"One by one, the Rockets' young reserves were called to Rick Adelman's office Sunday afternoon. First Courtney Lee, then Chase Budinger and finally Jordan Hill were brought in for meetings that a day later Adelman called "give-and-take."

The coach would give them more minutes of court time. They were ordered to take advantage of the increased opportunity.

"It meant a lot," Lee said. "He's holding us accountable. Us three guys, we've been waiting for an opportunity to get out there and try to impact the game and help the starters out. It was a good feeling.

"By the time Jordan came out, it was like, 'Hmm, he just talked to us three. We have to turn it up.'?"

To varying degrees they did. Lee scored a season-high 16 points during Monday's 123-116 loss to Phoenix. Hill had a season-high 14 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. Budinger, however, continued to struggle, missing all four of his 3-pointers to finish with six points in his 19 minutes.

Still, they showed the potential that had helped make the season seem so promising and the current 3-10 record so disappointing entering tonight's game against Golden State.

"Our young guys, they have to stay mentally tough," Adelman said. "They have to keep getting better. I was really pleased with the bench. I needed something from them. The team needed it. And they responded. They came out and played harder. That's what you're trying to see."

There is not a lack of skill or athleticism off the Rockets' bench. No player is more likely to visit the air space above the rim than Hill, Budinger or Lee. But there has been a tendency to fade into the background, making little impact on either end of the floor.

"They usually give effort," Adelman said. "It's the aggressive nature to keep attacking the other team. Don't back away. If someone is coming at you, you have to come after them."

Hill said he got the message and responded with a more determined effort on the boards and more aggressive approach offensively."