Yes, we are only 4 games into the season. Yes, we have 75+ games left, not counting the playoffs. Yes, we have a ways to go before we match up mano-on-mano against the Lakers and Spurs. But.... I really really like what I am seeing from this team so far. Defensive intensity. Court smarts. Yao as option #1. I like it. I like it all. This team, with JVG as coach, will be an elite team in the NBA within the next 3 years. I'm all over it. Comments?
I agree. It will be interesting to see which free agents we can lure here after making it to the second round (or further) in the playoffs this year. If we continue to play defense the way we have and if we are able to limit teams to less than 75 points per night, we will kick some a$$ in the playoffs because that is what it is all about in the postseason.
Yao and Ming didn't exactly light the world on fire, we had tons of turnovers and we still beat a quality team on the road. It's the defense. I'm also liking what I'm seeing.
I'm "cautiously optimistic" for now. There are still glaring weaknesses. 21 in assists and 27th in the league in turnovers. That's not good basketball. The offensive ineptitude will come back to haunt the Rockets if they don't step it up...Defense can only take you so far...
Steve's 0-10 shooting in the first half wasn't all that peachy either. Jason Kidd acknowledged the plan was to constantly double-team Yao. That allowed him to pass out to open teammates. I'm just glad Steve's shots finally began falling in the final minutes of the game. Cat was the only hot shooter last night.
Last night demonstrated that defense can keep you in games and give you a chance to win. The turnovers are ridiculous. Decision-making still leaves a lot to be desired, and shooting is very "streaky." Ming has a real fatigue problem, and I wonder why? Jackson was a great addition, and MoT may be getting his game back. JVG may be having an impact on Francis and that could be big. The missing players, Pike, et al., might make a real difference. I like the "grit" I am seeing and that is JVG. This team isn't ready for primetime yet, but they are moving in the right direction. I think we will still see a trade or two. I really like JVG. It is too early to get "really" excited. I will let you know when I do.
We are seeing a different team here, last year we would let players run right by us and not challenge them to the shot. Now we are clutching them up. I was surprised this morning when I went to look at the team stats and the Rockets have the number one Defense with the Spurs second. We have given up an avg of 76 points per game! But if we can cut down on our turnovers we will be in DARN good shape! But I like the ball passing, the team playing we have been playing the last 4 games. We still have ways to go, but I think we have a good chance this year to nail the coffin on the lottery and finally slam ourselves into the play-offs!
Although it may be the case that it comes with the territory, I am wondering how much better we would be if we drop the TO's by 3-5 per game. We are keeping teams under 80 but we could be closer to scoring 95 if we reduce the TO's.
