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JVG Finally Moved Stevie to the 2 Guard (against the Clips)

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Matador, Mar 10, 2004.

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  1. Matador

    Matador Member

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    I'm surprised no one brought this up about last night's game. And if they did I didn't see it and apologize.

    Here is a quote from http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2441842

    But Francis had scored the Rockets' first seven points, and was so on his game offensively, that Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy replaced Mobley with Mark Jackson for the whole of the fourth quarter to move Francis to shooting guard. Francis made 10 of 15 shots for his 24 points, and added seven assists and five steals, the most for a Rockets player this season.

    "I thought Steve's effort tonight was what carried us," Van Gundy said. "Hustle plays and energy. I mean, I think he was terrific."

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Do you think this is what it will take for Francis to get back on his game, moving him to the shooting guard? I know alot of fans have suggested Francis move to the 2. Well it worked last night. Mobley did not play in the 4th quarter as Mark Jackson ran the show and Francis shot 10-15 FG for the game.

    Is this a sign of better shooting for Stevie and a diminished role for Cuttino Mobley?
     
    #1 Matador, Mar 10, 2004
  2. ergo

    ergo Member

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    #2 ergo, Mar 10, 2004
  3. Matador

    Matador Member

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    I agree with you that Steve played well earlier in the game also. But then why did Mobley not play in the 4th and Jackson played the entire quarter leaving Steve at the 2?
     
    #3 Matador, Mar 10, 2004
  4. wizkid83

    wizkid83 Member

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    Because Mobes was playing bad that game.
     
    #4 wizkid83, Mar 10, 2004
  5. Rocket River

    Rocket River Member

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    A COMPLIMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Rocket River
    I wonder how much it hurt him to say that
     
    #5 Rocket River, Mar 10, 2004
  6. AroundTheWorld

    AroundTheWorld Member

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    So who is the negative one, studogg?
     
    #6 AroundTheWorld, Mar 10, 2004
  7. Holy Cow

    Holy Cow Member

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    YAO ... what an idiot! ;)
     
    #7 Holy Cow, Mar 10, 2004
  8. Pole

    Pole Houston Rockets--Tilman Fertitta's latest mess.

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    I think Francis should always play the two when he's got the likes of House and Dooling to chase around.
     
    #8 Pole, Mar 10, 2004
  9. Rivaldo2181

    Rivaldo2181 Member

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    I don't think this is the first time he has done this. JVG has been sparingly playing M. Jackson and Stevie together throughout the season. I think the difference tonight was that Steve looked more aggressive on the offensive end. I notice he was running around and coming off screens instead of standing at the top of key waiting to get the ball from MJ. Man how good is this team going to be if Yao continues his great play and Francis starts hitting his shots again. Thank God the trade steve threads have calmed down alittle. I think they can co-exist and would be a grave mistake to get rid of him. Peace.
     
    #9 Rivaldo2181, Mar 10, 2004
  10. MadMax

    MadMax Member

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    not only is this not the first time this happened this season, it's not the first time it's happened in his career. rudy used to use moochie and steve in the same backcourt sometimes, too.
     
    #10 MadMax, Mar 10, 2004
  11. solid

    solid Member

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    Well, this is big news. I didn't get to see or hear the game. Apparently Francis had a monster game, and maybe this is why. I wonder if this is a glipse of things to come or just a temporary move because of the Clipper guards. HMMMM.? I am for ANYTHING that helps the team. Thanks for the heads up.
     
    #11 solid, Mar 10, 2004
  12. Sane

    Sane Member

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    Maybe JVG is saving it for the playoffs as some kind of secret weapon?

    Who knows, if Mark Jackson builds his stamina up over the last 20 games, and we get into trouble in the playoffs, it may be a viable option.
     
    #12 Sane, Mar 10, 2004
  13. Matador

    Matador Member

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    I apologize if the thread made it seem like Steve had never played the 2 before. I know he has, but this is the longest extended time I think Francis had ever seen at the 2. In the past Steve might have played the 2 for a few minutes while Cat rested, but yesterday Cat sat the entire 4th quarter.

    And I don't think Cat was playing that particularly poor or Mark Jackson was playing that particularly well. I think Steve being at the 2 opened up his game in the 4th quarter. Being able to share the pont guard responsibilities helped his game in my opinion.
     
    #13 Matador, Mar 10, 2004
  14. droxford

    droxford Member

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    I kinda like the idea of keeping things versatile:

    If Cat is draining his shots, let Steve be the point and feed to Yao for the in-out game.

    If Cat is cold, put Mark J. in for the point and let Steve burn 'em with Yao for the in-out game.

    If Yao is cold, we should use him as a decoy to draw double-teams and use our guards and forwards as our primary source of points.

    -- droxford
     
    #14 droxford, Mar 10, 2004
  15. Alimoe84

    Alimoe84 Member

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    Steve did play really well tonight. He wasn't hesitant with his shot, and he made good choices. 24 pts and 7 asts. I'll take thats any night from Steve! He should have his grandmother come and sit courtside more often!!
     
    #15 Alimoe84, Mar 10, 2004
  16. Rivaldo2181

    Rivaldo2181 Member

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    You're right, last night was definitely the longest stretch he had played the 2. As long as he keeps playing well and we continue to win it doesn't matter if he plays the 1 or the 2. Peace.
     
    #16 Rivaldo2181, Mar 10, 2004
  17. Toast

    Toast Member

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    Guys, Mark Jackson & Steve Francis have played together in the back court in most games we've played since acquiring MJackson. This is nothing new.

    Steve had a good shooting night. That's the only difference between last night (vs. the Clippers) and too many nights when Steve's shot under 40%. It probably didn't hurt that he was often freed up because once Yao touched the ball, they just swarmed him, leaving a couple Rockets open, and giving Steve room to work.
     
    #17 Toast, Mar 10, 2004
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