"When Chase Budinger was benched for three games, he got the message.

He fell out of the rotation when he fell back to his tendency to sit around on the 3-point line. When he returned, he shot well, but he was also much more active, getting on loose balls and on the boards, running the floor, playing with energy whether his shot was there or not.

He had 14 of his 16 points in the second half, giving the Rockets a lift they desperately needed. But he also had five rebounds, showing he will do something besides score.

Another message was sent on Monday. The Rockets hope it is as effectively received.

Rockets coach Kevin McHale benched Samuel Dalembert after seven minutes and Jordan Hill after 7 ½. He found Jeff Adrien at the end of the bench and gave him 17 meaningful minutes. Adrien gave him what Hill and Dalembert had not, energy. He also grabbed nine rebounds and blocked two shots."