That is all I can say about this game. Blown opportunities. The Rockets blew numerous chances to take over the game. Steve's missed layup, two blown alleyoops, zero defensive rebounding. The Rocket should have won this game, and didn't. The game itself was a lot of fun. It was close throughout, and there were quite a few spectacular plays. I had a great view of the players, and I made eye-contact with several of them, as well as Calvin. Most of the fans were fun, but there was one particular prick in front of me that took every opportunity to stare me down. What an ass. He ruined much the fourth quarter for me (although the Rockets did a pretty good job of that as well). What the HELL happened to Francis? He looked like he was sick most of the game. He was completely ineffective, and he shouldn't have gotten the last shot. No one should get the last shot when they have 9 points and are generally playing like crap. Once again, how did he miss that easy layup? That would have sealed the win. My god, that was horrible fourth quarter defense. I mean, the Sonics won on a Ruben Patterson layup! He has never won a game for the Sonics. I would have accepted a jump shot, but not a layup. The Sonics scored at will in the fourth. When they missed, they got the offensive boards. I don't understand why Mo and Carlos were kept out of the game in the fourth. They were playing fairly well, and deserved to play. Mobley should have had the last shot. He was doing well the whole game, while Francis was garbage. I really believe he would have done a much better job than Francis in this case. I was disappointed that Ewing didn't play. Seeing him do well would have been a nice positive for a depressing game. The Rockets really failed to take advantage of his absence, though. I was impressed that they kept it so close seeing as Francis was at his absolute worst. Why hate Walt for this? He did a great job. His threes kept the Rockets in the game, and nearly got them a win. If not Mobley, Walt should have had the last shot. They failed to capitalize on a great game from Walt. There were just too many fumbled passes and blown rebounds for a win today. The Rockets failed to play defense of a playoff team, and therefore, will likely miss the playoffs. This team just isn't going to make it. 3.5 games is too big a deficit to make up. I think Hakeem could lead them to a 11-1 record the rest of the way, and they still would be too far back. The Sonics are not going to the playoffs, while the Rockets still had a chance. They should have played with more defensive intensity, and they should have bloody doubled Patterson, who owned them today. Despite the disappointing finish, it was a close and exciting game. I am just depressed, because this three game losing streak should NOT have occurred. Not after beating the Spurs a week ago. They should have rebounded after the Kings loss to crush the Clips and edge the Sonics. They simply failed in their task. They needed this win, and just didn't get it. This three game losing streak has killed the Rockets. Unless they have an incredible finish, this is going to be the best team in NBA history not to make the playoffs. I just think they are in too big a hole to recover. Good game Rockets, thanks for a great night out. A great night with a depressing finish. This is one of the most disappointing losses I have ever experienced. I am just happy that Hakeem will finish the season, and I will get to see him play. Other than that, there is not much to get me excited over this season anymore. I'm seriously questioning whether I want to put my self through so much pain next year. I might just avoid League pass, unless Hakeem or Webber signs. These losses are just too depressing. I had so much excitement built up for this game, and when that buzzer sounded, I was devastated. I hope for a miracle, but I don't see it happening. I'm sorry for all this negativity, but this loss just hurts SO much. I guess I was due for a letdown after such a brilliant game in December. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
I would have rather had Ewing play, then maybe Patterson wouldn't have killed us. Even though the playoff hopes are down, I am still optimistic. Take a look at Minnasota's schedule if you haven't already. I count only 3 "easy" wins(NJ,VAN,LAC)...and to that I add 2 more b/c I do not think they will lose to each Portland and the Lakers twice. So in my mind they will win at least 5 more, meaning the Rockets have to win 10 out of 12- a tough task, but it can be done, especially with Dream in the lineup. But, 10 wins does not assure playoffs, b/c you cannot expect Minny to lose all of the other games. If they win 8 of those games, it is over...7, then we have to win out. It will take a near miracle, but it can be done. ------------------
Francis sprained his ankle again and also had a sore back. By the way, since you were close, you should've done us all a favor and knocked out Kelvin Cato... we probably win this game if he is on IR. ZRB, Don't give up on the Rockets and basketball. It's depressing as hell for me too to lose this game. But that's the nature of sports. Hell, I've walked around a lot longer than a night depressed after a bad loss (see Texas vs. Stanford last September). But that makes the wins all the more gratifying. You can't appreciate the good times without going through the bad. Fortunately, being a Rockets fan, we have rebuilt quicker than any team I can think of, so the bad for the most part is over with. However, we are a young team that over the years is destined for greatness, and you'd be real sorry if you bailed out on us now. Just gotta realize that there are a few bumps along that road, and this game and possibly not making the playoffs are some of them. Keep hope alive, and GO ROCKETS! ------------------ "We're not settling for just getting in the playoffs." "We want a higher seed. There's no doubt. We expect to get in."-- Steve Francis President of the Mo Taylor and Jason Collier fan club! Draftsource.net ClutchTown.com [This message has been edited by The Cat (edited March 25, 2001).]
I'm not going to bail out, its just that this game hurt more than most. They had this game, and just blew it. I can't believe the Rockets have lost three in a row after that great win last week. Sometimes, you just have a feeling about a team. You just know when they're going to make it. I just don't have that feeling. I'm sorry, this just hurts. They are a good young team, and have done a great rebuilding job. Hakeem's return will keep the last 12 games fun. Maybe they will stun the world and go 11-1 the rest of the way. I just don't feel like its going to happen. Maybe Hakeem will spark them to one of the most inspiring runs in NBA history. I hope so. I just don't think its very likely, especially since Minny and Phoenix seem to never lose. A win tonight would have changed everything, but this loss feels like a dagger. Thank you Rockets, for an exciting game. There is nothing really wrong with the NBA. The games are still emotion packed fun-fests. I just get so emotionally attached, that the losses hurt badly. Especially when you shell out hundreds to get a decent view... ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
Thanx for the link .. Man I feel ya...I'm soo damn depressed.. and I dont see as much negative as you used to be..i really expected worse. Los should have been in more..he was doin good I thought..I coudn't believe how bad Cato was, just incredible. Has he been this way all the time and I was just to blind to see? Damn this sucks.. Why wasn't Bullard in ? I don't remember seeing him play...am I just dingin? Walt was a pleasant surprise tho..I still wish we could find someone who is stupid enuff to want Walt and Cato... Maybe Hakeem will help turn the tide.. BTW..if the Ultimate Answer is 42..does that mean that Walt is the answer?? ------------------ OK heypartner..are ya happy now?? I'm no longer "living in the past"
