HOUSTON -- On the opposite end of the spectrum from the tanking Suns and Grizzlies, from the Mavericks, Kings, Hawks, Magic and Bulls stand the Rockets, whose league-best record is borne of equal parts exceptional roster construction and undeniable professionalism.
The Rockets (61-14) will cap a five-game homestand Friday at Toyota Center against the Phoenix Suns (19-57) seeking to extend their winning streak to 11 games. They have handled business against the dregs of the NBA who preceded the Suns on this homestand, walloping the Hawks and Bulls by an average margin of 25.5 points and doing so by playing with a vim that eludes some front-running teams as the regular season winds down and the playoffs beckon.