Despite having cracked ribs and being out of playoff contention, Rockets guard David Wesley has decided to keep on playing.

Wesley said he simply prefers playing, even in pain, to watching.

"It shows how much he cares, how much pride and courage he has," Rocket Rafer Alston said. "A lot of guys would say, 'I have a cracked rib,' and pack it in. He keeps going out there."

Wesley asked Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy to allow him to travel with the team and watch from the bench while he was too hurt to play, then came back as soon as he went consecutive days or workouts without too much soreness.

"I realize I'm coming down to the end (of his career)," Wesley said. "I just want to play. This is what I enjoy doing."