...and the Rockets needed a lost to keep on to the 6th seed so that a match-up for the Sonic is possible. Would you root for the Rockets to lose? Yea, this sounds like a rediculous question but its possible the scenarios could play out this way. I'm not sure if we should risk and tank the last game and go into the playoff on a low note, or kill the Sonic and gain some confidence heading into the playoff with a push while playing Dallas instead.
If the Rockets feel they have a clear advantage over a certain team and that they need to lose the last game, they would just do it. Why should we root for the Rockets to lose?
Well if you have been reading the chronical or listen to the radio, JVG and most of the player have made it clear that will try to win out every game and that they shouldn't tank any of them for what ever reason.
What if the sonics want to play the kings? Then we'd just have two teams trying to lose. I can see it now, "Padgett waves off Moochie and isos Mateen Cleaves on the perimeter..."
Instead of tanking the game, just have Yao and T-Mac sit out to nurse some nagging bumps and bruises. The last thing we need is Yao and/or T-Mac to be injured right before the playoffs in an otherwise meaningless game. Of course Seattle will be doing the same (unless they need a win to hold off Denver for the division title) and it will go down as one of the most un-watchable games ever.
The "Yes" option is poorly worded, but I voted for it anyway. If you are of the opinion that the Rockets can beat anybody, then consider whether you want to have a five (or so) game series (Seattle) or a seven game series (anyone else). There's just no way Houston can decisively beat SA or Dallas in the way they might be able to do against Seattle. In fact, I doubt they can beat the Texas teams at all. Dallas is better since we played them and we never win in SA. But even if you believe they can, why play extra playoff games when you don't have to? Get some rest after the first round series, like most champions do.
how about this for a scenario. We go into our last game against seattle at home needing to lose that game in order to get the 6th seed. So the Rocket players being well aware of this fact mail it in early and try to lose the game but seatlle is well aware of this fact as well and they do not want to face the Rockets in the first round so they try to lose the game as well. bet the under on that game.
That is hillarious, that would remind me of those low scoring games against the Spurs last year, oh wait, that was defence AND screwups.
I don't like the choices. I'd choose to lose the last game if it meant the best match up, but because it's our best chance, not because it's our ONLY chance.
Let's see. Suppose we do tank and get Seattle and on top of that, actually beat them, then what? We're not gonna win it all this year (not impossible, just highly unlikely). So you tanked just to get out of the first round instead of playing teams you'll still have to face in the future? Once a loser, always a loser. See Karla and Flopton.
I understand your concern. but another round gives you more chances, another shot, another day. and more chances is all you can ask for. thats more games, more entertainment, more mula, and most importantly more experrience for Yao and Mcgrady together and more opportunities to prove themselves. the more games the better for our young duo. it may end before the ultimate goal, but it could be the beginning, the beginning of the end for the rest of the league in the near future.
No one amongst us can predict the future. The future holds as much opportunity for Flip Murray or Luke Ridnour or Ray Allen to become an unconscious scoring machine as it does for Dirk or Dampier to severally twist an ankle. You play every game to improve as a team. Once the seeds have been locked, you rest the weary.
Floping got San Antonio Tim Ducan. Why can't we flop so we can get to see some extra playoff games in the second round? I'm sure Les wouldn't mind the extra money either. I also predict alot of people are going to want the 6th seed for years to come depending on the worst divisional winner. So this won't be anything unusual in the future. We might as well get used to it.
You know, these things can back fire big time. Even if Houston unintentionally lost the last game of the season and got Seattle, you can bet Nate McMillian will use it as proof that Houston thinks they are softer then Dallas to fire up his team. The only reason to want Seattle over Dallas is if you think Houston isn't that good, in which case you're basically saying we don't have a chance against San Antonio or Phoenix.
Everything can back fire on anyone. But you got me pegged pretty good. I know we can crush Seattle. That's why i at least want to get to the 2nd round. We have to at least get farther than we did last year in the playoffs. Sure, we can beat anyone, anytime, anywhere. But i'm looking at our realistic odds. Not being a blind folded Rockets fan that thinks we'll win it all every year. Since AJ took over Dallas, they're opponents are scoring 7 points less per game. He has them playing defense, while still shooting lights out. You can't tell me SA or Dallas is easier than the Sonics. Everyone knows we have the potential, even w/o Howard to make some serious noise this postseason. But i'll still take the easiest road to the finals there is. Tell me one GM that wouldn't want to. And that just happens to go through Seattle. There's a possibility we could be resting our players while 2 other teams are banging eachother up to see who plays us. The farther we get in the playoffs, the more the team will believe in JVG and eachother.
