"For the first time in more than a week, Chase Budinger got off the Rockets bench with an opportunity to show he could still help the Rockets.

When he last played, in the game the Rockets scored seven fourth-quarter points, he took two shots, both 3-pointers, and missed them both. With Courtney Lee back, Kevin McHale opted for more small lineups, with Lee playing with two guards. Budinger watched.

When he returned to the court on Friday, he nailed his first shot, another trey, and would knock down three more. He finished with a season-high 21 points, making 8 of 14 shots, 4 of 6 from distance. But he knew that those numbers would have little to do with earning a consistent spot in the rotation.

Budinger was replaced as a starter by rookie Chandler Parsons. McHale did not make a comparison, even in private conversations with Budinger, but there is a message there. Parsons has not shot as well from distance as Budinger. He has not shot well from distance. But he is tremendously active, always looking for a way to make a play, to get on a loose ball, help defensively, fire a sharp pass."