Fitch Questions the Rockets

Coach Bill Fitch said the Houston Rockets will have to be in better condition than they were in Tuesday’s four-point victory over the Clippers in order to advance in the playoffs.

“The next stage they have to get to is to start running and get into better shape because every team in the league is going to go right after them,” he said.

Responded Rocket forward Charles Barkley: “Tell Fitch don’t worry about our . . . team either. He [should] worry about [his own team].”

When asked why he was swearing, Barkley said, “I don’t swear, I’m in the locker room.”

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Fitch after Rocket rookie guard Matt Maloney made a three-point shot to give the Rockets a six-point lead with 2:57 remaining: “The big one was Maloney’s shot over there in front of me. I should have tackled him.” . . . Fitch said that center Stanley Roberts, who underwent back surgery last February, won’t be activated for the playoffs.