Some time before what later became known as the historic 22 game winning streak, on a chilly December night in Philadelphia, the Rockets were handed already their 12th loss of the season. They had only 12 wins, and looked to have sunk rock bottom. No heart, no energy, no offense, no Yao and no McGrady. No team. Dead dull, they were a bunch of no shows. And then what? Double OT in Clipper land. A L, but all heart. After going 15-16 into the new year, we went 40-11 the rest of the way. What are the similarities of this season to last? New teammates, injuries, tough early schedule. Blame Yao, blame McGrady, blame Artest for not bringing toughness, spirit, leadership and heart. But this is a team that has proven that they can turn things around. This team is not filled with slackers or quitters, but winners and competitors. Yes that includes Tracy McGrady. We have veterans. We have the desire to win. It might not be the end of the world after all, no matter it's a 30 point loss to the Lakers, or another 4th quarter crumble to the 76ers like the one that happened on Jan. 16th last season. Maybe if we kept our faith in the Rockets and kept on believing, they will pull it off again. Preferably not with a double OT loss this time around.
you're right: that Philly game was the worst game I've seen the Rockets play that I remember. They just gave up. And it was against a poor team. I remember saying to my friend afterwards, JVG's head would have popped off with one, last blood-curdling scream. As much as I appreciate what Adelman brought to the team, I really questioned his ability to control team effort after that one. It's like the whole team pulling a Two Sandwiches, "No, <b>you</b> take the ball, coach" moment together. But like you say, that was the shock to the system the team needed last year. Adelman and the Rockets recovered.
yup, that's pretty much what i said last night, we can learn from this, cause so far this season, not counting the dallas game, we have looked atrocious and far from a "team" hopefully we can get some solid practices on the road, get battier back in the mix and start to play a little better, we all know we have the talent to win, but talent doesn't always win you games, got to play as a team, and run the offense efficiently
I remember many fans placing an enormous value on Rafer Alston (since he was out) after that and the Toronto game. Imagine what people would be saying right now if Rafer Alston had been out this season. This team had some minor issues anyhow (efficient shooting, bigs) and they could stand to be fixed, but right now their biggest issue is hopefully one that will fix itself with a little time -- the three stars are just badly underperforming.
Why do the Rockets need another Philadelphia? Were they suddenly struck with amnesia? Are they going to need another Philadelphia next year too?
I remember how bad that Philly game was for us. But the Philly game I keep remembering is the one where we won by 40... hehe.
The difference in the Philly game was that our second unit plus Scola played Adelman's offense to perfection. The team showed much heart and I believe that inspired Mac and Yao. I didn't see much heart in the team outside of AB and Landry last night.
Its not yet Philadelphia like in that the Rockets lost to some good teams, though its looked just as ugly and at times just as embarrassing. Plus Philly ended up making the playoffs last season. If the Rockets lose to Oklahoma City THEN thats like Philly all over again. But i'll go ahead and agree with the OP so it doesnt get to that point. McGrady was out when they started sucking last season. This year both him and Yao are in. But it might as well be like 1 is injured because both of them playing half-ass now only adds up into one player.
Another arrogant post. No, we're not hoping for another 22 in streak. But, say we win 20 of 23 somewhere in the season. That's pretty damn good. That's the kind of stretch we're looking to achieve.
DON'T REMIND ME ABOUT THAT Probably the worst game I've ever seen. Tracy did quit after halftime (he said he sprained his ankle). Just ugly.
