The last time I was in this building was for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, last June. Lots of stuff has happened since then, including the Olympics, four months in Hong Kong, some assignments with the New York Times.

Finally, I’m back … and it hardly looks different. Actually, I’d say it doesn’t look different at all, except a few reporters have cut their hair or lost some weight.

I’m watching this game from a vantage point I don’t usually have … the one row of seats they have above Section 117. I’m looking at the game from one corner of the court — except up about 25 rows. I mean, I’m not complaining.

OK, some news. Kobe Bryant will play, of course, despite the cold/flu or whatever it was that caused his throat to be so sore that he didn’t practice Sunday.

Andrew Bynum will start at Sunday. Big Kid will get a chance to show what he can do, against Yao Ming.

Well,  now we have to play the game.

The Celtics lost, and did it in regulation, so this game will start at something vaguely approaching when we thought it would — 7:45 p.m.

Mike Dunleavy, Rockets coach, seemed oddly calm and confident, before the game. It’s clear he likes his team. A lot. Not tons of talent, but lots of effort. He likes his team’s “want to.” It also seems clear he doesn’t mind — and probably prefers — that Tracy McGrady isn’t here.

Anyway, the Rockets have finally gotten out of the first round of the playoffs, but T-Mac still hasn’t.

OK. Let’s watch this. I’m writing for the North County Times. I ought to pay attention.