Did anyone actually believe that the Rockets were going to win this series? I am happy as heck that the team is playing inspired ball, and is showing some true grit and moxy, and where the HECK was this fast break all year? Francis for the most part has played well, but he still makes too many mental errors. Cat also shoots at inappropriate times, JJ makes some questionable decisions. And Yao, needs to learn to get better post position and to protect the ball and stop reaching. BUT .....it is this teams first playoff run, and they are learning. I still think the pieces do not fit all that well, but I am truly enjoying the intesity the Rockets are bringing to the table night in and night out. I will be rooting for them to go to 7 games, but....I don't expect it. GO ROCKETS !! DaDakota
Game 5 is a test of this Rockets team's character, we'll see how they respond after a tough loss on Sunday. Are they going to rise to the occasion while everyone is against them or they are falling apart. At this point, it is not weather they'll win this series, but if they could have the mentality of expect to win every games they play.
Double D, Ahh Man! This is the first post of yours that I have disagreed with! I really did believe and I still somewhat do. I can totally see the Rockets thumping the Lakers in Game 5, coming home and working them over in 6, and anything can happen in game 7. Remember the Lakers are also the Flakers and have their excuses ready in case they fail.
If they don't learn from their mistakes in the playoffs, they never will... But, I have a feeling that teams and players learn more from one playoff game than they will from half a regular season's worth of games. That's the difference between the playoffs and the regular season. Just by playing in these 4 games alone will have a HUGE impact on how this team plays throughout next season. Trust me...
You know something. I'm both happy and disappointed at the playoffs. I thought the Rockets had no chance. So the fact that they won a game and played extremely close in two others made me quite happy. But on the other hand, the close games only reminded me more of the problems that has plagued this team all season. Had we just been blown out, I would've thought that hey, we just didn't have the talent. But now, each time we have one of those unforced TOs, those terrible shots, those stupid fouls... just excruciating.
Well, if they can somehow steal the game on Wed, then I will say they have a big fat chance go back to Staples Center for game 7. But even Wed's game is last game of the season for this team, I will just enjoy every mins they play. I have no doubt they will put a good fight. Just can't wait another half year for the new season.
Given our athletic abilitiy and basketball IQ, I don't know if JVG could squeeze any more blood out of this turnip. We're playing with passion and no give up - but what you see is all there is. Have always agreed with DD that the mix of players is not right, and therefore the whole seems < sum of the parts. It's been a good, not great, but good year and it's really fun seeing our Rockets back in the playoffs. Look for some more-than-minor tweaks over the summer to take the team to another level. D R
I believed they could do it. I believed the odds were against them, but they do have the tools to buck the odds. And I was right, they were very close to being up 3-1. The only reason I would believe that they have no chance, is if the refs would give the games to the lakers. I believe they can win every game this series, but I realize that it is doubtful. This experience is very valuable for our team. They are learning how to compete and what it takes to win in the playoffs. Much more valuable then getting their butts kicked like Memphis.
I just did not think that the team would play at this level, judging by how they played in the regular season. We are one Jimmy Jackson 3, and one 19 foot Francis airball from being up 3-1. They have played well, but they still make too many mistakes. I am just happy they are playing so tough, this is by far the best first round series, and I am proud of the effort they are displaying. There is no "Man behind the green curtain" handing out brains, so this was the most I expected from this team. DD
These Lakers don't scare me, and they shouldn't scare the Rockets either. I thought we were gonna hold serve every home game, and it would go to game 7. If we coulda stolen game 1, we'd be gravy. I'm still bitter we couldn't close out game 4. Credit Kobe for draining the big shots while our guys struggled. Our guys will lay it all on the line game 5, which could be good or bad. They could really get it rolling, or they might simply give up if things don't bounce their way early. Either way, I just have to wonder why it took going to the playoffs to see many of our turnovers disappear. We should be playing like THIS in the season and elevating from here in the post season.
I didn't believe they'd be down 3-1. I believed it would go 7 games before the series started. Now I'm not too sure.
To tell you the truth, I was hoping we would win, but being realistic I didn't think we would. So I was happy and disapointed in this series. I am happy that we have played pretty well and they are learning what they need to do to win in the playoffs. Stevie seems to be understanding how he needs to play for us to win. I am disapointed ONLY because of how well we have played them. After seeing how close these games were ( the losses except for 1), I really feel that we had a great chance to thump the Lakers a good one.
I believe in Rockets. If they did lose, they will win next one. Overall, I believe Rockets would send Fakers back home
i honeslty didnt think we would win; but who else thinks the lakers are overated, they are gonna get demolished by the spurs.
not much to dispute here lol. pretty solid arguments for their first trip to the playoffs in 5 years a win probably gave us hope at the time, but the inconsistency is still there until some pieces go or until we do it over and over with the same pieces and gain more post season experience needed to pass such teams as #2 or #3 seeds in the playoffs. that said though, I'll never give up on the rockets even 3-1
