On 790 this morning, Ackerman rolled out this hilarious summation of the national perception of the Western Conference Finals: The Warriors in 3. This should become the rallying cry of the Rockets as they go into this series. It's not just that the Rockets are the underdogs, it's not just that they aren't being given MUCH of a chance, the active perception isn't that this is David vs Goliath, it's Goliath vs one of the guys he smashed before David stepped up that you haven't even heard of. "Warriors in 3." Go Rockets.
Someone please show Harden the video of Olajuwon destroying Robinson after that MVP trophy. We all wished for this to happen, now it just might!!!
GSW struggled for some long stretches both against NOP and MEM. If Rockets can capitalize on these occurring stretches, we might give them a good fight. But lets face it, GSW was head and shoulders above everyone in regular season. They're not as great in the playoffs, but still they are the obvious favorites against undermanned Houston team. We already overachieved, I'll be fine with whatever the outcome is.
they're not the spurs,lakers nor the kings of the early 2000s. For a western conference final, we got an opponent that can beaten.
They're really good but they're also a fresh face, no pedigree yet. So that has to count or not count for something.
I'm generally a modest person, but I'm pretty sure we're going to be NBA champions. It's certainly within reach. When we're on our game, I favor us over anyone in the league. Consistency is the variable, but I see us gaining momentum. If I'm wrong you can ban me for the summer. GO ROCKETS!!!
The thing about the Rockets is that they are so reliant on the 3 point shot that every game really is a season unto itself. I know commentators get wrapped up in momentum, choking, etc., but the simply truth is that when Ariza and the roleplayers hit 3s, the Rockets are almost unstoppable. When they don't, they can get boat raced by good teas. The bad part about that is that it can make games infuriating with tons of fast break points for the opposing team, bad transition defense, etc. when the threes aren't falling. The good part about it though is that past performance is not indicative of future results. Unlike any team I've ever followed, it really is a "one game at a time" thing for this team. Sure they got blown out by 30 last night, but Ariza was 2 for 15 from 3. When he goes 7-10 tonight, the Rockets will stomp you.
OMG..I jut realized...has Curry been given the Golden Fleece yet ? Is it possible that might happen before game one ? OK now I"m freaking out !
I heard that this morning and had a good laugh. Seriously though Craig made some pretty good points about those regular season games. -No Brewer -No Smith -Very little Dwight -No Jones -D-Mo had trouble with small ball/Draymond -T. Black was the starting center one of the games etc. etc. I think Golden State has all the pressure on them this series. The Rockets really should come into this series just focused, and play free. If the Rockets can split the first two games, and find a way to win one in GS, I think it puts the Warriors in an uncomfortable spot they never thought they'd be in. All roads to a championship start in games 1 and 2. You win one of those two, and you got a shot, and beating this team, and ultimately having a chance in the finals. The Rockets can't get caught up in the silly national narratives (unless it motivates them more than sure). NOBODY will miss the opportunity to crap on this team. You have to embrace the villain role, play free, but hard, and play with that edge. I'm not going to say the Rockets in 6 or whatever, but I will say that winning game 1 or 2 will change this series, and put all the pressure on GS to crumble.
I looked back and Olajuwon was actually 5th in MVP voting, not even 2nd! Harden should be ultra motivated and needs to go nuts in this series, cannot let Curry dominate you, have to take it personal.
I think experience will win out in this one. We all know about the players on our team with conf finals, finals, and championship experience. Who on the Warriors outside of their coach Steve Kerr has any playoff experience past the semis? Barbosa?
This was said before the GS/MEM series in NBA lockdown poadcast...not something original and specifically towards Rockets.
There is no such thing as over-achieving, there is only achieving what you are capable of. The Rockets have just shown, so far, what they are capable of. We don't know yet what this squad is capable of because we have never seen them play this long together. It may be a Championship. I am with you though with regards to expectations. I wasn't expecting them to be this good this quick.
Bump. Stupid Warriors and their fans already celebrating like its really gonna be Warriors in 3. Can't wait to see the shock when we come back and stun the world.
