I don't know if the young guys know how important it is to get some wins early in the season. There have been times in the past when it has taken an awfully long time to get our first victory. It seems after you get the first, the second one is easier. Odom had 13 points and six assists for Los Angeles. We are going to go through spells where we can't score.
Pike can be in any situation and score.
We need those type of players. The win was also the first for new coach Alvin Gentry, who has to quickly turn his attention to a matchup with the rival Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. They are trying to change the image of the franchise. Now if we can compete tomorrow with the best team in the NBA it will be a huge stepping stone. Steve Francis led Houston with 21 points and six assists.