Moochie Norris article

Spark plug
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/1269968


Norris knows his role is to get his and Rockets' motor running
By JOSH GAJEWSKI
Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle


On a personal level, Rockets guard Moochie Norris is concerned about Steve Francis' mind-boggling migraines. Professionally, he doesn't give them a second thought.

"I'm not worried if he's out there on the court or not anymore," Norris said. "If he doesn't come -- fine. (That means) I've got to step up and do my job because that's why (the Rockets) brought me here.

"Basically, (my role) is to do whatever needs to be done."

And Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, that could mean starting in place of Francis, who will undergo tests at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., today in an attempt to determine the cause of his recurring migraines. Because of Francis' problems, along with the other ailments that have plagued the Rockets this season, the 6-1, 190-pounder with a flair for the dramatic has seen more playing time than ever.

"I've just been the fortunate one to play all the games since I've been here," Norris said while tapping his wooden locker with his knuckles.

Indeed, Norris, 28, was one of only two Rockets to play all 82 games last season. This season, he's played in all 55 Rockets games, starting 23. When he doesn't start, Norris often plays the entire fourth quarter.

"He's our closer," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said.

Saturday night's game against Boston was a case in point. After spending most of the game on the bench, Norris started the fourth quarter and in the second minute, fed an alley-oop pass to Cuttino Mobley. Three minutes later, he was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made two of his free throws. Then with just 38 seconds left -- and with a handful of Rockets fans giving a standing ovation after they watched a 20-point first-quarter deficit turn into a double-digit fourth-quarter lead -- Norris drained a 3-pointer from 23 feet.

"I try to get into a mind-set that in the fourth I've got to be the guy to make some plays," Norris said. "Not that I'm going to force the issue, but if the ball comes to me and I've got a chance to make a play, I'm going to make it. Whether it's driving, drawing and kicking, getting a guy open for a free shot, getting fouled, making a steal or just coming up with a nice defensive help, whatever I can do in the fourth, I just try to do it.

"It's prime time. It's when everybody's watching. It's when everybody's zeroing in on what's going on. It's the most important time of the game."

"Closer" is one of many titles one could give to Norris, but "spark plug" seems to be the most common term coined by Norris' teammates. Norris is averaging 9.2 points and 5.2 assists per game.

"He's just a gutsy player that enjoys himself," Rockets forward Kevin Willis said. "He's got energy, gets guys involved."

And that's whether he starts or comes in off the bench. Norris has different mind-sets depending on the situation.

"When I'm starting, I try to get everyone involved right away," he said. "You've got to be more under control as opposed to letting it all hang out right then and there.

"Coming off the bench, I'm just lightning all the way. I'm pretty stretched and I'm pretty loose when I get out there so I'm just trying to turn the tempo up from the start."

Morris can bookend a game, too. He hit a game-winning 3-pointer Nov. 4 at Phoenix and then Jan. 8 against New York. He also hit a game-tying trey at the end of regulation to force overtime Jan. 29 against Golden State.

"He's a city kid," Mobley said of Norris' Washington, D.C., roots, "and when you're like that you're just a ballplayer. You usually don't have any kind of an identity, you just play ball."

And adapt. It's what Morris does best.


that's what 'Morris' does best? and rockets 'forward' kevin willis? ok...