The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak Wednesday night defeating the Phoenix Suns 100-94. Yao Ming had a game high 31 points along with 13 rebounds followed by Steve Nash with 29 points and 6 dimes. Stoudemire (25pts), Marion (18pts), McGrady (18pts,8rebs,6ass), and Alston (15pts) were the other high scorers. It’s a good thing too because Utah, San Antonio, and Dallas all won their games tonight as well. Another team playing tonight is the Golden State Warriors, a team that must play again tomorrow night against the ‘New Offense, Same Defense’ Rockets!

The game ball goes to Steve Francis tonight for being a ‘Jack-of-all-trades’ guard. In 27 minutes of playing time Steve managed to put up 9 points, 7 assists (game high), 3 boards, 2 steals, and 2 blocked shots. One of Francis’ blocks came at a key moment with just over 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter that really encapsulated the Rockets defense the whole night. Here’s a few keys from the stats:

- Houston held Phoenix to 41% from the field and behind the arc while shooting 51% from the field and 50% from behind the arc.
- Steve Nash only had 6 assists when he’s been averaging 11 a game.
- Houston out rebounded Phoenix by 13. (41-28)
- The Rockets bench out scored the Suns bench 24-8.

All in all an impressive and important victory. Now the Rockets have some steam going behind them as they are half way done with this west coast swing. The Rockets will try to continue to win on the road with the Warriors and the Kings coming up before making a one game pit stop at home to face the Grizzlies.