Think we just got tired of all the injury/trade hoopla and gained an unsubstantiated hunger; will the cause be too late? Will the cohesion continue? Tune in next time on FSN, 3/27/11. Let's get'em ClutchCity*.
This team is mentally and physically the toughest team in the league. When it comes to playoff time, this team will have the heart of a champion. That is because we will literally rip the hearts out of the chests of the last champion, and f---ing eat it.
time to bring this one out of retirement: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoy_en_la_revolucion/3763789249/" title="Believe in the system houston by The son of krypton, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3763789249_5fe9a7c08d_o.jpg" width="415" height="563" alt="Believe in the system houston" /></a> To a great leader and a system that cannot be broken. Defend red nation with your life.
One thing I have noticed about Adelman Rockets' teams is that they seem to come together late in the season. Our 22 game run didn't start until February. I think part of this has to do with the trade deadline passing leading to players settling down into their roles. A lot of people think Adelman relies on security blanket players but to me it often seems like he is trying to spread out the playing time a lot, one reason why Adelman teams are deep but often seem to lack a go to guy. Once the trade deadline and Adelman knows this is the team he has the rotations seem to get set and in turn the players respond as they have more certainty about what their roles are.
All thanks to trading Battier. Imagine how good the Rockets would be if they got younger talent for Kmart. This team isn't big enough for Scola and PPat. I wonder what the market for Scola and Kmart is, because even the Red Hot Rockets are nothing more than an honorable 8-10 seed. That's the truth, and it's all I can see.
Tell us who this younger talent is. You're discounting that most younger teams are in rebuilding mode and Martin doesn't accomplish much for them. Martin is tenth in scoring. Second in scoring per 48. Fourth in PER at the SG position after Wade, Kobe, and Manu. You simply cant replace this and expect to get better. And this team is fine with Scola and Patterson. Look at the Mavs, Lakers, Spurs, and Celts. They're basically 2 deep at every position. Edit: Martin is averaging 28 in his last 6 in a very important stretch. He's fools gold and can't create his own shot!
It's not necessarily "younger" persee, just two dimensional players with high ceilings. Attitude or not, it's taking chances with guys like TWill that pay off in terms of being a contender instead of playing it safe. I think the Rockets see that, but they lack the courage to go "all the way" with it. --->
If you haven't noticed, the gamble with TWill has been a big flop so far. And Martin's defense is improving, with a number of steals and fast break baskets to show for it.
Every time someone on this team goes down with an injury or is traded, it seems like the person filling in absolutely explodes. AB sprained ankle---> Lowry turns into a near all-star level PG Yao suffers annual season-ending injury ---> Chuck develops an offensive game. Battier gets traded ---> Bud strings together 25+ pt nights plus doesn't suck on D. Scola has knee problems---> 2Pat proves he's a double-double machine when given the minutes. Chase sprains his ankle ---> Lee drains 3s all over the place Dragic should be next in line, but I'm not about to give up Lowry for it.
We're not tough, just a few players who give it their all. The Celtics we just abused but since then we've given up way too many points again and relaxed on defense. That's why I am worried this winning streak will eventually lead to a huge let down, even going on a quick losing streak vs. Miami & Philly.
Well acouple of things are irrefutable facts since the trade. Battier being gone had a big difference to do with it Brooks being gone had a big difference to do with it Lowry stepping up Budinger stepping up Patterons playing better(who plays better defense than overrated Battier) Lee more minutes too(who actually does play better defense than Battier) Very obvious. We got nothing back practically from Brooks and Battier trades except Goran Dragic and he doesnt play much but does well when he does. The hugest change is to our starting lineupat SF and that is refutable and 100% obvious.
i am kinda laughing. how did ppl ignore the most important thing and the most improved thing rox has had since the break, DEFENSE. if you watched all games so far since the break, rox defense style has turned into focusing on protecting the paint area and pushing opponents out. they crowded the paint whenever their busket got attacked. they either fouled or forced TO or opponent to pass to the perimeter. they tried as much as they can to make other team become a jump shooting team. of coz, ppat has played a undeniable role.
