I am tired of hearing all these negative things about Moochie Norris. Norris has a nice, quick game and he does not back down in clutch situations. In many cases Norris' shots prevents the Rockets from losing. Clutch, how come you did not put Moochie in the "Rockin" section? This is the third time that he saved the Rockets from a heartbreaking loss with a three-pointer(none of which he was placed on the "Rockin" section). Sure, Moochie may not dominant during the whole game, but his contributions in the fourth quarter propells the Rockets to victory.
Moochie is a different player when he comes off the bench. He tried to do too much as a starter, and he crumbled. Now that he's a back-up, he can just be Moochie. I like watching him play again.
Why wasn't Mooch "Rockin"? Probably because he played poorly the rest of the game, but luckily for him able to redeem himself off an excellent drive by Francis where he was able to do the one thing he is consistently good at (no surprise considering that's all he practices), hit a 3 at the buzzer. But how did the Knicks got the lead in the final minutes, and then again in the final seconds anyways? A little over 3 minutes in the 4th, dribble, dribble, dribble..off Moochie's leg. On two different occasions late in the 4th: Francis on Sprewell, Mobley on Houston, Moochie off Ward. Missed assignment by Mooch - Wide open Ward three from the corner. Both of those were nearly daggers in the game. Luckily Steve, Eddie, KT and Cuttino all were able to hit a big shot or two. Finally, Rockets up 1 and the chance to not only score, but run the clock down to about 8 seconds or so. Instead Mooch doesn't use any clock at all, and drives wildly into a crowd of Knicks where Camby drew the charge that got the Knicks the ball for Houston to score with about 8 seconds left. Now the call itself was a bad call, as Camby was clearly leaning way in on the play. But I can't blame the refs at all for making the call. Clearly a charge or not, it's hard to call a block on a single player driving aimlessly into 3 or 4 blue and orange jerseys. It was a stupid play on the part of the Rockets, period. Now what I really want to know is why a play was drawn up for Mooch on the most crucial possesion of the game (at that point at least) instead of Francis or Mobley. I am perfectly comfortable in plays being drawn up for him when he takes a wide-open last second shot off a pass from someone else, but NOT comfortable at all watching him handle the ball in crucial possesions at all.
I agree 100%, its MOOCHIES fault that NY had the lead. That was a good call on that Charge. He faked the pass (in the air) and continued into 3-4 Knicks, and then passed the ball "ALL THE WAY OUT NEAR THE 3 point LINE". He had no intention on passing, when he made his move. He faked the pass and made a collision, and tried to BS his way out of the charge, by passing. IDIOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!! Whats even more amazing, is why Moochie had his hands on that ball in the first place. The game was on the line, and Rudy wanted him to try one of his run into 4 player heaves (praying on a foul called)? Doubt it
Not a fan of Norris, but he is improving. Yes, he is better in backup role. I still dislike watching him walk the ball up court and running down the play clock. I hate the incessant dribbling of the guards. Still want ball and body movement. Norris consistently gets torched on defense. He is starting to flash some of the ole Moochie when he sparked the offense. Believe it or not, it is really no fun to be critical. I would much rather talk about how fantastic the Rockets are, how they are dominating opponents with brilliant plays, sufficating defense, crisp passing, deadeye shooting, etc. etc. I just expect a professional team with this much talent to play better.You would never know that these guys get along so well. They rarely pass to each other and seem to have poor on court communication; sensing where each other are going to be or what each other are going to do. Night after night, win or lose, the same type of turnovers, bone head passes, going nowhere drives with open players watching, etc. How many well played basketball games have you watched the Rockets play this year? They have some high octane players, but they are a long way from clicking on all cylinders. I want that to happen before the season is over.
