Let's go back to the time Daryl Morey took over as the General Manager of the Rockets franchise. The team had just been taken apart in the seventh game in their series with the Jazz last season and it was so noticeable the many weaknesses they had despite Tracy McGrady's guarantee they were going to win. They had earned home court advantage in the postseason but failed to capitalize on what they accomplished.

So out went Jeff Van Gundy in a messy situation and in came Rick Adelman. Rick came with tremendous credentials. He had been around and been very successful everywhere he coached. So Morey went to work improving the depth and talent of the team.

It was clear, the Jazz had more players they could use and in today's game, that's a must. Somehow Morey cut a deal with San Antonio to get a kid from Argentina by the name of Luis Scola. What a brilliant move that was! He picked up Carl Landry in the draft. That turned out to be solid. Just those two players along with convincing Bonzi Wells to play gave the Rockets the extra help they needed. Steve Francis was even invited back along with Mike James... WOW!

During the season, adjustments were made as Wells went to New Orleans for Bobby Jackson to give the team (Adelman type) experience in the backcourt. Through all of this transition, the Rockets started slowly then they put together the second longest winning streak in NBA history. We were all amazed around here. I mean, how did they do that especially considering the fact Yao Ming went down with a season ending injury a little over half way through that run. They were the talk of the NBA! The feeling at Toyota center when they won game number 22 against the Lakers was like they had just captured their third world championship.

They had learned to win without Yao mainly because Morey had brought in so much big man talent but when Rafer Alston tweaked his hamstring and missed the first two playoff games, it was the beginning of the end. There was a difference in how they played without their fiery point guard and Jackson couldn't do it alone.

So here we sit, watching the playoffs continue. Another year, another early exit. Was it better than in the past? No question, the answer is yes..... BUT!