Crater in the Desert

The Rockets played an inspired third quarter to overcome an eleven point halftime lead by the Phoenix Suns tonight, but suffered a 15-0 Suns run in the fourth to give it all back - and then some. When you go six minutes without scoring in the fourth quarter against Phoenix, you're going to lose. The Suns hardly go six seconds without scoring.

Luis Scola appeared out of sync in Phoenix and Kyle Lowry couldn't seem to put his game together. As is often the case, Ron Artest was the game's high scorer, but had a negative plus minus stat. When Ron decides to take over, he usually hurts the team.

Alvin Gentry has the Suns playing hot and cold since he ascended to the head coaching position, displacing Terry Porter. Gentry has a 13-11 record, with both a six game win streak and a six game losing streak to his credit. Tonight was more of the same with Phoenix at times streaking to the lead and then slumping back to mediocrity. But in the end, Steve Nash (25 points, 17 assists) took over and sealed the victory.

Not only did all five Suns score in double figures, they also bested the Rockets in FG%, rebounds, assists and blocked shots and had fewer turnovers and fouls. That's pretty much a clean sweep. After a week of practices, this one was not a good omen for the home team. Fourth quarter craters have been their story this year. Let's hope they can get it resolved by playoff time.