Aaron attended Games 1 and 2 in the Toyota Center. It was a scab removed, salt applied.

"The thing is, the Rockets can play better. Those were winnable games, even in making 10 less free throws a game and missing a lot of threes, which they'd been doing leading up to the playoffs," said Aaron.

"Realistic Rockets fans didn't expect Houston would advance in the playoffs; it's been tough losing two starters. But still, it's frustrating, Houston has the potential to win.

"Everyone here is still talking about Andrei Kirilenko's flop at the end of the game the other night. We call him AKA Floppy 7. While Houston could have done more to win that game throughout the game, that play, that flop cost them a chance to win the game, no question in my mind."

Tracy McGrady is getting the brunt of criticism in Houston on radio talk shows, aside from officiating and general hatred for the Jazz.

"He's played good for three quarters and then just disappeared, and people wonder why," said Aaron.

As for the Jazz, Aaron declared, "Everyone in the NBA believes Jazz fans are the most obnoxious in the league. It's all over. Other fans hate Utah because of the style of play. They use tactics Jerry Sloan is known for clear back when he played. It's their strategy to get the refs caught up in antics, like flopping, and it's like they become officials from the WWE out there."

Elaborate.

"Matt Harpring drives in the lane and he gets a little bump and it's like he got Tasered or something, throwing up his arms, yelling. It's a tactic. The Jazz aren't the only ones known for it; San Antonio is good at it. Most times (Manu) Ginobili drives the lane, he acts up and ends up going to the line nine out of 10 times. Everyone is sick of it, and Utah leads the way."

Bottom line?

Aaron accepts Utah should prevail. Hates it, is frustrated by it, but smells it. He'll bite the bullet, swallow the pill. Utah is playing better right now, and his Rockets are hurting. He's no dummy.

Still, just below the surface, the deep contempt in Texas for the Jazz percolates, bubbles and will continue to fester in Houston.

And my young kin continue to be served Houston Kool-Aid.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com