Question: Does anyone think his inspired play tonight (14 points on 7-9 shooting, great all around hustle) is coincidence or has having Clyde, Guy V. Lewis, Dr. J and others in attendance pushed Hakeem to play his best. I seriously vote the latter because a lot of what he has done this season has looked lazy and, quite frankly, old. He looks fantastic tonight.
Also Hakeem is skying trying to dunk the ball on the offensive rebound, he's got that old flavor back tonight.
It is clearly a matter of desire at his age. He may be a step slower, but he is still in the top 5 centers in the NBA. He needs to be playing more. I want Pig's minutes to be split between Dream and Cato. Also, I would like to see Dream and Cato together on the floor. If we have any hope of making a run, we need to do it with our best players. DaDakota PS. That move he put on Ratliff was vintage, brings back some good memories. We have been truly lucky to watch this great man. [This message has been edited by DaDakota (edited February 03, 2000).]
Hopefully every time he sees Clyde's jersey he will play this well Love that "scoop" play he put up in the third. Sailor
Clutch I will agree on the agression tonight. I have really like that since he has came back from his injury he has played better than the first part of the year. The only way to classify that proformance is laziness. We have seen hints of it, dream shake on Grant and Shaq. The one on Shaq was like 10 Ft out. I guess the limited minutes help the old fella out.
Clutch, I was thinking the same thing whenever I heard Clyde's speech while at work. When Clyde said that he had never played with someone that came out EVERY night and gave 110%, I was thinking "MAN, Hakeem has GOT to step it up now." Let's just pray and believe that this sryle of play can be consistent. ------------------ The key for the Rockets is a winning attitude and mentality which can only be had by winning basketball games.
Here is what Dream himself said about it in this morning's Houston Chronicle: "This is the first time I was playing without pain anywhere," Olajuwon said. "My conditioning, my balance, it all felt so good. I had a lot of opportunities that I was able to take advantage of. When you're struggling to breathe, you can't even think, let alone do anything out there. I was just glad tonight not to be dying. I think I got my second wind finally." ------------------ Bring It!!
I think that Dream has started hustling more since he came back from his injury. The only thing is that he might wear himself out! We need him for the playoffs!! ------------------ Live Rocketball. Breathe Rocketball. Die with Rocketball.
I think Dream looked inspired is because he was trying to get a big lead for the team so that he can rest for the remainder of the game. According to Glide "Dream ... I Love you man ... and thank you for coming into town for this ceremony...", Dream must have thought that he needed the extra rest prior to returning home.
Clutch, how cynical ! Dream hasn't been "doggin" it, he's been trying toget his air and legs back. Sure, Hakeem is like any human, ocasionally he'll coast a little. I just wish every other rocket "coasted" like Dream. I will take the man at his word, he is just rounding in to shape. With true syncronicity, Franchise goes down as Hakeem and Cato come back. There's something here is these "setbacks" that is focusing on each aspect of this team, allowing each piece to step up. This could help set the stage for an incredible season next year.