"We got a little better defensively. But we've got to be better at both ends of the court if we're going to establish ourselves and I think it's the in-and-out of the people in the lineup and the lack of practice and all that stuff. We we have to find a way to make it happen over the next two or three weeks so that we become better as a team."

It only takes one

The Rockets suddenly are sitting on a three-game winning streak that began with their surprising win in Boston.

"Sometimes I the season, especially the long NBA season, it takes one game that can turn your season around," said Rafer Alston. "Right now, we just won three in a row and Boston was the starter. We showed ourselves that we can play with the best and defend the ball and then the offense really worked in our game."

Rockets in command

The win over the Knicks was notable for being a rare blowout. It was only the second 20-point win by the Rockets this season and first since Dec. 22 at New Jersey.

"It looked good that we were able to start playing defense," Rafer Alston said. "At one point, they were shooting 50 percent and we were able to bring that down. For the most part, in the second half, we were able to defend them."

The Rockets also dominated the backboards on the Knicks, holding a 60-38 command in rebounds. It was the Rockets' first 60-rebound game since beating Golden State in overtime on Dec. 14, 2005. Luis Scola's 18 points and 12 rebounds made for his 12th double-double of the season.

Yao gets a breather

Yao Ming enjoyed playing only 25 minutes against the Knicks and spending the fourth quarter as a spectator.

"It was good to sit on the bench in the fourth quarter, particularly when we were ahead by 20 points," Yao said. "I think our bench players like Aaron Brooks and Von Wafer -- even though Von Wafer started -- they played the fourth quarter very strong. They did not give our opponent a chance to try to get back."

Building momentum

The old NBA saying is that the last game of a long road trip is the first game back at home. For the Rockets on Saturday night, it was also their third set of back-to-back games when they whipped the Knicks.

"You have to give our guys a lot of credit," said Adelman. "After the long trip and everything else, we came out and really defended well and played with a lot of energy. It was a good win coming on the back of a back-to-back. I was really pleased with our effort."

fran.blinebury@chron.com

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