The Rockets had lost their last four regular season games, including a 42-33 defeat against the Bulls. Their playoffs began with a 27-23 win over the Sonics whose star player was out playing soccer. The Rockets then proceeded to knock off the #3, #2, and #1 teams in succession to take the championship.
In the second round against the Suns, the Rockets shocked the Suns. Leading by one, the Suns fouled Al Molina in the back court, then were called for a technical following the play. Molina, standing alone at the far end of the court, swished all four foul shots to ice the game for the Rockets.
The semifinal game last Sunday against the Warriors, who were missing a star player for religious reasons, was tied at 24 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Tenacious defense and Al Molina's 6 last quarter points helped the Rockets to a 32-28 victory.
Yesterday, expert ballhandling by the guards and Dixon Ruecker's dominant rebounding kept the Rockets slightly ahead of the mighty Bulls throughout the final game. Two last minute free throws by #23 who led the Bulls with 13 points, including 6 in the 4th quarter, brought the Bulls to a 31-31 tie and forced the OT.
Dixon Ruecker sank two free throws to begin the 3-minute overtime period. The Bulls kept pace for a minute or so, then Al Molina took over again. Aided by #10's expert ball-handling and two more baskets by Ruecker, Molina scored 9 points in the overtime, including 5 of 6 from the line to win it for the silver Rockets 46-40.