Ron Artest might be the biggest X-factor of 2008-09 NBA season. If the focused, well behaved Artest shows up for the majority of the season, the Rockets are going to be a very tough out. Proof of that came Thursday night when Artest led the Rockets to a victory over the Mavericks. The Rockets were without ultimate role player Shane Battier, and Tracy McGrady seemed to be limited by his usual variety of ailments. But that wasn't much of a concern for the Rockets, as Ron Artest more than picked up the slack.
On the defensive side of the ball, Artest showed his versatility, going from guarding Josh Howard in one instance to Dirk Nowitzki in the next. But it was on the offensive side of the ball where Artest really made his mark.
Artest finished the game with 29 points without looking like the complete offensive ball stopper that he was in Sacramento. Late in the game, Rick Adelman allowed Artest to play the ball handling playmaker/facilitator role that T-Mac usually occupies. Surprisingly Artest did a pretty good job handling that responsibility. Although none of his passes led directly to buckets, he made pretty decent decisions, including a dagger three he nailed off of a screen and roll play with Yao Ming. Artest was so hyped after he nailed that three that he busted out some kind of tribal dance on his way up the floor. Quite the sight, I tell you.
The Rockets are going to get tougher when Shane Battier returns. If the team can stay healthy and Artest can stay focused the entire season, the Rockets are going to be right in the thick of the Larry O'Brien battle. The first real test for the Rockets will come this Tuesday against the defending champion Celtics. I wonder if the Celtics defensive tactics can get Artest to lose his new found focus. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
