The Rockets are just fun to watch right now and literally, the center of attention, is Yao Ming. I have noticed something really interesting the last few weeks and that is the fact that Yao has taken his game to another level. He is playing with such confidence right now, he might just be the one to lead this team to a championship. I didn't know if I believed that until recently but he is almost becoming unstoppable. He is using his body better than he ever has. His concentration catching the ball is better than I've ever seen it. His shot has always been soft but right now he is golden with his baby hook and turn around jumper. One other thing of note, he is getting himself in position to block more shots and get more rebounds. As I observe his effort, the only thing lacking is the ability to pin a defender that is fronting him from getting back into position keeping him from making easy layups. He's even stuffing the ball whenever he wants too and those who have watched him grow, certainly are happy about that.

A key play in the Cavs game was Yao stuffing Lebron on the baseline leading to the Rockets transition game where Von Wafer hit a key three pointer. It was beautiful to watch and made a huge statement. Nobody blocks King James like that but Yao did it. In fact, I think Yao is giving everybody confidence right now. Ron Artest did a magnificent job on James. He was in his kitchen from start to finish getting a little relief from Shane Battier but clearly the wonder player was dethroned in this match-up. There were no monster jams, nothing spectacular from him. For the first time in 493 games, James did not have an assist because of being dogged all over the court. Artest and Battier knew Yao was the final defender of the basket so if LeBron got past them, he would hit another wall.

It was clear in my mind and to the national television audience what superstar won this night as the team with the second best record in the league visited Houston. The Rockets made a statement on the scoreboard, on the court and in the box score thanks to the big guy. In fact, it was a tall statement... seven feet six inches tall!