ClutchCity.net Game Thread: Rockets @ Spurs 1/20/2003

[Clutch]

Reminder: Please use the chat room for "play-by-play" rather than the game thread.

Game Information, Potential Radio Links, Rockets History vs. Spurs
http://www.clutchcity.net/nextgame.cfm?NextGameID=335

Game Chat Starts At 4:00pm
http://www.clutchcity.net/chat.cfm

ClutchCity.net Previous Box Score: Rockets 108, Lakers 104 (OT)
http://www.clutchcity.net/game.cfm?gameID=334

<B>Note:</B> It's tougher to find audio links online since the NBA has cracked down on radio stations playing the games on the web, but if there are good radio links for the game, please post them here or communicate them in the chat room.

Thanks,
Clutch

[cmellon]

Must win game, otherwise we are losing 2 streak games.
Key is to contain Duncan like we contain Kobe. Allow Duncan to score less than 25 points, and we have a big chance to win.

[lancet]

We must win. We will win. To continue the tradition of predictions :D

[fatman510]

Rockets 96 Spurs 91
Rockets WIN!!:D

[carayip]

Duncan is on fire lately. It's unlikely to keep him under 25 pts. We just must shut down their outside shooters which are not many except maybe Parker.

[ROXRAN]

Yea, as touched on, I feel the key is the forward play. It will be a given that our dynamic backcourt will show and do their thing...Yao will be so mentally ready as the strong previous showing enabled...Yao will get his shot back...The thing is can Posey keep it up?...Can Griffin keep from getting lost? Team play will keep our streak alive. It should be another fun game to watch!

[finalsbound]

I'll save Heypee the trouble...

Everyone, let me reiterate what Clutch has said -
Reminder: Please use the chat room for "play-by-play" rather than the game thread.

Spurs 94
Rockets 83

Just not feelin it.

[codell]

Coming off my 104-102 OT win prediction against the Lakers, I am compelled to make another one:

Rockets 82
Spurs 79

Defensive struggle pitting two of the best defensive teams in the league against each other. :)

[Qball]

Anyone going to the game??

[fatman510]

OK I think the Rockets will win this game, but the Spurs also need this game to hold off the surging ROCKETS so I think it will be well played.

Reasons for ROCKETS victory: Yao will recognize how to play against a big man and incorporate those skills against Tim Duncan. Steve Francis will be pumped up by Friday night, and although he wont get 44 points, he will get 30 points 8 assists and 7 rebounds. His perimeter defense is KEY to a Rockets victory along with Cat and Posey's D. Eddie Griffin will probably defend Duncan(although I would like to see Yao guard him) so he has to step it up. He is one of our best defensive players and he has to perform well. I hope his back is still not bothering him. If Rudy puts Eddie on Duncan, then at least put Yao on Duncan when MoTay comes in. There is no way Taylor can handle Duncan. Another reason for victory is Cuttino. He has to have great defense and score 20 points.

[Quakes]

Can't see this one going Rocket's way.

It'll be an interesting matchup betweem Bradley and Yao again. Hopefully the Rox will bring it again tomorrow, but after the Lakers game, we're due for a psychological letdown.

Let's hope SF and Cat keep their shooting touch and Yao gets his back!

[rockets-#1]

We got this, we're riding the high point of our season right now (season high winning streak with good wins) and guys are believing in the system. Only reason for losing Monday game is it's on the road. Rockets should clean house.

[getsmartnow]

When Parker has a good scoring night (20, 25pts) the Spurs generally win. Duncan will probably have a good night (30pts, 12+boards), basically nothing we can do about that.

Rockets 87 Spurms 72

Another great game by Francis/Mobley. Posey will step up another notch. Yao Ming will get a double double, but won't have a great game like the last meeting.

[pasox2]

Robinson v Yao
Duncan v Griffin
Bowen v Posey
Ginobili v Mobely
Parker v Francis

Call me crazy, I like our chances. I'm calling for another big game for the Cat and Yao should get back in the groove here, if he can get loose on single coverage. If they double, send Posey and Mobely out for the ball on the corner and shoot it around or downtown. Francis should be able to go off on Parker, but he can get help from Posey with picks. I think Griff and Taylor can do their job with Yao behind. This game looks good for our boys to me.

[yingtchen]

I predict a Rockets win unless Yao Ming is guarded by Bateer. ;) What happened to Bateer? I haven't seen this guy play this season (I should ask this on Spurs board).

[cmellon]

Dallas suddenly does not look that difficult.

Maybe that 30 point loss to Kings shakes their confidence. :D

[DieHard Rocket]

I'm not big on predictions, but I think the Rockets will start off slow still riding high from the win Friday night, but come back in time to pull it out. Griffin and Yao can contain Duncan and Robinson, and our backcourt is light-years ahead of the Spurs'.

Then the Rockets become a truly recognized team and start getting noticed by beating the Mavs. The next loss will come to Chicago next Sunday. Typical play down to the opponent game that we have seen so many times this year, and plus it's an early afternoon game (noon) on the road.

But, who knows, I could be wrong. :)

[chingwen]

Spurs is kind of team Rockets have an edge. Duncan is their single man to score and rebound. Yao has learned a lot of physical play against Shag, guarding D should be easier job. Yao can not play 48 minutes, Griffin has to step up. Eddie is hot since Rice is gone. At least one of Steve and Cat keeps hot shooting, this is win situation. One of them will have an off day. My prediction: 95:85.

[chingwen]

Typing mistake. My prediction: 90:85.

[sonalikumar]

we'll win this game if we come out with intensity. I think we will, but after a quarter. There will be some Rockets fans at the game, which will help.. and hell, its on TV in Austin! We better win. My prediction is that we will come out cold, but then the rockets will lift off! :-) Good luck!

[lancet]

Spurs will be more prepared for this time. It won't be a easy victory as last time. I bet Pop and the Twin Towers are studying Yao's tape over and over right now. :D

But Rockets should win this one, if they stick to inside out game in the offense, and play tough D, as they did in the last few games. Yao's defense has improved tremendously in the last few games or so. His offensive touches are about to come back. I hope it is this game!

Eddie/MoT need Yao's help to stop Duncan. Mobley should have no problem staying with T Parker. That will about do it. Spurs isnot a team known for its offensive depth.

[RocketGuy3]

Originally posted by cmellon
Dallas suddenly does not look that difficult.

Maybe that 30 point loss to Kings shakes their confidence. :D

Nah, I'm just more scared about that Dallas game. They've lost 3 straight on the road, and are in desperate need for a win. They're shooting won't be off that many times in such a short span. Their coming back home, and we'll be the first thing they see with hunger in their eyes. Not going to be an easy game - they'll want it bitterly.

[RocketGuy3]

I was praying they'd destroy Seattle today.

[lancet]

Originally posted by cmellon
Dallas suddenly does not look that difficult.

Maybe that 30 point loss to Kings shakes their confidence. :D

No, they just came back to earth and started playing at their real level. Without inside presence, the Mavs aren't going to very far in the play off, where games slow down a lot in the half court. Kings/Spurs/Rockets/Lakers/Suns can all beat them fair and squre in a play off.

[lancet]

Amid all these tough losses, Mavs signed another shooter from Europe. Their defense will likely to suffer more...

[COMPAQ CENTER]

After an emotional win against the Lakers, the Rockets will face the Spurs on the road. It is going to be a tough game.

The Rockets should concentrate on this one and not worry about Dallas matchup.

Also this game is not going to be on a national network, so I do not know how motivated the Rockets are.

The Rockets are only 6-10 on the road and they need to win this type of game. They have been beating quality teams at home but not on the road.

Spurs 85
Rockets 77

[jello77]

Originally posted by DieHard Rocket

Then the Rockets become a truly recognized team and start getting noticed by beating the Mavs. The next loss will come to Chicago next Sunday. Typical play down to the opponent game that we have seen so many times this year, and plus it's an early afternoon game (noon) on the road.

im goin to the bulls game, and they better not lose.

that said, i think we'll beat the spurs. maybe maybe no

[SmeggySmeg]

looking forward to the Posey v Bowen match-up, it is going to be a cracker

[zuoluohero]

Originally posted by RocketGuy3
I was praying they'd destroy Seattle today.

HEHE£¬they'd be destroyed by Seattle.

Maveriks:Seattle 81:85

[withmustard]

i hope eddie is the same eddie. that was really scary the other night. i thouht he might have been paralyzed. he didn't play very hard after his collison. hope it didn't change him as a player, like washington did to rudy

[StupidMoniker]

We need to put Cat on Parker, otherwise Jesus will just cancel out Steve's production. Duncan is going to get his, but Yao was comfortable against them last time out as well. I think we are just a deeper team, and they can't keep up with our scoring after 1 and 2.

[RocketGuy3]

Originally posted by StupidMoniker
We need to put Cat on Parker, otherwise Jesus will just cancel out Steve's production.

I don't get it... is Jesus some sorta nickname for Tony Parker or something?

[DaDakota]

Rocks 6-10 on the road...soon to be 6-11.

Spurs 85
Rocks 80

DaDakota

[basketball]

The Rockets had been breaking some long losing streaks that they have against certain teams(like Orlando) this season. This is another team that we had loss 9 games in a row at their place. Hopefully the Rockets don't have a let down after the Lakers game. If they play up to their capability they can break the streak. May be Yao can find his shooting touch back. They had to make it hard for Duncan to score. If he goes off for 35-40 points then it will be a long night. Prediction: Rocket by 5.

[cmellon]

So far Maryland Terps previous post titled Rice Out = Winning Streak proves to be very true.

So I will not do a bet against Rockets yet until it's proven otherwise.

[wwale]

Yao told his friends in China after the Yao-Sharq game :

"I put 100% effort in this game and can't even walk right now.
It's nice to have one day off. We will play Spurs on Monday.
But after playing Sharq, you just feel easier to face any other
non-Sharq guy.
As for Sharq, I will do adjustment to my offense next time when we meet. Will have something better waiting for him."

Bad news: he can't even walk.
good news: TD is a non-Shark guy.

Rox: 97
Spurs:95

[RocketGuy3]

This game isn't gonna be a walk in the park.

What scares me about this game is that there's so little breathing room for anyone in the West. Even if we win this game, there's a good chance we'll remain 7th place in the conference even with 5 straight wins, but if we lose, we get knocked pretty hard.. still 7th place, but in a much stickier situation. Right now there's like a game of seperation between 3rd and 7th place, and the way many teams have been picking it up, that separation may soon include Dallas and Sacramento soon. With our tough schedule, we could be temporarily out of this running for top 4.

It's like the 2000-01 season all over again... :( . So much insanely tough competition, there's no room for a mistake to make the playoffs, especially the top 4. All of the top SEVEN TEAMS in the West are on pace for a 50+ win season!!! More than half the teams in the West are just awesome, and these are the teams we have to play for so many of our games. There just aren't enough wins or playoff spots to go around this side of the Mississippi...

Anyways, I'll be very pleased if we win this game. It'll be 5 straight wins, 3 straight against very high-caliber teams, and our first truly impressive road win. We will have established ourselves... but... I'd also be very surprised...

COME ON ROCKETS!!! REALLY IMPORTANT GAME!!!

[peleincubus]

NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ABOUT SPURS ARENA.


I need help guys. I have never been to there arena how much time will they let you get in early??

And also does anyone have any idea what the directions are to get there coming from Austin on 35.

[RocketfanfromLA]

Originally posted by DieHard Rocket
I'm not big on predictions, but I think the Rockets will start off slow still riding high from the win Friday night, but come back in time to pull it out. Griffin and Yao can contain Duncan and Robinson, and our backcourt is light-years ahead of the Spurs'.

Then the Rockets become a truly recognized team and start getting noticed by beating the Mavs. The next loss will come to Chicago next Sunday. Typical play down to the opponent game that we have seen so many times this year, and plus it's an early afternoon game (noon) on the road.

But, who knows, I could be wrong. :)


Rockets win, 120:80, believe it or not.:D :D :D

[Fichte]

110-99,
Spurs.

Da spurz are playing solid, and will be motivated to rectify their loss to Houston.

~Radical Subjectivity~

[Sane]

Don't expect much guys. Spurs are rested and at home.

The bad thing about it is, they can send single coverage on all our players, and it would be enough. While we need to double, if not triple, Duncan.

Rockets 82
Spurs 88

Duncan with the monster game
Francis with nice stats, but bad shooting % and TO's


If Yao can pull a miracle off and repeat his performance, there's a chance. But it's not something you'd bet on. He's battered from the Lakers game, and the Spurs (make no mistake about it) are ready for him this time. Maybe if he gets a 10pt, 10reb, 10asst game.

[red]

Originally posted by RocketGuy3
I don't get it... is Jesus some sorta nickname for Tony Parker or something?

yes...in one of his first games, maybe his first, the spurs announcers where annoiting him the greatest thing since sliced bread, a savior, could walk on water...the almighty jesus.

[zhaozhilong]

After reading the previous posts on individual matchup, I suddenly see that Rox is turning into a very scary team. We have one of the best guards in Stevie, we have one of the best non-elite guards in Cat, we have probably the 2nd best centre in Yao, and we are looking at the possible emergence of a star PF in Eddie. And we have a fierce defender in Posie who can also play SF.

Wow! This is an incredible lineup! Most teams can only have very strong players at one or at most 2 position. We have basically covered all 3 fronts (guards, center, forwards)!

[Raven]

In the west, 5 victories could mean the difference between being a 4th seed or being in the lottery.

Raven

[cato13]

Originally posted by RocketGuy3
I don't get it... is Jesus some sorta nickname for Tony Parker or something?

I think Sean Elliot gave it to him during a Spurs game last year. He was an announcer for them and he was all over Parker's game like he was the second coming.

Parker really aint done too much this year. The sophomore jinx?

[EddieWasSnubbed]

Tough matchup, but the Rockets take it.

Spurs-87
Rockets-89

Francis with 27pts., 8 assists, and 6 rebouds
Mobley with 18 pts. and 3 stls
Yao with 14pts. and 16 rebs.

[carayip]

Why did Robinson still compare Yao with Rik Smits? :confused:

Improved Yao making Spurs wary

By Brent Zwerneman
San Antonio Express-News

Web Posted : 01/20/2003 12:00 AM

HOUSTON — People tend to gape at Yao Ming's lofty head, its top stretching 7 feet and 5 inches into the heavens, as they would an awe-inspiring downtown Houston skyscraper: with neck arched, mouth dropped and eyes wide.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal tangle in the first half of Friday's game in Houston.
Pat Sullivan/Associated Press

More coverage

Spurs-Rockets Preview

Buck Harvey: Shaq's foreign element? It is called maturity



Houston Rockets fans express their feelings at the first game featuring O'Neal and Ming on Friday in Houston.


But David Robinson recommends you occasionally glance at the Rockets center's ample foundation as testament to at least part of his early, and somewhat surprising to many, success in his rookie season in the NBA.

"Watching him on TV, he doesn't look that big, but he's got good-sized legs and hips," Robinson said. "He's got a good base, and that really helps him. If you watched him against Shaq, he held his ground really good."

Yao, who pays his first regular-season visit to the SBC Center at 4 p.m. today to play against the Spurs, scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Friday night in his first clash with Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal. But maybe more importantly in Houston's 108-104 overtime win, Yao blocked six shots, including O'Neal's first three attempts of the game.

"This was a good game for Yao," O'Neal said afterward. "I was maybe trying a little too hard."

If anything, O'Neal — who's about 40 pounds heavier than the 296-pound Yao, but four inches shorter — seemed a bit passive for much of the game after his early head-ons with the Asian sensation.

"Yao earned some credibility out there," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.

O'Neal, 30, finished strong against a weary Yao, with two Herculean dunks in overtime that came too late for the Lakers to beat the surging Rockets (23-15), who've won four consecutive games for the first time this season.

"On the court, Shaq is a lot bigger and stronger than me," Yao said through his interpreter. "I had to respect him every second. If I didn't, he would get under the basket and we would be in a lot of trouble.

"It wore me out."

Yao, 22, wore out the Spurs the first time the teams met on Dec. 3 in the Compaq Center in an 89-75 Rockets win. In one of his breakout games, Yao scored 27 points and snagged a season-high 18 rebounds against San Antonio big men Robinson, Tim Duncan and Kevin Willis.

Yao played his first NBA game against the Spurs — albeit an exhibition contest — on Oct. 23 in the SBC Center. On his first drive to the rim, burly Spurs forward Malik Rose knocked him to the floor. Yao, the top pick in the 2002 NBA Draft and a man dubbed "Dynasty" by his teammates, finished that game with six points, four rebounds and four fouls in only 13 minutes.

"Obviously, in his first year he's still learning a lot," Robinson said. "He's going to get better, but it's not hype. He can play. If I had to compare him to anybody, it would be like a Rik Smits type of player. But, potentially, he could be better than Smits.

"He's so long that you're not going to block a lot of his shots. And he's big enough that he's not a guy that you're going to easily push around, either. From the first time I played against him to the second time, I saw a big improvement. And obviously, he's just continuing to get better."

Smits retired in 2000 as the Pacers' all-time block leader with 1,111. The 7-foot-4 Netherlands native averaged 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds over a dozen NBA seasons. Yao, who's averaging 27 minutes per game, is among the league leaders in field-goal percentage (52.6), and he's averaging 12.8 points, eight rebounds and 2.11 blocks per game (with 80 blocks on the season).

"The maturity of this kid has grown leaps and bounds this season," said Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich of Yao, who only arrived in the USA from China three months ago.

O'Neal finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds Friday night, but Rockets guard Steve Francis led all scorers with a career-high 44 points. After the Rockets play San Antonio today, they'll travel to Dallas, where the Mavericks own the league's best record.

"There are going to be a lot of tests for us, for Yao, for everybody on the team," Francis said. "We just have to continue to play hard."

[Rockets2K]

One of the things that have been keeping Yao from hitting his shots like we know he can is that he has been getting kept off-balance when he's starting his moves.

I'm not real sure that Robinson or Duncan can put him off-balance this time. As long as he managed to get some rest since his head-to-head with Shaq, he may surpirise us and do really well against the Spurs again. His defense is nothing to sneeze at, if he can remain close to the basket and Eggie is not overly affected by his time on the floor, I dont see Rob and Dunc dominating us inside.

As for the rest of the team, our team defense has been no less than impressive lately.

Key for the game...
Belief in what has worked for them in the last 4 games. The Spurs are a good team and they always get up for good teams.

I believe they can do it..

It will be a defensive battle. Rox win. 90-87

[carayip]

Originally posted by EddieWasSnubbed
Tough matchup, but the Rockets take it.

Spurs-87
Rockets-89

Francis with 27pts., 8 assists, and 6 rebouds
Mobley with 18 pts. and 3 stls
Yao with 14pts. and 16 rebs.

I believe you. You are a fortune teller after all.

:eek: :D

[rvpals]

I am worry that Yao Ming might be too worn out by the physical punishment everyone got when playing Shaq.

Besides that, I remembered Duncan said after the last Spur game, "we will be more physical against Yao next time."

It will be really difficult for Yao tonight. Hopefully he continues to exceed our expectation as he usually does.

[aznsexyboi]

In my dream, a futurist just told me Yaos stats in this game.

Yao:45 pts 21 RBS 10 Ast



Rockets 110 Spurs 106

[DreadSi]

Originally posted by aznsexyboi
In my dream, a futurist just told me Yaos stats in this game.

Yao:45 pts 21 RBS 10 Ast



Rockets 110 Spurs 106

"The day Yao scores 45 points in this league I'll kiss your ass!"

Charles Barkley

[vtkp99]

Does anybody know if the game be on FSSW, i can not see it in the TV list.
Thanks
ps. i know it will be on WB39, but that's for local Houston only

[Pat]

Carayip, I enjoyed the article, thanks. I had a thought about this quote from the article.

"O'Neal, 30, finished strong against a weary Yao..."

Dare we dream that when Yao is in NBA condition, he will be able to (pick one) handle / contain / shut down Shaq? Oh baby!

[Pat]

Originally posted by RocketGuy3
With our tough schedule, we could be temporarily out of this running for top 4.

I love your enthusiam, but we are not in the running for a top four spot. We may have the talent, but we are just too inconsistant.

one starter is a rookie
one starter came in a mid-season trade
one starter is 20 and clearly learning like a rookie
on-going questions about steve and cat decision making
virtually zero playoff experience

Yes, that Laker win was great. But deep down, we choked away the lead late in the game. Lakers were just not good enough to take it. Old Lakers would have won that game.

P.S. Lakers are not back yet. They ran up that good record against mostly poor teams. I hope they die.

[olliez]

Originally posted by yingtchen
I predict a Rockets win unless Yao Ming is guarded by Bateer. ;) What happened to Bateer? I haven't seen this guy play this season (I should ask this on Spurs board).

Bateer played for 1 min in their last game.

Spurs don't know what they got. Bateer is quite a season player.

He is being wasted in San Antonio.

[walterw]

Originally posted by carayip
Why did Robinson still compare Yao with Rik Smits? :confused:

Height: Yao 7 5', Smits 7 4', Bradley 7 6'
Mid-range jumper: Both Yao and Smits can hit the shot
Post-up moves: Yao's similar to that of Dream's
Passing: Divac and Sabonis
Block and defense: I don't know whose game Yao's is most
similar to.

Considering all of this, I don't think Robinson's assesment
is too bad. But Yao will eventually has his own identity.

[SA Rocket]

Originally posted by peleincubus
NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ABOUT SPURS ARENA.


I need help guys. I have never been to there arena how much time will they let you get in early??

And also does anyone have any idea what the directions are to get there coming from Austin on 35.
Stay on 35 S. Take SBC Center Parkway (formerly Coliseum Rd)exit. Turn left. Can't miss it.

Here's a link that can help,too(if it shows up):

http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/SBC_Brochure-final.pdf

If it didn't show,you can probably track it through Spurs website.

[pasox2]

I hope they continue to set up Francis with Mobes and Posey bringing it up. Francis can get big picks from Yao (l) and Posey (r). I hope they alternate with a curl for Mobes with Yao and Posey picking. I like Yao getting the kick back at 15 feet or ft line if Cat's defender goes under. He can see the whole court to pass, or take the j if Mermaid stays home. If Eggie can pull Timmy back and stretch the d, that's a big plus. Taylor should park out at 17, too.

[feishen]

I think Rox's going to get this close game for the following two reasons

1. A big win against Lakers boost up Rox's confidence level to a new high, and Rox is capabable of beating any teams if they are wild.
2. Key Match-ups wise, Rox has edge. From the last game, we can see YM iis comparable to T.D and D.R. Francis clealy beats Parker. There is no answer for Cuttino in the spurs. Posey plays tough D on Steve Smith.

I wont be surprised to see Spurs throw out Bateer to guard YM if the YM gone wild against D.R and K.W

Rox 98
Spurs 92

[feishen]

BTW, did someone mention that Bateer had success in guarding YM in CBA.

Originally posted by feishen
I think Rox's going to get this close game for the following two reasons

1. A big win against Lakers boost up Rox's confidence level to a new high, and Rox is capabable of beating any teams if they are wild.
2. Key Match-ups wise, Rox has edge. From the last game, we can see YM iis comparable to T.D and D.R. Francis clealy beats Parker. There is no answer for Cuttino in the spurs. Posey plays tough D on Steve Smith.

I wont be surprised to see Spurs throw out Bateer to guard YM if the YM gone wild against D.R and K.W

Rox 98
Spurs 92

[verse]

does anyone know the status on eddie griffin?

to me that is a huge key to winning this game. timmy d will NOT want to come out and guard eddie, so if he is feeling 100% and hitting the 3, the spurs will have problems.

[silvercatt]

I am worry that Yao Ming might be too worn out by the physical punishment everyone got when playing Shaq.

Besides that, I remembered Duncan said after the last Spur game, "we will be more physical against Yao next time."

-Yao after playing against Shaq.

"It gave me great encouragement. I felt like I was underwater for a long time and now I can finally breathe."

-Yao in the interview by his best buddy Yang Yi after his first meeting with Shaq.

"In two days, we will face the Spurs, but after defending Shaq, it doesn't matter who else I guard now.

-Yao on facing Duncan and Robinson again tonight.

"I think I'm a little more adjusted because of the experience I have," Yao said of the demands this week. "I think I have a little more of a feel for having played people before.


Yao will be alright.

[feishen]

No, eddie shooting threes, no dont bring out my nightmares.
Seriously, Eddie has the talent, but he needs to have confidence. I hope he can make some threes tonight.


Originally posted by verse
does anyone know the status on eddie griffin?

to me that is a huge key to winning this game. timmy d will NOT want to come out and guard eddie, so if he is feeling 100% and hitting the 3, the spurs will have problems.

[Kiki]

Rockets 87
Spurs 85

Eddie and Yao combine for 8 blocks.

[peleincubus]

Thank you SA Rocket your reply helped me a lot.

I hope this is a good game I havent been to a game since one of the last ones in the 2000 season.

Toast...
Toast...

To the Rockets winning.;)

[moomoo]

Rockets win,

402 to zip

But, Stevie French Fries will be held to under 200 points.

[Miggidy Markell]

Originally posted by aznsexyboi
In my dream, a futurist just told me Yaos stats in this game.

Yao:45 pts 21 RBS 10 Ast



Rockets 110 Spurs 106
I think you forgot 19 blocks, 11 steals, 4/4 3pt fgs, 0 fouls and 0 to....

["da Jet"]

Rockets need this win, because they will probably lose to the mavs!:mad:

[silvercatt]

I think you forgot 19 blocks, 11 steals, 4/4 3pt fgs, 0 fouls and 0 to....


This brings me up with a question. Has a player in the NBA ever a quintuple double before? If not who was pretty closed of getting it?

[verse]

Originally posted by silvercatt
This brings me up with a question. Has a player in the NBA ever a quintuple double before? If not who was pretty closed of getting it?

no one's done it yet. however in hakeem's quad double game he was, i believe, 2 steals away from making it a quint double.

:eek:

[Uprising]

I have the worst luck!!!

Damnit...

I games (Spurs, and dallas) are on FSSW, and i have that...but right now it isnt working....Well...maybe i can see the dallas game on the local channel...(dal)

GO ROCKS!!!

1.) In the one we need YAO to be aggressive
2.) Dunkin is going to get his 20+pt game no matter what a team does. So we must keep other players like parker in check. DO NOT LET THE SCRUBS HAVE A BIG GAME.
3.) Battle of the Guards. GO STEVIE...and MOBES.
We need YAO STEVIE AND MOBES to work together like the last game.

Rocks: 82
Spurs: 76

[RCKTBachar]

Originally posted by moomoo
Rockets win,

402 to zip

But, Stevie French Fries will be held to under 200 points.


Dude are you sure thats not 420 to zip? What kind of post is that???

[scutmb]

It is a very tough game. Psych influnces both team a lot. Rockets will have less desire to win this game than Spurs do; Road game for the rockets; and Ming will not dominate like last time most likely. SO I would say Rocket lose this one. If they win next two, everybody may think the time in 94, 95, if they lost next two, they are still in hunting a spot of playoff. Regarding their lack of chemistry and immature, I think they belong to the latter, at thsi stage.

["da Jet"]

come on guys, rockets can beat the spurs!!!! lets be more confident!!!!:D

[Roc Paint]

The Rockets will add to their "not winning" streak today.

Rockets 101
Spurs 98

Go Rockets!!:)

[fatman510]

Rockets WILL win and the Rockets MUST win.
Period end of story.

[jh3lau]

Originally posted by silvercatt
This brings me up with a question. Has a player in the NBA ever a quintuple double before? If not who was pretty closed of getting it?

david robinson

[Red Chocolate]

Could these refs be any crappier? Typical 'Spurs' game.

[Bailey]

Originally posted by jh3lau
david robinson

No, I believe that was a quadruple double. But Dream did that first!

[bigboymumu]

T E R R I B L E O F F I C I A T I N G !!!!!

[LiTtLeY1521]

LOL HOW MANY STEALS DO THE ROCKETS HAVE NOW?!?!?!?

MY GOD...WE SHOULD BE WINNING.

Just Stupid Refs. JSR!!!

[bigboymumu]

Mauer should be wearing a white uniform!

[silvercatt]

now which official is on the spurs payroll.:D

[LiTtLeY1521]

GOD!!!!!!!!! I HAVE TO SAY THIS.

By the end of the game, THERE WILL BE AT LEAST TEN BAD CALLS EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THE ROCKETS that we should complain about. These referees are terrible!

[Vengeance]

This is the worst officiated game I've seen in a LOOOOOOOONG time. This year the NBA's been much better about the calls, but this game is awful!! The Spurs are even getting bad officiating (kindof). There are times we've fouled them and there is no call, but when we don't foul, they get the whistle. We are getting thoroughly jobbed though . . .

If I'm not mistaken, we don't have a single free throw yet . . .

[walterw]

Bad officiating game. Laa the calls favor SA. Eddie, MoT and TMo
all have foul troubles. Rox needs to protect the ball.

[adw]

WORST REFS EVER!they make the last games ref's look good.:mad:

[silvercatt]

Tmo is on a roll.. 8 straigth points.

[derrock]

Agree about the refs...

Lucky we have the equalizer....TMO!!!!

8pts 4-4FG in the second quarter!

[Texas Stoke]

the threeguard lineup makes a comeback against the twin towers...hmmm....and Posey was having a good game...double hmmm...

[Jeff]

This reminds me a lot of the Phoenix game. There is going to be a fight down the line if these refs do not get control of this game. They are making absolutely horrific calls on both sides. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the calls they aren't getting have been more crucial - shooting fouls, turnovers, etc.

The Rockets are hustling their asses off and they are playing really good defense, yet they have NOT ATTEMPTED A FREE THROWN IN THE FIRST HALF despite the Spurs taking ELEVEN!!! That is abyssmal.

[silvercatt]

too many dribbling...hopefully more team basketball second haft. i hope to see boki.<fingers crossed>

["da Jet"]

Rockets are being cheated! The refs suck!:mad: :mad: :mad:

[crash5179]

Originally posted by Jeff
This reminds me a lot of the Phoenix game. There is going to be a fight down the line if these refs do not get control of this game. They are making absolutely horrific calls on both sides. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the calls they aren't getting have been more crucial - shooting fouls, turnovers, etc.

The Rockets are hustling their asses off and they are playing really good defense, yet they have NOT ATTEMPTED A FREE THROWN IN THE FIRST HALF despite the Spurs taking ELEVEN!!! That is abyssmal.

Jeff, I don't even see this as being bad officiating on both sides. I think that it is some of the worst one sided officiating that I have seen in a long time.

Yao has been hacked on the hacked repeatedly.

Mo got a horrible offensive goal tending call.

Cat suposedly looses the ball off of his thigh but the replay clarely shows that a spurs knocked it out.

Over and over, bad call after bad call and the Rockets can not even breath on the Spurs with out getting a call against them.

[Vengeance]

Has a game actually happened when a team never attempts a free throw? I wouldn't be surprised if it happens here . . .

The three guard lineup happened because T-Rock had to play PF after MoT and Eddie got into early foul trouble . . .

[SteveFrancis3]

Yao article I just found on the San Antonio news webpage, figured I'd put it here.

http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=81CB5E78-90CB-4020-BA7B-84F893E44042

Yao Ming’s Good -- But Over-Hyped
LAST UPDATE: 1/20/2003 3:52:17 PM
Posted By: Gabe Redondo

Yao Ming’s showdown with Shaq the talk of the country, and is it just me or is this guy totally over hyped.

Yao scores ten points against the Lakers. Six real early and then wasn't heard from again until late. Shaq meanwhile goes for 31, totally takes over in overtime, abusing Yao for a dunk, but since Houston won, Yao is the talk of every highlight show in America. He's good going to be very good, but when asked to compare Yao to other centers. The admiral didn't give out names like Hakeem, Ewing, or even O’Neal.

“If I had to compare him to anybody it would be like a Rik Smits sort of player, but potentially better than Rik Smits,” explains David Robinson. “If you watch him on TV he doesn't move like he's that big. But he's got good size hips and legs, a good base and that really helps against some of the players. I mean you saw him against Shaq he held his ground pretty good.”

Pretty good, is accurate Yow's getting way to much hype for his production? Yao's numbers comparable to Rik Smits, not David or Shaq as a rookie. Look at David’s season averages - 24 and twelve that's hall of fame, 13 and eight is not.

Yao is simply the product of David stern's marketing machine. There is no way he should be starting in the all-star game - debatable if he's the best rookie much less best center. Stern and the NBA see millions of fans in china, and billions of dollars. Truth is. Yao is a 13 pt, nine rebound rookie nothing more, nothing less. In the marketing world he's Refrigerator Perry. But let's not get popularity confused with ability. The ESPN's of the world are quick to point out his 23 pt twelve rebound games, but they quietly ignore the eight point four rebound nights that happen just as often. The other night against Shaq, he had conquered the world with ten points, ten boards. In other words just another Rik Smits kinda night.

That's my point. Email me, Don Harris, yours at ExtraPoint@Ticket760.com or call me on SportsTalk San Antonio from 4 to 7pm.

[finalsbound]

I don't believe this officiating. Everyone knows that Bill and Calvin are always hesitant to criticize the refs...but they are ripping them today. And rightly so.

When they called Steve for traveling...WHERE WAS IT? I had to watch it two more times. Didn't see it.

When the ball went off Jackson resulting in Cat's T...stupid call.

The call that put Rose on the line after a blatant travel...awful.

The phantom calls inside on Cato and Taylor...this is just crazy.

Man, the Spurs fans are annoying. I though "Go Spurs Go" was the worst, but they have shown me a lot more. All the spurs players annoy the **** out of me too. Especially Parker, Ginobili, and Duncan's ugly mug.

Come on, Rockets! In the second half they MUST play better against the refs and the rest of the SA Spurs.

["da Jet"]

Why is it so difficult to connect to rockets chat?

[derrock]

Wishful thinking:

Refs call against Ginobli on Steve near the end of the half was seen as a "makeup" call. Maybe we'll get more of those in the second half.

[jamalccc]

Can't see the game, but 3-8 in the first half? Come on, the Dynasty can do better than that. Dominate Robinson again in the second half and show what you are made of.

[Vengeance]

Whoa whoa whoa, what the hell was that!!??? Clearly a turnover for us twice and no call, then duncan knocks it out and it's off of us!!??? WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON!!??

These officials aren't fit to ref a junior high game . . .

[AGBee]

Guess being the reigning MVP has its perks.

[pasox2]

Ok, they want to call a pu$^! foul, let's give'em a real foul. Send Cato in and knock the living #$%! out of Toilet Paper. Let's see him cry a bit. Time to get mean. :mad:

[yaozhuxi]

since SF's FG can not be worse, we have hope.

[silvercatt]

with the way the game is officiating the rockets have little chance of winning.

["da Jet"]

i think we need to complain

[Vengeance]

What really sucks is that our offense has looked pretty fluid, but we aren't hitting outside jumpers, and we're getting fouled every time down low. If we win this game it will be more impressive than the LA game!

[knifejc]

Two things that i've noticed in this game is the officials are making horrid calls, and Eddie G. has absolutely no explosion going to the rim.

[Red Chocolate]

It's 'great' listening to this game in Dallas, and getting the San Antonio broadcasters. This crack team of rocket scientists seems to believe that this is a quality group of veteran referees, given that they've mentioned it at least twice so far.

[Apollo Creed]

Let's just send some bench scrub like Collier out there to take a super cheap shot on Duncan and take him out of the game. Who cares if he gets suspended.

It's like Mighty Ducks part 1.

[silvercatt]

frustrating game for the rockets.

[david_chen]

T.M is 4 for 4, but he's on bench, while Griffen is 1 for 7, and he's playing.

I guess that why people are suspecting R.T's BB IQ?

[Rocketman95]

Better not play like this tomorrow night. :rolleyes:

[DavidS]

I guess Francis hasn't learned that
thing called "consistency."

Oh well...maybe one day he will....

[Red Chocolate]

When Duncan is shooting 9-9 from the free throw line, and the rest of San Antonio is perfect as well, it is impossible to beat the Spurs, especially with the refs giving them most of the calls. The Spurs are 27th in the NBA in free throw shooting, so this game is a bit of a 'fluke'.

[walterw]

We still have chance if we can put on another gear.
Good teams win regardless of poor officiating.
Steve needs to drive in more than settling on outside jumper.

[Jeff]

The combination of horrific shooting, unbelievable calls by the officials and a bunch of young guys who are frustrated, you get a nightmare of a game.

[AGBee]

5 more Cato dunks and we're back in this one baby...

[Vengeance]

Rockets just need to go HARD to the basket with everything. The refs are calling more tic-tac "fouls" than hard fouls for both teams. When they clobber us there is no call, but if they graze us it's a foul. Same for them. We need to go hell-bent with every offensive and defensive play!

[SteveFrancis3]

Thank you MoT!

[Red Chocolate]

Spurs are shooting 18-18 from the FT line.

Typically they shoot 70.8 as a team.

18*.708 = 12.75 so theoretically SA should only be shooting 13-18 from the line and the Rockets should be trailing by 5 points less than they really are.

There's nothing you can do about a team that is making ALL of their free throws; it's not really Houston's fault.

[silvercatt]

Moochie needs to sit down.

[silvercatt]

steve kerr is killing...seriously moochie needs to sit down.:D

[jamalccc]

Dominate, dominate, dominate!!!! Get Yao and SF back in the line-up and kick their a$$.

[silvercatt]

wow tmo is on fire. he didn't miss yet.

[david_chen]

Thank you, T.M and M.T, both are great!

[silvercatt]

woohoo mo-t and t-mo they are on fire.

[jamalccc]

Yeah, baby, Morris on fire and we are within 4.

[SteveFrancis3]

MoT and TMo are my heroes! Despite all the fouls and the horrible shooting thus far, it's a 2 point game with 6:03 left!

[jamalccc]

This is our chance to take the game. Don't screw it.

[jello77]

how is steve kerr playin this well? i thought he was dead.

[jamalccc]

Taylor made a block on duncan then scored, my hero baby!!! :D

[Truth]

This is some impressive *****!!

[jello77]

since there is no edit let me add a ;) to that last comment by me.

mo's back.

[Red Chocolate]

Sweet Jesus!

Terrence Morris hit a THREE, AND Mo Taylor shooting well, playing D, and rebounding? Cato is playing damn well, also.

I hope we win this one; you don't see performances like this from our bench too often.

[acrophobia98]

Originally posted by SteveFrancis3
MoT and TMo are my heroes! Despite all the fouls and the horrible shooting thus far, it's a 2 point game with 6:03 left!

Great, our back ups are excellent, partly because Duncan was on the bench. I would think Duncan has to come back without adequate breather. Then we shall dominate and win this game regardless.

:) :)

[derrock]

We got 5 guys in double figures with about 5 min left

We need Stevie to become the 6th in order to win!!

[rowdy]

Our whole bench is playing so well the only guy I'd replace is Moochie with Francis cause I gotta believe hes gonna come up clutch at the end.

[jamalccc]

WWWWTTTTFFFFF???????????????? :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: Francis 1 for 12???????????????? Bring our own water to San Antonio next time.

[jamalccc]

Yeah baby, Cato is awesome now. Yao stay on the bench and cheer for the team. :D

[jh811]

stupid mobley

[derrock]

Mo Taylor has 4 assists in the quarter!!

[silvercatt]

mobley when will he has to learn...totally momentum breaker.

[jamalccc]

Forget about SF, YM and EG, trade them all!!!!!! The team on the court right now will take us to the championship!!!!!!!!

[ymc]

MoT and TMo saved us. Let's hope Rudy do the obvious and won't put SF back in!

[MLittle577]

Why in the hell would Mobley take a stupid ass shot like that?!?!?! Momentum totally gone!!! If they lose........that's the play!

[david_chen]

Why did Cuttino.m jak up shot so quickly? ASSHOLE.

[jamalccc]

Gogogogo, Rox, win this for us!!!!

[tozai]

jamalccc, davidchen, mlittle.....settle down...

[jh811]

why the fck would u shoot jumpers instead of driving to the bucket???? mobley and MOT

[ChenZhen]

We need Yao and Stevie back in like right NOW!

[jamalccc]

come onnnnnnnnnnn!!!! Can't watch the game, and watching the scoreboard on ESPN is killing me now.

[Red Chocolate]

Umm,

Where are Francis and Yao? I know that Moochis is playing ok, and Cato is playing well, but Yao and Francis are WAY more effective, even when shooting poorly.

Rudy T is mind boggling at times.

[ymc]

Good to see that our bench is so deep. We should be able to go a long way in the playoffs with this bench. :)

[Apollo Creed]

Die Mobley. Die.

[MLittle577]

SHould have fouled DUncan harder that deep in the paint. Arms straight up defense with 2 ft within the bucket aint gone cut it.

[jamalccc]

No, die, Duncan, die!!!

[LiTtLeY1521]

WTF
TWO MINUTES LEFT...NOW LESS THAN A MINUTE
AND YOUR FRANCHISE PLAYER ISN'T IN THE GAME?!?!?!? When we are losing by just 3?!?!?
AND ALSO.......OUR DYNASTY MAn....HIS SIDEKICK...iS ALSO OUT?!?!?

Golly....

Stop passing to Mo Taylor...and he is out of rythym. Great. Forget Terence Morris.

Just give it to the Cat! He's just 0-10!

[silvercatt]

Rockets would have more chance to win this game if they get T-mo the ball than mobley right now.

[jamalccc]

Is SF and YM back on the court yet?

[MLittle577]

Why in the **** is SF and YM on the bench?!?!?

[ChenZhen]

RUDY JUST LOST IT! HE REALLY LOST IT!

[jh811]

damn....no stevie and no yao

[jamalccc]

Just got a heartattack, dying now. Help......... uhhhh

[david_chen]

LLL, R.T 's IQ, it's time to send Stevie and Yao back to court, but he didn't.

[Red Chocolate]

Yeah, Rudy T is retarded, honestly. Unless Yao and Francis are hurt, there is no reason why they should not be on the court with 5-6 minutes left to play.

We hit some nice shots to make a comeback, but you can't expect Mo T and Norris to finish off a game for you. Give me a break.

[jamalccc]

Sit Moochie's fat ass on the fat ass bench!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111

[MadMonk]

4 subs in for the last ten minutes and no Yao in 4th?!? ! :mad:
No reason to have kept him out with 11 pts and 8 rebounds.
You WIN and LOSE with your Starters! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[acrophobia98]

Should have played Francis and Ming in the last minutes. The bench players appear to lose focus in the last minutes with questionable choice of shots.

:( :(

[MLittle577]

The bench got us back, cool.......but he KNEW they wasn't gonna win the game.....the starters, damnit the starters need to finish it off!!!

[louran]

Mobley's play great!!!!

[LiTtLeY1521]

TERENCE MORRIS DID NOT MISS ONE SHOT. CAREER HIGH 15 POINTS. I'm very pleased.

Mo Taylor was great.

BUT THE FACT IS...OUR BENCH CAN'T HANDLE TOUGH SITUATIONS. THEY GET TOO EXCITED AND FORGET EVERYTHING. ...Especially Moochie.

I don't understand why neither stars are on the court.

WE BLEW IT. Jesus

Steve Francis had a terrible game but he still should have played. Same with Yao....I mean....stupid.

[jh811]

mobley sucks d*ck

[MLittle577]

Rudy PHUKKIN T is dumb as hell!!!

[silvercatt]

well it's too late now...Rockets still dont understand who's hot and who's not.

[ElVenezolano]

so whats the score?

[MadMonk]

Bull**** Game, Rudy. I am holding this against you! :mad:

[jh811]

didnt even draw iron

[jamalccc]

Guess it's over by now. Damn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get YM and SF back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[knifejc]

Originally posted by jamalccc
Is SF and YM back on the court yet?
SF has done anything but miss shots and show that it has frustrated him. The group that Rudy T had on the court at the end of the game are the guys that brought us back...they just couldn't seal the deal.

[cujo]

Rudy does not know how to coach...........

[ymc]

Originally posted by louran
Mobley's play great!!!!

Are you on crack? He is playing ok but not great.

[jh811]

ok, fire rudy T and trade mobley

[Powerslave]

Damn, it hurts to lose this game. I would almost rather we get blown out than to come all the way back and lose like this.

Why did they go away from Mo Taylor?

Also, our subs did a great job getting us back even, but when they cooled off with a few minutes to go, you have got to bring back Franchise. Yeah, he had a terrible night. But he can hit the big shot and a couple of big shots at the right time in the end could have saved the night for him and for the team.

[david_chen]

hmm, Moochie's history, why does Houston need a player waived by 3 teams?

Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round (33rd pick overall) of the 1996 NBA Draft. Waived by the Bucks on 11/22/96. Played in the CBA in 1996-97 and 1998-99. Signed as a free agent by the Vancouver Grizzlies on 12/12/96. Waived by the Grizzlies on 12/30/96. Signed as a free agent by the Seattle SuperSonics on 1/21/99. Waived by the Sonics on 3/23/99.

[reptilexcq]

Why the hell Rudy insist on having the same freaking lineup on the floor for all of 4th quarter. He should have put Yao and Steve back in when the game tied up. Rudy just lost the game i don't care how you look at it. There is a point where you have to trust your best players in the game and Rudy just blew it. If Steve is in the game, we could have won the game. I can NOT believe after the timeout, Rudy still have the same lineup on the floor when the game is tied up... UNBELIEVEABLE! Sure Francis struggled but he's one of those players that will not let the Rockets lose when the game is on the line...RUdy T blew it!!

[MLittle577]

DAMNIT IF YOU LOSE YOU SHOULD AT LEAST MAKE THE OTHER TEAM BEAT YOU!!!

[LiTtLeY1521]

SHUT UP. HE DID GOOD. Just at the end...he screwed up. He's not a starter. He's a good player off the bench. Why don't you go tell Rudy to play Tito. I bet you my life that he would suck even more.


STEVE FRANCIS- FOUR POINTS

Doesn't mean to keep him out for the whole game


We STILL HAD A CHANCE TO WIN...GOLLY

oh yes...needs to rest for tomorrow's LOSS against Dallas

[SteveFrancis3]

Originally posted by Sane
Rockets 82
Spurs 88

Good call.

[knifejc]

Originally posted by Powerslave


Why did they go away from Mo Taylor?



They didn't go away from Taylor, he took a running hook across the lane and left it short.

[HtownRocks3]

Why didn't Rudy put Yao or Stevie in during Clutch-time of the Spurs game???

[lalala902102001]

Tough loss!

I usually respect Rudy's decisions, and I know we have another tough road game tomorrow, but there was no reason to sit both Steve and Yao in the last minutes of a close game. :mad:

[MadMonk]

What did Yao do to deserve getting benched for the 4th?
He had 11 and 8 with 4 offensive rebounds. Geez, I am pissed at Rudy for playing subs in the last 3 minutes of a very close game. :mad: :mad:

[Puedlfor]

sigh.

The Rudy bashers really couldn't lose if we lost this game

We go with Yao and Steve down the stretch, "Why are you going with players that suck Rudy?"

We go with the backups, " Why are you going with the backups, when Yao and Steve are on the bench?"

[silvercatt]

tonight was T-MO's night unfortunately he was being totally ignored him down the stretch. What's funny was T-mo was opened and wave at mobley for the ball and mobley refused to see him and laying up brick after brick.

[Smokey]

Fire Rudy!

[MLittle577]

DUmb ass coaching down the stretch cost us this game!

[Yetti]

L1521:- Better manners please!

[knifejc]

Originally posted by Puedlfor
sigh.

The Rudy bashers really couldn't lose if we lost this game

We go with Yao and Steve down the stretch, "Why are you going with players that suck Rudy?"

We go with the backups, " Why are you going with the backups, when Yao and Steve are on the bench?"

I feel you man, the backups are the ones who got us back in the game.

[RIET]

This shows you why Rudy has no clue what he's doing.

He tries to convert a 2 cent whore into a fairy princess.

Aint gonna happen.

We scored 0 points in the last 3 minutes. The law of averages caught up with us.

Keep pushing that bench Rudy. while youre 2 best players sit on the bench.

I don't care if Steve Francis and Yao Ming go 1-20. They are your best players on your team, well rested, and ready to go.

[forenzi]

Because Rudy is a Dumbass. I am sick ant tired of Rudys coaching decisions when players are down they usually shoot out of their funk. Rudy has got to be the worst coach in the nba. He has no reasoning what so ever. He is just the same as Larry Dierker for the Astros the differenc is that Larry's idiotic releiver decisions got him fired. I hope the same happens with rudy. It doesnt freaking matter who replaces him jus GET RUDY THE HELL OUT!

[RocketKid]

The lineup he had in was working really well, and he probably didnt want to mess that up. Stevie was 1-12 and he didn't really deserve to be in the game. Cato was doing really well too.

How can Steve have 44 pts one game and have 4 pts the next? :confused: That's crazy.

[Desert Scar]

Rudy never has had a feel for when to substitute. Poor bench, they bust their butt to get us back into the game and Rudy leaves them in to get killed at the end while they are dog tired insted of bringing in fresh troops. It had been a long time since I remembered him doing this.

[Rocketsss]

dont blame the player, blame the coach.

should have let SF take the trey. what is wrong with you, Rudy?

[forenzi]

Yeah just like Kobe Bryant was way cold against us on Friday and then he does what he usually does, which is get on fire in the fourth quarter. He could have easily burned us if it wasnt for a call or two.

[NIKEstrad]

Norris, Morris, Cato, and Taylor were the guys that got the Rockets back in the game. Steve was having the one of the worst games of his pro career, and it's hard to justify taking any of the aftorementioned bench guys based on the way they were playing. It would've ruined the momentum we had going.

Please, don't try to pin a loss on Rudy when our best player had had his worst game of the season, and aside from the 0 point outing in Denver a few years ago, possibly of his career.

[LiTtLeY1521]

Hmm...look at Mobley! I like Mobley but he has an attitude problem. He needs to stop shooting when he knows he is missing. Even Moochie doesn't want to pass to him.

First time Rudy used

Moochie
Mobley
Francis

all together...

AGAINST THE TALLEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE!

heh...

I was thinking he would put Yao in for the last 6 minutes...guess not.

[GAKF]

I have no idea about Rudy, either. I really thought the game was pretty close and Rox may steal a win in San Antonio today, but It seemed that Rudy just gave up. Probably he wanted Ming and Steve to have a good rest, then they can play well in tomorrow's game. However, I still think Rudy gave the possible "WIN" away ...

[LiTtLeY1521]

lol...........after his best career game.

[pooh222]

The bench played great to get them back in the game, but they ran out of gas. That was totally idiotic to stay with that lineup the whole quarter. Yao , steve, and posey needed to come back in for Cato, Mooch, and Cat. This is just another example of Rudy's coaching being instrumental in losing yet another game. I'm sorry, but the Spurs are not as good as the Rox. It's very frustrating losing to lesser teams like this.

[forenzi]

Yes Cato got a couple of dunks and rebounds but that doesnt justify sitting ming the entire 4th quarter. Ming could have altered a lot of shots the spurs made in this run. Rudy is just freaking stupid.

[rockets-#1]

Rudy is a friggin moronic idiot!!!!! It was okay letting the bench play when they were on their run, but after they failed to score for like 5 possesions in a row, he shoulda had the sense to put in the starters. It wasn't Steve's day, but good players make the shots that count. Yao shoulda played the last few min at least! Rudy is so damn stupid! He gets the credit for that loss, that idiot.

[reptilexcq]

Rudy's coaching is very suspect here. If it's Phil Jackson do you think he would sit Kobe and Shaq on the bench while insisting using the bench who got them just got them back in the game? Hellllll no!! Rudy rely a little too much on the bench here. When the game tied up and when Mobley had so many chances of breaking that tie, he failed and still Rudy sit Francis and Yao as time run out. Amazing!! Rudy is one of the worst coaches i seen so far. There is NO WAY you would sit Francis with like a minute or 2 left in the game with the game tied up. NO WAY aNY coach in the league would not put your best player in there even though he struggled.

[yaozhuxi]

blam the ref.
rox and spurs had similar stats except FT.
That is the reason why we lost the game.

[DreamWeaver]

A loss to the Spurs at SBC is not a surprise but to see both SF and Yao sat out the 4th quarter is. I guess Rudy is saving them up for the Dallas game. :confused:

[LiTtLeY1521]

SORRY YETTI. SORRY DAVID CHEN. I apologize. I was just mad. :)


Hi. The main reason we lost was because....

THE OFFICIALS!!!!!!

How many bad calls did they make? TOO MANY today. Jesus...

the 4th quarter...they called it a little better.

The bench led us to take the lead...they just can't hold it. That's when our starters should come back. :( Oh well...

Good luck tomorrow! :( :)

[yaozhuxi]

rox
TOTAL 240 36-87 2-11 8-10 18 31 49 20 20 9 13 5 82
spurs
TOTAL 240 32-74 2-9 21-24 9 30 39 21 13 5 13 6 87

[RIET]

Originally posted by NIKEstrad
Norris, Morris, Cato, and Taylor were the guys that got the Rockets back in the game. Steve was having the one of the worst games of his pro career, and it's hard to justify taking any of the aftorementioned bench guys based on the way they were playing. It would've ruined the momentum we had going.

Please, don't try to pin a loss on Rudy when our best player had had his worst game of the season, and aside from the 0 point outing in Denver a few years ago, possibly of his career.

We scored 1 FG in the last 4 minutes. At any point, Rudy couldve admitted that this group was running out of gas.

You can only carry the mojo for so long before they realize that theyre bench players going up against Tim Duncan.

You can get away with that for 5 minutes, max. until pure talent starts taking over.

I don't care if Steve and Yao are 1-50, they are your best players and they should play down the stretch.

[francis 4 prez]

oohh ooooh oooooh, couldn't pass this up. just watching portland/memphis game and van gundy just said maurice cheeks has stuck with 4 bench players the entire 4th quarter b/c they were the hot hand and playing well together. so i guess he's the 2nd dumbest coach in the leauge now?

[HtownRocks3]

Originally posted by RocketKid
How can Steve have 44 pts one game and have 4 pts the next? :confused: That's crazy.

If Rudy would've let him PLAY all of the 4th quater, he would've had atleast 13 points.

[Red Chocolate]

RIET,

Bingo. You are exactly right.

"LAW OF AVERAGES".

You can't rely on Terrence Morris (shooting about 5% behind the stripe this year) and Maurice Taylor to score baskets for you down the stretch, on the road.

The fact that those guys made so many shots was HUGE, but it was beyond their capabilities.

Regardless, Francis is one of our best shooters, even when cold, and can still create shots for our teammates better than Moochie can. He is also a great offensive rebounder (he had 5 in that game). Even if he was shooting 0-25, he still NEEDED to be on the court.

As for Yao, that was plain ridiculous not to have him in there. No explanation necessary.

No one is 'Rudy-bashing', it was just a no-brainer coaching move to put Francis and Yao in there, and anyone with even a limited amount of basketball knowledge will tell you the exact same thing.

[km63]

well said

[MLittle577]

Originally posted by reptilexcq
Rudy's coaching is very suspect here. If it's Phil Jackson do you think he would sit Kobe and Shaq on the bench while insisting using the bench who got them just got them back in the game? Hellllll no!! Rudy rely a little too much on the bench here. When the game tied up and when Mobley had so many chances of breaking that tie, he failed and still Rudy sit Francis and Yao as time run out. Amazing!! Rudy is one of the worst coaches i seen so far. There is NO WAY you would sit Francis with like a minute or 2 left in the game with the game tied up. NO WAY aNY coach in the league would not put your best player in there even though he struggled.

You're tight, Kobe and Shaq would not have sat!

[forenzi]

To say that there is a coach that is more of Idioti Moron than Rudy is just ridiculous. No one come even close. I am sure Rudy will probably get an earfull from Leslie Alexander tonight.

[LiTtLeY1521]

lol....Rudy's not dumb. They all must have been frustrated because of the stupid referees. He must have been too excited and forgot about Francis and Yao. lol...

He was jumping up happily before Maurice Taylor missed his jumper after Moochie and Mobley decided to take it over themselves and go 0-10.

[tacoma park legend]

That was just good coaching; they deserved to stay in the game.

If Moochie or Mobley had hit their jumpers in the last 2:30 of the game, the Rockets might have stolen a game they had no business being in to begin with.

I expected a loss here and tommorow against Dallas; no shame in that. They'll still be 6 games over .500 with Detroit at home, followed by Memphis and Chicago on the road.

[Desert Scar]

Originally posted by Puedlfor
sigh.

The Rudy bashers really couldn't lose if we lost this game

We go with Yao and Steve down the stretch, "Why are you going with players that suck Rudy?"

We go with the backups, " Why are you going with the backups, when Yao and Steve are on the bench?"

But Pued, tell me you didn't think that sub lineup had run out of guess and fresh legs were needed. Tell me you didn't know we were going to have to make jumpshots to win the game against the Spurs defense and tired legs make for double tough jumpshots (we missed about all of them post the 3:30 minute mark). I'll think most of us saw this but not Rudy.

Even the Spurs announcers essentially said Rudy is the only coach in the league that would have keep his two fresh all-stars on the bench in that situation. Rudy has done this before many times (I remember the mid-late 90s it was common), he never has had a knack for when his bench guys have done all they can, and reinforcements are needed. He left the bench out there to wilt under their tired legs after they poored their heart into getting us into a position to win.

[Red Chocolate]

Desert Scar,

Exactly right. Also, who here is referring to Yao and Steve as "Players who suck"?? :confused: Puedlfor's argument is pretty far-fetched, IMO.

Steve had a bad shooting night, but he had some good offensive boards and distributed the ball reasonably well. Steve is also the most clutch shooter on the team.

Yao played pretty damn well, actually, he needed to be on the court for sure.

[RIET]

If it was the other way around and Duncan had gone 1-12 while Malik Rose was playing up a storm, Popovich would have put Duncan back in at some point.

The loss is no big deal but you never, never sit your franchise players during crunch time unless they're injured.

[Mr. Clutch]

I have seen other coaches due this. Actually, all the Rudy bashers should support Rudy here. They said that Rudy had lost control of the team, and that he should bench anyone who isn't running the plays. Well, Francis wasn't playing well, and he got benched. I think it's good.

Maybe it will send a wake-up call to the players that they can't expect to be there at the end every time.

[rowdy]

Ya'll are all complaining little girls. Sure if I were in his position I would have put Steve in at the end, but I see his logic to. Reward the guys who gave you the chance to win. They did the work and hit the shots whereas the guys yall wanted to put in had sucked it up for three quarters. Everyone is always so damn pessimistic when it comes to Rudy T. and the Rockets. Look at what he has done with our Defense this year and some of the huge wins they have come up with. Sure we have lost some games we should have won and our Offense is pretty suspect at times but he the Rockets are a young team and that should be expected. Rudy T. is a winner and it seems like some of the people on this site have forgotten that.

[david_chen]

As we all have seen today about Rudy's coach:

1. When T.Morris is red hot(4/4 at that time), he sit him down, while Griffin keep shooting(1/7).

2. While Mobley is ice-cold in the 4th Q, he can still on the court, keeping jakking up his shooting.

3. WHile the bench can't hold in the last 3 minutes, RT seems he's in a coma.

very bad coaching for RT. There're a lot analysts suspected RT's BB IQ, today I believed they're right.

[LiTtLeY1521]

It was just plain stupid. They are still your franchise players. You pay them to score. Steve may not have been doing good but still.....during such a close game.........I WOULD RATHER HAVE HIM THAN MOOCHIE! Yao Ming? Hopefully Steve will explode and lead us over the Mavs! :(

[SaFe]

Originally posted by Puedlfor
sigh.

The Rudy bashers really couldn't lose if we lost this game

We go with Yao and Steve down the stretch, "Why are you going with players that suck Rudy?"

We go with the backups, " Why are you going with the backups, when Yao and Steve are on the bench?"

You don't go with a group; you go with the hot hand. Morris was hot, Taylor was hot, so if Rudy left just those 2 in there, I would understand. There is absolutely no reason to have Cato and Moochie in the game when Francis and Yao can do everything they were doing but better. If diverting to Taylor, the guy who was hot, will win them the game, then I'm sure Francis would do it. Instead, we put all money on Taylor, so all Spurs had to do was put all defense on Taylor. We had no back-up plan. After the secondary group couldn't deliver, we couldn't even fall back on starters because they have been benched so long they would be ice-cold if they came back.

As a rocket fan, you have to be dissapointed. This was THE definition of dumb coaching. Steve will have bad games in the future, so will Yao, but they are still going to be your stars. I'm sure Spurs would fear the 1-12 Francis more then a 3-3 Norris. To be superstars, Francis and Yao must learn to deliver in crunch even in their off nights. There is no excuse to NOT LET them learn, especially in regular season game.

[Mr. Clutch]

Why is everyone getting so mad about the substitions?

Come on, that is not a big deal. 99% of the time Rudy has his starters down the stretch. The issue at hand is the horrible play out there on the court. Too many shots at the buzzer, tio many broken plays, too many isos, too much stupidity!! When are they going to look like an NBA team and not a streetballing team?

[LiTtLeY1521]

I WOULD HAVE ASKED YOU ALL IF ANYONE RECORDED THE GAME BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH AN AWESOME COMEBACK...

but we lost. :(

[MFW2310]

Oh well, at least they'd be well rested for tomorrow.

[Puedlfor]

But Pued, tell me you didn't think that sub lineup had run out of guess and fresh legs were needed. Tell me you didn't know we were going to have to make jumpshots to win the game against the Spurs defense and tired legs make for double tough jumpshots (we missed about all of them post the 3:30 minute mark). I'll think most of us saw this but not Rudy.

I didn't think that at all. These were the guys who got us back into the game, and San Antonio was clearly having massive problems guarding them. Even down the stretch we still created open jumpers, we just missed. Yao Ming and Steve Francis had been pretty much nuetralized by the Spurs defense, there was no point to putting them back in.

Even the Spurs announcers essentially said Rudy is the only coach in the league that would have keep his two fresh all-stars on the bench in that situation.

The Spurs announcers are idiots, we all know this. In fact, Maurice Cheeks just went with his bench players down the stretch to hold out over the Grizzlies, rather than put his starters back in.

Exactly right. Also, who here is referring to Yao and Steve as "Players who suck"?? Puedlfor's argument is pretty far-fetched, IMO.

The point was that Rudy was going to catch hell anyway, unless we managed to beat the Spurs. If he put Steve and Yao back in, he'd catch it for putting two ineffective players in the game in crunch time.

If he stuck with the bench, he'd catch it for leaving Francis and Yao on the bench. Unless we beat the Spurs, this was a no-win situation for Rudy.

There is absolutely no reason to have Cato and Moochie in the game when Francis and Yao can do everything they were doing but better.

Francis couldn't hit the ocean from the beach tonight, and Cato was a monster on the boards down the stretch. Why take out a player who's playing reasonably well, and one who's been good on the boards for two guys who have been ineffective.


The San Antonio Spurs are 20-3 at home. They have a player in Tim Duncan that we cannot match. We had no reason to be in this game except for the inspired play from our bench.

[finalsbound]

The mistake the Rockets made was

[list=1]
Having Mobley jack up awful shots when the ball should have been swung to Mo
Not resorting to a shot from the hottest guy - Morris
Keeping Moochie Norris in the ballgame
Pass to Cato with 20 seconds left that slipped thru his hands
Not relying on your clutchest player, Steve - even though it wasn't his night
Not putting height in there down the stretch - Yao Ming
Not being able to capitalize late on SA's mistakes
[/list=1]

Oh well. We learned something today. Now get on the plane, GO TO SLEEP RIGHT when you get to the hotel, and KEEP THE BALL IN THE HANDS of the HOT player.

[silvercatt]

i thought the hawk should replaced mobley in the 4th. Terrible shot selections by mobley when we had momemtum and had a chance to win.

[gram!]

thank you pued, perfect argument.

i hate losing, but i have no problems with tonites game. tim is a badass and players have bad nights. lets get focused on dallas, now.

[SaFe]

Originally posted by Puedlfor
Francis couldn't hit the ocean from the beach tonight, and Cato was a monster on the boards down the stretch. Why take out a player who's playing reasonably well, and one who's been good on the boards for two guys who have been ineffective.


With 24 min. of play each, Cato had 9 rebounds (all def) and Ming had 8 (4 off), monster is such an exageration. If our plan down the stretch was to feed the hot hand, which would have been Taylor and Morris, what does it matter if Steve couldn't hit sh!t. Mooch was hardly a better option then Steve, considering before the 3min mark, he was only 2 for 2. Also, we were in the penalty for nearly half of the final quarter, was jump shots really neccessary for Steve to be effective? Sorry if I don't agree with you, Rudy eared his bashing tonight.

[icdp]

Geez.. This game makes me sick. Worst coaching I've seen ever!!
I can understand when the game was tied with 4 minutes left and the bench players were hot. But with 1 minute left and down by 2 while the ball was not going in, you've got to put the starters back in the game!!!
Ugh!!! I don't even feel like watching the Dallas game tomorrow!!

[RocketGuy3]

Considering that we endured just about Francis' worst performance ever, and Mobley and Ming were also sub-par, I'm just fine with a 5 point road loss to a Western Powerhouse.

[reptilexcq]

If Rockets want to be considered a playoffs team, they have to play fundamentally offensively. I thought Rockets' offense suck. They're not smooth and too static. Too much dribbling and too much bad shot selections. They're not fundamentally sound and Rudy had a lot to do with that. Rudy never say anything when they take bad shots and simply let the offense do whatever they want...that's to me is bad coaching. I would replace him with another coach if Rockets fail to make the playoffs. Tonight is another sign of bad coaching. He failed to see a switch in momemtum down the stretch when the bench got the team back into the game. When the bench couldn't score anymore points (a sign of dead-tired), he still failed to see a switch in momemtum by putting his best players in the game.

[Dallas Rocket]

First let me say that I haven't been keeping up with all the game threads. But.....

I watched the game and somehow I feel pretty good. Don't get me wrong, I HATE LOSING, but consider this:

- we were playing a very good team with a 17-3 home court record and the reigning league MVP
- we got absolutely no calls from the officials (what a joke!)
- Duncan and Robinson shot lights out
- Francis had a career worst shooting night at something like one for Monday

And we still damn near stole the game@! What I liked was:

* I saw Posey asserting himself and the team figuring out how to use him.
* I saw flashes of the pre-injury MoT
* Moochie really played well when we needed him for onece, and
* Morris is beginning to be a real + off the bench
* And we are REALLY HARD TO BEAT
* I also saw no quit from the Rox

Somehow I felt better coming out of this loss than after some wins over weak teams. If we stay healthy we are playoff bound.:)

Dallas Rocket

[Easy]

I thought Rudy would put Ming and Steve back at about 6:00 left. But then Cato had a nice dunk and kept grabbing lots of rebounds. And Moochie hit a clutch shot. So I said to myself, "Well, what do I know?"

Rudy's reasoning is clear: (1) Keep the hot hands. (2) Rest the starters for tomorrow's game. That said. I do agree with the Rudy-bashers this time that he probably should have put Francis in after that timeout at around 3:00. Let Steve drive the lane and get fouls, especially the refs seemed to be making more calls to our favor in the 2nd half.

Rued, I agree with you that Rudy was in the no-win situation unless we won the game. If we did win, he would have looked like a genius for having the gut to bench the cold-shooting stars. . . No, wait, the Rudy bashers would still say: "Look how stupid Rudy is. We were LUCKY to get a win here!" And somebody would start a thread about our 5 games "not losing" streak. :rolleyes:

[fasthand2000]

Originally posted by DreamWeaver
A loss to the Spurs at SBC is not a surprise but to see both SF and Yao sat out the 4th quarter is. I guess Rudy is saving them up for the Dallas game. :confused: That's right. Saving them for the payoff time. Oops, maybe we won't reach payoff the way RT coach.:(

[zilches]

Listening to the Spurs post-game commentary...even THEY are totally baffled by Francis sitting out the 4th quarter. They suspected a migraine flareup.