It was a delayed farewell for the veteran broadcasters, who shared the airwaves for more than two decades during their stints with the team - 33 years for Peterson behind the microphone, 36 years for Foley as public relations director and radio analyst.

Foley left the air last March to undergo surgery, and Peterson signed off after the 2007-08 season finale. Tuesday, however, they were back in the building for a long-delayed tribute.

For those in the arena, the Rockets announced that the Toyota Center media room will be named in honor of Peterson and Foley. Listeners at home, though, got the real treat, as Peterson and Foley stepped in for successor Craig Ackerman to call the fourth quarter.

The Rockets led throughout the quarter, and when Tracy McGrady nailed a 3-pointer with 32.4 seconds to go, Peterson let fly with one final "How sweet it is!"

Before their stint at the mikes, Peterson and Foley received framed jerseys from the Rockets and trips to Alaska and Ireland, respectively, from Rockets owner Leslie Alexander.

Foley, the numerological master of the arcane, the obscure and the downright useful, was in character, thanking one wife (Carolyn, his wife of 40 years), one broadcast partner (Peterson), two franchises (the Rockets and Bucks, his employer before he came to Houston), three NBA commissioners, four team trainers and five radio stations.

He also saluted seven general managers, eight owners, 10 head coaches, 11 Hall of Famers, 265 players who played with the Bucks and Rockets during his 39 years in the NBA and 21 million fans who have attended Rockets games in Houston since the team moved here in 1971.

Away from the microphone, he was quietly grateful for the dozens of well-wishers who have sent cards, letters and e-mails during his recuperation.