The Milwaukee Bucks have advised General Manager Larry Harris that he will not be offered a new contract.  The team accommodated Harris’ recent request for an early decision on his status.  Harris’ contract expires June 30, 2008.  By mutual agreement, he is being relieved of his responsibilities so that he can pursue other opportunities.

“Larry Harris has served the Milwaukee Bucks since 1990 with complete dedication and loyalty,” Bucks President Senator Herb Kohl said.  “The commitment and effort he provided the organization has resulted in many good outcomes.  I believe at this time it is in the best interest of the Bucks to proceed in another direction.  Larry’s professional approach has been valued and appreciated by our organization and we wish him the best in future endeavors.”

Now that the mighty Celtics put a defensive lockdown on the Rockets, ending Houston’s winning streak, it’ll be fun seeing how Houston does from this point on.

Maybe now the Rockets suddenly become mortal and just another good West squad. Or what if they fall off hard like the Trail Blazers did.

No matter what, give credit to the whole roster, including Rafer Alston who seriously balled up some terrific games. And salute coach Rick Adelman, whose effect took a while to kick in.

Final Score: Boston 94, Houston 74
 
POST-GAME NOTES
 
Team Leaders:
Houston
Points: Luis Scola-15
Rebounds: Luis Scola-8
Assists: Tracy McGrady-8
 
Boston
Points: Kevin Garnett-22
Rebounds: Kevin Garnett-11
Assists: Paul Pierce-5
 
Today’s attendance of 18,525 is Houston’s 23rd sellout at Toyota Center this season and marks the largest crowd in team history, surpassing the audience of 18,409 set last game vs. the L.A. Lakers (3/16/08). Houston’s top-five attendance totals at Toyota Center: 18,525 today, 18,409 vs. the L.A. Lakers (3/16/08), 18,402 vs. Cleveland (2/7/08), 18,392 vs. the L.A. Lakers (12/12/06) and 18,375 vs. Phoenix (4/16/07).
 
The Rockets have now sold out all of their last eight home games, which matches Houston’s longest single-season sellout streak at Toyota Center (eight games from 2/27/05-4/3/05).
 
The second longest winning streak in NBA history comes to a close at 22 games with a 94-74 loss to the Celtics, which also draws to a close a 15-game home winning streak for the Rockets. It was Houston’s first defeat since a 97-89 setback vs. Utah (1/27/08).
 
The Rockets scored a season-low 74 points in suffering their largest margin of defeat this season (-20, 74-94). Houston’s 72 points last season vs. Boston (2/26/07) were actually the fewest in the all-time series against the Celtics. The Rockets also registered their fewest points in a second half this season with 34 tonight, edging out a 35-point second half at Toronto (12/9/07).
 
Houston lost the battle of the boards by a double-digit margin (-10, 35-45) tonight. The Raptors (-13, 35-48 on 12/9/07 at Toronto) and Warriors (-13, 34-47 on 12/31/07 vs. Golden State) are the only other two opponents to have outrebounded Houston by a double-figure total this season.
 
The Celtics outscored the Rockets 32-16 in the third quarter, setting Houston’s opponent high for third-quarter points this season. The previous high was 31 done twice before (last: 3/2/08 vs. Denver). Houston has now scored a combined 28 third-quarter points over the last two games, including 12 points on 4-for-23 (.174) from the floor in the third quarter vs. the L.A. Lakers (3/16/08).
 
Rafer Alston finished with 12 points, including a pair of makes from beyond the arc. He now has at least one 3-point field goal made in each of the last 20 games.
 
Mike Harris came off the bench to notch 12 points (6-10 FG), matching his career-high 12 points (5-8 FG) vs. Charlotte (3/14/08).
 
Kevin Garnett (22), Leon Powe (21) and Paul Pierce (20) all reached the 20-point mark in tonight’s game. It was the first time this season for a Houston opponent to have three players each score 20 or more points in a game.

With the second win in as many days, the Minot Skyrockets advance to the CBA Finals with a 103-89 victory over the Pittsburgh Xplosion.  This will be the first time the Minot Skyrockets franchise has participated in the CBA Finals.  The last time the CBA Finals were contested in the state of North Dakota was on March 24, 2004, when the Dakota Wizards defeated the Idaho Stampede to with the CBA Championship.
 
The Skyrockets swept the Xplosion, two games to none to capture the American Conference Championship.  They defeated Pittsburgh 105-87 in Game 1 and finished the series with a 103-89 victory tonight in Minot.  This two game sweep ends the Xplosion season.  They finished with a 29-21 record. 
 
Minot will now travel to Oklahoma to take on the National Conference Champion Cavalry.  Games 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday, March 22 and Monday, March 24 in Lawton.  Game time is 7:30 central time. Game three will take place in Minot on Wednesday, March 26.  Games 4 and 5 will be played on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, if necessary, in Minot.  Game time is 7:05 central time.
 
The Skyrockets won the season series 3-1 over the Cavalry in the regular season.  Minot won the first three contests, 91-89 (4.5), 97-94 (5.5), and 92-88 (4.0) in overtime.  The Cavalry won the last contest 114-98 (6.5). 
 
“This will be a hotly contested series,” said CBA Deputy Commissioner Dennis Truax.  “Oklahoma knocked off the two time defending champion Yakama Sun Kings and is on an eight game winning streak.  They have Daryan Selvy and Marvin Phillips who are both tough match-up problems.  Minot has veterans Ronnie Fields and Kevin Rice who are no strangers to the Finals. The Miners currently have a ten game winning streak. Both teams are evenly matched. It should be a great Finals for our teams and fans.”