"The Rockets did not come to Washington just to see the sights and beat the Wizards, though the sights were outstanding.

They wanted to whip the Wizards and do it quickly enough to get some rest.

It might say something about how the Rockets have improved that they could be less than satisfied with Monday's 114-106 smackdown of the 1-12 Wizards. They led by as much as 19, but the Wizards cut the lead to five, making Rockets starters, and especially a surging Kevin Martin, put in a full day's work.

They just never had too much concern they could lose to the NBA's worst team.

"They had a chance," Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. "They made a little run at us. I was mildly concerned at that point. I thought, 'We'll get it back.'?""