"Guard Kevin Martin struggled with a sprained left ankle during Saturday's game, but said he returned to the game after turning the ankle and could have played in the fourth quarter.

"I've been sore and I just tweaked my ankle a couple of times in the first quarter," said Martin, who has also struggled with a sore left knee. "I played after the ankle injury. I was able to keep playing.

"I'm beat up, man. I'm all right. We have two more games until the All-Star break. I think a lot of people are fighting mentally and physically to get through it."

The Rockets' comeback from a 23-point deficit to within three with two minutes left gave them a chance Saturday. It also provided a lesson."