Artest and Ming may see even more success as the years go by.

There it was – - three minutes left in Game 6 of the Blazers/Rockets first round series, Rockets up by 20, and the crowd loudly cheering on their home team that was bound for the Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.  It was just the kind of moment that most of us expected to see Tracy McGrady being a part of.  Instead, it was Ron Artest who was the key facilitator in the Rockets series victory.

Now let’s be clear about this – there are a few new pieces in this year’s edition of the Houston Rockets. 

* The biggest – literally and figuratively – would be Yao Ming.  His consistent health has allowed the Rockets to gel as a complete team.

* Aaron Brooks has proven to be just the young spark plug that was needed to give the old school team some occasional life.  Then you can add in Kyle Lowry off the bench.  He’s yet another player capable of playing in warp speed – albeit a sometimes out-of-control warp speed.

* Von Wafer provides an instant scoring threat.  Whenever he touches the ball, it’s going up.  He reminds me of Vernon “Mad” Maxwell.

And then, there’s the obvious addition of Mr. Artest.  But just what is it that the troublesome lad brings to this team that is starved for playoff success?

* A strong defender.  His post defense is great because he has a strong base.  As for the perimeter – what he lacks in foot speed, he makes up for his sturdy positioning and pesky hands.

* A willing shooter.  He will take more three-pointers than he should.  But one (or more) of them will end up being a back-breaker to the opposition.

* A strong post-up / back-to-the basket game.  Artest is a brute when he is going to the hole…which is about 75% of his possessions.

* Determination.  Motivation has always been an issue.  But we all know that Ron-Ron is unstoppable on both ends of the court when he actually wants to play.

* A bully mentality.  He has the aura that if you’re more skilled than him, he can beat you up anyway…so it doesn’t really matter.

Tracy McGrady is an extremely talented NBA player.  He has always been one of my favorites due to his refreshing, relaxed approach to the game.  However, the Rockets have cruised into the second round of the NBA playoffs (for the first time since 1997) because T-Mac is not leading this team.  Each of the characteristics listed above (for Artest) are not present in T-Mac’s game.  And apparently, a player with those qualities is just what the Rockets needed. 

Ron-Ron looks like Sho-Nuff from "The Last Dragon."