This is a dark day. What once seemed certain is now in jeopardy. Only three weeks ago, we looked at the stars and thought that we could reach 50 wins. A poll even showed that most members thought that we WOULD reach 50. Would we finish 7th? 6th? Heck, given the sloppy play of the Mavericks . . . 4th? Many argued that Yao should garner some consideration for MVP. Gone were the days of YOF vs. SOF (well, mostly), instead we quarreled over who we should play in the first round. In other words, Bubba McDowell just intercepted a pass from Frank Reich, making the score 35-3. And now, on the brink of this "historic collapse," we all feel wary, betrayed, disgusted, as if our bride left us at the alter and ran off with our best friend Eddie. We're pointing fingers at Francis, Van Gundy, Yao, and just about everyone but Jim Jackson and Boki. Here's what I say to all of that: I believe. Yes, it sounds trite. Yes, it's corny. Yes, it's the first verse of a cheesy song. And maybe I'm wearing rose-colored glasses, maybe I'm blind to every possible strand of data. I believe the Rockets will make the playoffs. And once we're in the playoffs, nothing else matters. Three weeks ago we played great ball. We can play great ball again. For a stretch Yao dominated. He can dominate again. Here's my prediction: if we make the playoffs, and if we steal a couple of games, eventually we'll forget about the past two weeks of hell. I'm not saying anything crazy like we'll win the championship. I'm not even saying we'll make it past the first round. All I'm saying is that this knot in my gut won't last forever, in fact, I don't think it will last the next seven days. As soon as we're in the playoffs, we'll be as pumped as we were two weeks ago. Imagine being down 2-1 and playing the Wolves in Game 4. You're saying you won't be back full-throttle? I believe. Do you?
I believe...that the Rockets are on course to fulfill their destiny. 50 wins was never realistic. A championship was never realistic. The "historic collapse" is an unfortunate side effect. However, begging for scraps at the bottom of the West playoff race is where an underachieving team with a mediocre head coach belongs.
The way I see it, the Rockets are playing with 1 hand tied behind their collective back. And yet are still competing in each and every game. This is a good team. Not the BEST collection of talent in the NBA today, but this team is solid. Get us in the playoffs on a level playing field and we can hang with anyone.
You gotta believe......or else why bother wasting your time watching? Keep the faith...it could be worse.
One thing for sure...if we do play Minnesota in the playoffs "if" we make the playoffs, then I like that match-up a whole helluva lot better than us matching up against Golden State. Maybe I'm crazy but Golden State whooped our butts the last two times. I think we match up well with Minnesota.
the key is that those players need to believe, whether we believe or not matter nothing. Hopefully they will see your post.
You know for somebody who dislikes the rockets so much you sure spent a ton of time on the boards, what’s the deal? I’m sure there are tons of other things you could be doing. Anyway, I always believe and that makes the payoff so much better!
For the record, I embrace A-Train's negativity whole-heartedly. This place would be boring if it was only full of pollyana posts like mine. A little bit of snark is good, and A-Train gives a lot. Plus, we all know he really doesn't want the Rockets to lose. I would have been shocked and dissappointed if my post didn't trigger a caustic quip from A-Train. (good to hear there are other believers, though!)
Rasselas -- I really enjoyed your post. Your Bubba McDowell reference rocked (seriously). While your belief is cool and positive, think about how unbelievable it is that we are at this stage: having to BELIEVE that we will make the playoffs. We were a shoe-in 2-3 weeks ago. I think we'll still make the playoffs, and if we get there, I believe anything can happen. When you have a "potentially" dominating big man, you have a very good chance of making some noise. However, ALL I CARE ABOUT is that serious changes are made in the offseason. If Yao goes off in the playoffs or we make it past the first round, then I beg of the fans and Rockets management to please (oh please, please, PLEASE) not buy in to the Fools Gold and keep this team as-is next season. That would be the only true disaster for this team.
I believe that the Rox will get the #7 seed in the playoffs. But I do not believe that they will have any impact in the first round when they are to be eliminated quickly.
i believe Clutch is absolutely correct on this one. the worst thing that could happen is a false sense of accomplishment brought about by a nice showing in the first round of the playoffs. let's collectively pray that doesn't happen. this team MUST be blown apart immediately when free-agency starts. please. i'm starting to doubt that we'll even make the playoffs anyway .
this isn't about belief it's about a making intangibles tangible and working a great system unfortunately, our geniuses don't know Rocket science
It's time to believe. Everybody else step aside. VG's wax on wax off philosophy is about to come clear. Can you handle it? I believe.
Great post, Rasselas--I want to believe, I really do. These last few games have literally torn me to pieces, which is a manifestation of my love for the Rockets as well as my non-existant social life. But all that matters is making the playoffs--we have to do it. We will. I believe. Oh yeah, and it'd be nice to play Minnesota in the first round...
