"We got to come out with the attitude (that) this is the type of game we have to win at home," he said. "We have to win these games. They're up and coming. They have a lot of young players. You don't have the emotional thing (playing) one of the top teams in the league. I was concerned about it, but once we got into it, especially in the second quarter, that second group really changes the atmosphere of the game."

--F Luis Scola has had other effective offensive stretches since his preseason ankle injury, but he seemed more aggressive and confident than in any game since the injury. He had 19 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes, his third-consecutive double-double, and even finished on break with a slam in traffic.

"I think I'm not very good at finishing with a slam," Scola said. "(Friday) was an exception. Any day, before the ankle or after the ankle, it doesn't matter. I'm getting better. I feel better. I feel I can run more and be more active. When it hurts me, I move a little worse and am not as active. I need that to play."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think it's pretty much going to be like that the whole season. We are going to face challenges every night. Everybody is changing roles. We're playing without Yao (Ming) and Tracy (McGrady) is still not healthy. So, one of the challenges is whether or not we are going to be consistent on a daily basis, every game. We have to play every game 100 percent and if we do, we will be able to beat anybody or at least compete with everybody and stay in the game." -- Luis Scola.