Apparently the Sonics put a little too much D on Moochie because in his after game comments in the Chronicle Mooch said he tried to not dribble much since the Sonics put so much pressure D on him he was afraid of the ball getting stolen. So obviously opponents that want to prey on our dribbling weakness should lay off and let us dribble 20 seconds off the clock, like most teams, and not play good 1v1 D, like Payton. Bizarre that we get hurt less when they put a little pressure on Moochie, and hence, Moochie doesn't muck up the flow of the game as much.
Moochie's been playing poorly of late. His shooting is off, his defense is horid (why did he guard Payton so much last night?) and he hasnt been creating as much. Moochie didn't have any "dribbling" problems last year. I think he's been overextended this year and hasn't gotten into any comfortable "Energizer Bunny" type of role, which he excels at.
The reason he hasnt gotten comfortable in a "energizer bunny" type of role is because the three guard lineup has been overused. Most of his playing time comes with Mobley or Steve or even both.
Moochie knows that Rudy won't take him out of the game in the fourth quarter for any reason, so he doesn't have to play his best anymore. Still, I thought he was an un-sung hero last night. That offensive rebound with a minute left was huge.
Problem is the "3-guard lineup" doesn't always work. Damn...which pro NBA coach would put Moochie to defend Payton? If he doesn't match up well with the other team...he shouldn't play.....simple. About Moochie's slump........oh well......it's a slump. I do wish he would either attack quickly, or pass the ball to try to do something with the offense.....dribbling for 10-15 seconds just won't cut it. it's not only his fault, but the lack of an OFFENSE the Rockets have.
