The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks last night 112-102 behind Yao Ming and Ron Artest’s combined 59 points.

Along with the win, Ron Ron was pleased with his behavior. He congratulated himself for his restraint from not fighting or cursing during an altercation between Yao Ming and Josh Howard.

“It happens,” Artest said. “No punches thrown, no cursing at the referees. It was a part of the game type of thing. Somebody threw an elbow at Yao and I just reacted. It’s nothing to get upset about, nothing to hold a grudge about.”

The “It happens” remark referred to the refs T’ing him up. To be fair, Artest was trying to break up the two players and most likely received the technical foul based off his reputation.

PHOTO CAPTION: Tim Donaghy was not refereeing last night’s game.

I just think it’s funny that a 28-year old grown man entering his 10th year in the NBA has to pat himself on the back for not acting like a teenage thug. I’ll see it when I believe it. With that said, when Ron Ron is 100% and on top of his game, he is one hell of a player. If he can act his age and play his best, the Houston Rockets will definitely contend for the title this year.