The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Nets, 116-108, behind Luis Scola‘s career-high 44 points and 12 rebounds Saturday night.

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The point total for the 6-9 forward from Argentina demolishes his previous career high of 30 established 7 games ago against the Spurs on February 26th, 2010..

Against the Nets, Scola converted 20 of his 25 shots from the field, many of them open layups. Kevin Martin scored 20 points, Aaron Brooks added 18 points and 7 assists and the Rockets won consecutive games for the first time since early February.

“Luis was awesome,” Shane Battier said. “They are erecting statues in Buenos Aires, as we speak.”

Scola surpassed Aaron Brooks’ 43 points for the most points by a Rocket since Tracy McGrady put up 47 against the Utah Jazz in the 2007-08 season.

“It was one of those nights you’re feeling good, then everything you try works,”Scola said. “I’m probably as surprised as you are.”

Scola has been on a tear of late. Bookended by his career nights, he has averaged 22.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3 assists (all way above his season averages) while the Rockets have now won 5 of 8 after losing 6 of 7.

In that stretch of eight games, Scola also tallied his first career 20-20 game; in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Scola posted 25 points and 21 rebounds.

He’s also only missed 3 free throws, having hit 42 of 45 shots from the charity stripe.

Scola’s recent performances are keeping Houston’s fading playoff hopes alive.The Rockets began the day in 10th place in the Western Conference, 5 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot behind the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trailblazers.

“We need to make a last, final push. We can’t hold anything. We got to give everything we have right now. If we lose a couple of games, we’ll be on vacation in three weeks.” Scola said. “We need to make a last run, try to get back in a playoff push. Hopefully, we’ll be a little lucky … and fight for the last spot.”