The newest members of the NBA’s 20-win club, the Rockets could not help but look around.
They were in fast, legendary company, occupied by some of the greats of their sport. They checked out their new surroundings and did not question whether they belonged as much as celebrated the unique way they got there.
They had become just the third NBA team to win 20 consecutive games in a season.
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“I’m willing to concede we’re the worst team in NBA history to have a 20-game winning streak,” Rockets forward Shane Battier said. “I’m willing to concede that.
“People ask, ‘Why?’ I ask, ‘Why not? Why not? Why can’t you?'”
They have earned membership among the most exclusive clubs in sports with the 1971-72 Lakers, who won an NBA-record 33 consecutive games, and the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks, who won 20 in a row.
The Rockets go for No. 21 and sole possession of second place on the list Friday against Charlotte.
They don’t seem to mind that they are not categorized as great. They do, however, object to any suggestions that would diminish the accomplishment.
“I kind of laugh,” Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. “This is not as easy as people make it out to be. Some of the national media people I listen to say, ‘Oh, you haven’t played that many winning teams.’ You know what? Everybody in this league plays the same schedule. If it were that easy, why hasn’t somebody else done it?”