Tracy McGrady showed last night that he is, without doubt, the team leader. Not that there was ever a question in the mind of true Rockets fans but the idea was reinforced. Once again T-Mac led all scorers and ended with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists but even more impressive was the fact that McGrady played the entire game, 48 minutes!

The stage is set for Sundays game against the Lakers and as it turns out the winner will be atop the Western conference. Many people have been marking this game on the calendar because it should be a true test of the Rockets skill. With Pau Gasol out with a sprained ankle if Houston wins now the haters will give themselves an excuse to doubt, just as they did when we beat Dallas without Dirk and New Orleans without West. I don’t understand how some sports ‘analysts’ refuse to give credit where it’s due simply because the Rockets opponent is missing a key player. Maybe they’ve forgotten so soon that Houston is Yao-less but I suppose the rules don’t bend that way for the Rockets.

No matter, with or without Gasol the Lakers are still a threat because of another player you may have heard of, Kobe Bryant. Matter of fact now with Gasol out of the way the focus can be shifted back to T-Mac vs Kobe, which should better suit Houston. Why? Because right now the Rockets are chock full of role players. The entire team has been stepping up over the course of this streak, not just T-Mac. I haven’t really been following Laker basketball lately but if Battier can contain Bryant and put the pressure on the other Lakers to make shots the Rockets could come out on top. That’s a very big if however and it’s easier said than done. Either way after Sundays game we will have a clear cut leader in the West.