Clutchfans Game Thread: Timberwolves @ Rockets 2/7/2009

That pic is from the first year T-Mac got here.

 

Lol.... I'll be the only non-ignorant one and say that Tracy will be great, facilitating, making plays, and shooting better than 40%.
We don't lose because of McGrady. Such a ridiculous thought..
JVG said it himself, Tracy is a top 5 passer in this league.
He can make plays better than any other rocket.
Houston will win. McGrady and Artest will have an efficient game each.

 

I probably won't watch the game, but I think the result of this one would be a deception. If rockets win, nothing changes.

 

in any case be prepared for an upset and this year's rocket surely dissappoints. But hope Yao can give me another good fantasy night

 

could we expect anything from this team?

play harder.

 

like others said, it doesnt matter if we win or lose this game, we'll still be the same bipolar rockets.

only about 31 games left in the season. that seems so few considering our lack of chemistry. we could play 100 games and still not find any chemistry. i predict 10 more games of "i dont care" t-mac till he starts realizing we're in a playoff run and picks up his game. then we'll start winning more but we'll still actually be a worse team than if we had Wafer starting.

 

Yao comes out for the blow-out win over Timberwolves

 

This is a must win game for the Rockets, and it's not going to come easy.

 

Yep,but look at the performance Wafer put up,he ain't no difference with Tracy.He only has one advantage over T-Mac,atheletism.


Hope he could find his identity on the bench.he still could do a lot to contribute on both offensive and defensive ends.

 

Man, what hurts more is that even if we win this game, chances are we'll up stinking the next one.

 

I'm bored with this team. The reason...we've lost to too many scrub teams. It shows our inconsistency. However, I think we will win this game. I'm just not sure I can watch all of it....cuz I'm bored...cuz I'm bored...cuz I'm bored...and I expected more. Please find some consistent game, Rockets. I'm sure we're just saving it all for the playoffs.

 

"how about 2 in a row?"

 

i've said this since last season...bring back van gundy as defensive specialist coach.

back in the days we were scoring 90 points per game and the opponents held under 80 was the norm.

 

Must win game. Morey might be forced to make a major move before the trade deadline if the Rockets continue to drop games against sub .500 teams over the next four games.

 

Where can I buy the tickets up front? I know there is the box office but that is way down in the Toyota Center, any place else?

 

telfair vs alston this is gonna be a streetball game for the ages

 

Nothing like a fellow NYC PG to make alston chuck up 4 or 5 more jumpers.

 

I've taken the liberty to put this here so you may all come to your own conclusion.

http://www.nba.com/2009/reportcard/midseason/timberwolves/index.html



Minnesota Timberwolves

Northwest Team Rating
Offense Defense
107.5 111.0
23rd Overall 22nd Overall

Statistics through 1/25/09
W - 15

L - 27

PCT - .357

GB - 19.5

CONF - 9-20

DIV - 2-8

HOME - 8-13

ROAD - 7-14

Grade:

Front Court = C-
C Al Jefferson (22.6 ppg, 10.6 rpg) is a double-double machine and worthy of All-Star consideration. Ryan Gomes (11.1 ppg) and Craig Smith (9.3) are interchangeable and unspectacular at the other two F spots.


Back Court = C-
SG Randy Foye (15.7 ppg) actually leads the team in assists (4.8) and is the only consistent scorer behind Jefferson. PG Sebastian Telfair (7.7 ppg, 4.3 apg) has made minimal impact.


Defense = D
Sit in the bottom third in points allowed (101.5), FG% (46.7), blocks and steals. Actually solid off the glass, Top 10 in rebounding and rebounding differential.


Bench = D
Long-distance specialist F Mike Miller (8.9 ppg, 32.7 3P%) hasn't been. Rookie F Kevin Love (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg) is a good fit. G Rashad McCants (9.6 ppg, 36 FG%) can't find his stroke.


Coaching = D+
Randy Wittman fired Dec. 8 after 4-15 start. Kevin McHale stepped down from his VP duties and promptly lost eight straight. Since, rebounded to win 12 of next 16.


Grade Overall = D

Summary
The recent run of success doesn't mask the first two months of futility, but it does make life a little nicer in the Twin Cities. Jefferson is a bona fide stud who is talented enough to build a team around. Love figures to have a nice career. It gets a little sketchy after that.

McHale's shortcomings as a talent evaluator don't seem to be an issue on the sidelines. The Wolves own a sparkling record in January by battling every night. To be fair, several of the teams beaten by Minnesota are missing key players. But a win is a win.

Losing F Corey Brewer for the season in December hurt, even if many considered the second-year Florida product a stretch with the seventh pick in 2007. The Wolves aren't flush with talent and aren't going to make the playoffs -- starting 4-23 took care of that. But they've improved, which is a start. -- Art Garcia

Explanation of Marking System

* A - Superior
* B - Above Average
* C - Average
* D - Below Average
* F - Failing

 

I think the Rockets lose this game.

 

Al Jefferson for 40.