Once again, the Rockets' inability to perform the most fundamental aspect of the game -- putting the ball through the hoop -- is killing them, especially in games against bigger and better competition.

In a year when everyone is scoring more and shooting better, the Rockets are still the gang that couldn't shoot straight. They are averaging a pathetic 90.9 points and making just 41.3 percent of their shots, just barely better than the lowly Bulls (40.8 percent).