I admit, I'm one of the guys who wants the ball in Cuttino's hands in the clutch. Always have been and for now still am. One of the reasons was the few times Stevie took over a game in the 4th. But how about tonight? In all the hoopla over Mo's career night, it seems to be left out the great job Stevie did in the last half of the 4th quarter. He had the big 3 out of the corner to put the lead at 4. Then, to push it to 6, he had the midrange jumper from about 18 feet with Armstrong in his face. Then, again with Orlando trying to make a run, he drives inside and nails a floater over Bo Outlaw. Besides all of those his numerous penetrations in the 4th and throughout the game got Mo, Cuttino, Walt, and the rest of the team involved. Mo had a great game, but let's not forget what Steve did. This was one of the first times I've seen him take over in a tight game. It was a battle between two superstars for a few minutes there-- McGrady and Francis-- and it was our boy Stevie that won the battle, draining shot after shot. He still hasn't done it as much as Cuttino, but I think tonight's game may be a major stepping stone in the maturation of Steve Francis. Great game Steve!!! ------------------ "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! Teams win and lose games, not individuals. Draftsource.net ClutchTown.com
Yes, Steve was indeed amazing. Mo kept the Rockets in the game, while Steve won it. ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death."
It was just a great game overall. Amazing play from all players. ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death." [This message has been edited by ZRB (edited February 23, 2001).]
Mo had a great game, but Steve was the difference tonight. He came up with key shots to put some distance between the Rockets and Magic, and he ended up with all the loss balls too toward the end. He showed why, I feel, he is the leader and best player on the team. He did it all the last few minutes of the game. ------------------
I was so happy with the way Stevie asserted himself with the game in limbo. I think he grew a lot tonight as a leader and a player. ------------------ "Relax... kids swallow quarters all the time. If she craps out two dimes and a nickel then start worrying!" -Grumpier Old Men
I think he is finally understanding his leadership role on the team. Keep the guys happy throughout the 1st 3 and a half quarters distributing the ball and then if it is a close game take over the scoring and put the team over the top. This is what I've been looking for from him all year...leading the team to victories in the last few minutes. A lot of times he'd try to hard to set up a shooter or let Cat take it, but now he knows he is the one they need to take over. If he continues doing this the Rockets are going to be a feared team for the rest of the season. ------------------ "Steve is good. Steve is real good." -- Cleveland's rookie point guard Andre Miller on Rocket rookie point Steve Francis
Awesome Baby!!!! ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I gotta say also I think the WHOLE team grew some tonight. I really felt a type of playoff atmosphere even watching on television that I had not seen in a few seasons. It was a great feeling to see the Rockets growing together as a team right before my eyes. ------------------ "Relax... kids swallow quarters all the time. If she craps out two dimes and a nickel then start worrying!" -Grumpier Old Men
First thing (to stay on topic): Stevie was fantastic in the forth, no doubt there.. I was conserned with him during the first half...didn't he only have like 6 points in the first half? Second(sorry, offtopic ahead): Man oh man...you KNOW it's been a great game when BobFinn* sounds as happy as he is tonite! I've never seen so many positive-sounding happy posts since I have been here...scary!! ------------------ Lar
Steve and Mo were great, but guys did u see the way Steve's ankle twisted. He scared the hell out of me. Besides that play on Rocks. Play on. ------------------ "Holy Pig Knuckles" Mobley scores Again!!!!!!
Francis was just simply awesome!Throughout the game he was reading the floor like a magic ball knowing where to pass the ball when to take the shots and where to rebound the ball, and in the last quarter of the game was the best part,knowing in order to sealed the game, he step up big and made some key shots. What I called "FRANCISTOMIC BOMB"! ------------------ Rudy T. will find and fulfill Rockets destiny.
Steve played great. Also, I loved how he and Cuttino sacrificed their offensive games for the most part because Mo was hot, and I even saw them concede their ISO's a few times to show respect and post up Hakeem. I really loved how Mo and Steve wanted the shots at the end of the game. Cuttino always is ready to take the final shots, but Steve and Mo haven't been. You could hear steve talkin trash to Armstrong sayin " I got him. He can't guard me." Great game all around. The play that stuck out in my mind, was the relentless hustle play where they fought for the ball in the backcourt, that resulted in a Cuttino slam. Gotta love that as a fan. ------------------
I think all these posts are right on. The team played extremely well, especially considering the bench was pretty well depleted. Steve distributed the ball well and took shots when he needed to. I think Steve can help this club the most when he plays like he did against Orlando. Magic Johnson was the most effective point guard in my opinion. He played every position due to injuries and was extremely effective at all positions. He probably could have averaged 30+ if he wanted to, but chose to get his teamates involved and score when needed. That's who Steve reminded me of against Orlando. Also, Cat played a very strong game. He got his points for the most part in the flow. You didn't see his teamates standing around as much watching him yo-yo the ball, waiting for him to do something. Mo was in a zone. Hakeem was very strong - I think we are almost to the point of taking him for granted again. Great game. ------------------
