"The only momentum the Suns seem to be able to gather this season is when they head downhill.

With a chance to follow up a win in New Orleans and set up one tonight at home against Charlotte, the NBA's worst team, the Suns went the other way like a dog with its tail between its legs.

The Suns were competitive until the substituting began and then went reeling to a 23-point second-quarter deficit and a 99-81 loss Friday night to Houston at Toyota Center.

The Suns (8-14) never threatened after a 59-39 Rockets halftime lead, fading away just as when they were buried with a 47-33 deficit at Portland last week and a 66-48 halftime deficit Monday at home against Dallas.

The only thing shorter than the Suns' competitive streak Friday night was coach Alvin Gentry's words to his team in the locker room and his 80-second postgame press conference.

"When you play this team, you've got to play grown-man basketball," Gentry said. "We didn't do that. We got pushed around.""