Rebound machine
Center Kevin Willis not only leads the Rockets in rebounding, he leads the NBA in rebounding efficiency. Despite a three-rebound performance in 10 minutes in Friday's blowout loss in Denver, Willis is averaging 21.8 rebounds per 48 minutes over the Rockets' seven games.

He had led the Rockets in rebounding in each of the five games going into Friday's, and for the season is averaging 9.4 rebounds in just 20.7 minutes per game.

"You've got to get in a groove," Willis said. "It's something I always liked doing. I've enjoyed it. My body's feeling good. I try to get up and grab them off the backboard, keep moving and keep my focus on the ball."

But with his fast start, Willis said he has bigger things in mind. He is one of just three active players -- along with the 76ers' Dikembe Mutombo and the Bulls' Charles Oakley -- to have grabbed as many as 30 rebounds in a game, and he did it twice.

"I had 33 against Washington and 30 against Dallas (when he was with the Hawks)," Willis said. "Those are the highlights of my career so far. Scoring is easy. Rebounding takes a man. It takes a man to do that, to go up there and hit the glass."