MAGIC Johnson: "Tracy played the best he could. He gave a superstar effort. He did everything he could. He left it all on the floor tonight." Basically kept praising T-Mac stating he can't do it alone. Even Sir Chuckles and Kenny said it's "bull" if anyone says that T-Mac disappeared in the fourth (referring to the first AP article out on this game)... that he cannot be blamed for this, or last game... I think the media, at least these guys, are realizing that the Rockets have really over achieved without a full roster, and some are trying to take the spot light off T-Mac. FWIW... I'm still hoping for at least a split in the next 2. I'd love to see Utah squirm.
TMac kept us in the game, but didn't show up during crunch time the way true superstars do. Disappearing in the 4th quarter is unacceptable. Airballing 3's with 2 minutes left is unacceptable. The rest of the team is garbage, but he has to elevate his game in the 4th quarter.
I guess one comforting fact from this is that even though Tracy is banged up, he's proved once again he "flips the switch," come playoff time.
Magic is smart guy, very clever. Tracy did what he could. He scored TD, he played tough 42 minutes. You just can't do it alone. It is sad that he has to do everything by himself again...
This is like what Amare did in the game we won most recently against them. Let their superstar get what he wants and deprive his teammates of scoring. I so wish Yao could man up for the next game.
Only if our role players could hit some shots so that Tmac would still have something left in his tank by the 4th quarter.
I think they feel bad for him because he gets criticized so much, but they're being unreasonable and inconsistent; they know more than anyone that what matters most is not how many points you score, assists you make, rebounds you grab, etc., but when.
The Jazz' successful strategy was to wear down T-Mac by the 4th Q, recognizing that there really wasn't much help for him. Utah didn't start trying to smother McGrady with multiple defenders until the 4thQ. And (unfortunately) their strategy worked - 'cause we sucked at the FT line, couldn't hold on to a rebound or a loose ball. Luther was a non-factor - again.
McGrady today, exactly what the team needs. McGrady next year....can you honestly root on him with all your heart if the Rockets get swept?
TBH next year could make or break T-Mac. If he isn't back to what we know he can be by then..... things aren't looking good for him in Houston.
But he had 9 dimes, 13 rebound, 3 blocks and 2 steals. Is that bad? I don't think so. It is just tough to ask a guy to play 43 minutes and do everything on the basketball court, isn't it. He was tired as hell I thing you would also be tired after that game
Sure we have, but he was 1 assist away from a triple double in a hard fought game. What more really can you ask? He can't shoot for everyone, pass for everyone, defend for everyone... or make sure refs don't call bogus loose ball fouls while someone else is finally stepping up and nailing a game tying three. This ain't the Clippers they're up against. This is five on eight.
Tmac was great tonight, I'm proud of him. He can't do it alone guys. He plays very very good tonight. He may have worn himself out early, but am very proud and optimistic.
