Well, got news for you... without those 29 games that "don't cut it"... we're not EVEN discussing playoffs, right now..
Bold Prediction*: From here on out, Yao version 4.4** will start dropping 40 pt games, and the role players will step up and start making 3's at a previously unprecedented rate (for this group at least). Wesley will go back to his production from the previous few weeks. Luther will climb over that rookie wall and resume his shooting from the beginning of the season, while giving us energy and activity on both ends of the court. Bogans will continue giving us gritty boards, solid defense, aggressive drives to the basket, and scores on the fastbreak. Rafer keep on finding Yao and force-feeding the big fella, breaking down the defense and getting the ball to open shooters. Bogans and Rafer will also happen to alternate their hot/cold shooting so that one of them will be "on" at all times. Howard will continue to deliver the ball to Yao from the high post, and make jumpers when they sag down on him. Stro will keep hustling like a mad man on the offensive boards, and making plays with his quickness and effort. Brunson, Hayes, Deke, and Bowen will give us some steady backup minutes, and do whatever they need to do on the court. T-mac and Sura will heal and Lampe will party like a rock star. Yao version 4.4** will dominate and the Rockets will make the playoffs. I guarantee* it. * All "Bold Predictions" and "Guarantees" hold no actual accountability. If it happens, I will harp on it endlessly, while referring to myself as a modern-day Nostradamus. If nothing I say comes to pass, I'll never bring it up, and everyone will forget I said anything. ** Ver 4.1 = Yao at the beginning of his 4th year- Good, but not great. Ver 4.2 = Yao after his surgery but before the All-star break- Extremely good. Ver 4.3 = Yao after the all-star break- Mind-blowing. Ver 4.4 = Yao after hearing that T-mac will be out 5 weeks- Time will tell.
well, i agree that yao's gonna have at least a couple of 40+ point games coming up. in fact, i believed that before tmac's injury. you can see the swell in his game. he has a "career high" game coming soon...probably in the 50+ point range.
Whatever....they tanked the season hardcore on purpose... spurs had one of the biggest dropoffs as far as wins are concerned in nba history from the previous season.
Actually, if Yaozilla can actually accomplish such a task, the LAST thing I would expect would to be blown out in the first round. Main reason, TMAc would be back!!!
Yao still needs further tests to prove that he is already a consistent dominant force now, this will be much clear in next two weeks. I can give up this season, I know even Tmac comes back quickly and this team managed to steal into playoffs, they still can't go deep. What makes me really concern is the future of the franchise. At the beginning of the season, I still believe Tmac and Yao can bring back at least one title for us in the following years, now such kind of thinking is really shaky, Tmac's uncurable back is one of the reason of the frustration, but the concern comes not only because of the injury.
