hands on his head, turned his dome and planted a big kiss on his cheek. It was priceless! But it was so genuine.

The Rockets had done the improbable. Beating Utah in Salt Lake City is nearly impossible but Alston lead the way and then praised his team as only he can do. Let's hope the love affair continues.