STEVE FRANCIS! Yes, I am saying it, because it is TRUE. I have never been a "Stevie" fan, as many of you know. But, last night I was impressed. It is still possible that everone else was so bad that he looked good by contrast, but he should be given his due. He shot well, his passes were crisp and well timed, and his penetration/kick outs won the game. His turnovers were minimal, and I didn't see one goofy dipsey doodle shot for a turnover. Nor did he dribble off his foot. In fact, he didn't overdribble. If last night is any indication, he has significantly improved his game. He is a very talented kid, but he has often allowed his "ego-needs" to undercut his "team" success. Perhaps he is growing up; I wish him well.
We've always known that Francis was capable of playing like this and we've seen it before. The problem though is consistency and discipline. We've seen Francis play a tight game one night only to play sloppy and boneheaded the next night. I've always like Francis' heart and his jaw dropping athleticism but until he gets consistent he's never going to dominate the game like he could.
Did you watch the game? He was taking the same shots he did with us, only more. He shot over defenders. Tried to beat his man one on one every time. Dished out only when he got in trouble. He was playing EXACTLY the same way. The only difference was his shots were falling this game. The only improvements was he didn't have as many turnovers this game, strongly due to our lousy perimeter D. JVG sort of took a gamble by not doubling him (in all honestly, even if we did, I don't know how it would have worked out given how awful our rotation looked) and lost. When he finally did bring Jon Barry over to help it was already late in the 4th quarter. And he dribbled ALL over the court.
right, stevie has matured with his game.. I didn't see him showing off last night.. that's a good sign for Magic. I don't watch all his games but I hope he keeps that way all the time.
I saw most of the game. My recollection was that he did not dribble as much, that he would come down more quickly and then whip the ball around the perimeter.
Steve is their goto guy. And it looked like he was being more unselfish this year than in prior years with those passes to Nelson in crunch time. I was impressed.
You know, come to think of it, let`s quit booing him (see my response on the Francis reception thread) and get him back. Francis, particularly as we saw him last night, and McGrady together might be unstoppable.
I'll tell you who the smartest player on the court definitely was NOT. Stro Swift. Even Yao Ming's out there trying to tell him where to set up (during the play!) so the middle's not totally clogged.
My observations from being at the game were that Steve did exactly what he did with us - dribbled too much, took alot of off-balance shots, played relatively soft defense, but stayed the focus of attention and made some big plays, mostly driving toward the basket. The Jameer passes were not unlike what Steve and Cat would do regularly. Jameer was the one draining the 3s. It really was the same play run 4 times in a row. Each time Steve took the ball in on the right side and dished to Jameer at almost the exact same point just beyond the arch at the top of the key. When we finally cought on - the 4th time - Jameer was ready with a fake and a sweet move to the basket. Something tells me coaching came into this one. That, and Jameer Nelson is a pretty damn good player. It's funny that some of you act like the Rox never won a game with Steve. We actually went to the playoffs if you can remember back that far.
And the smartest player on the court last night was probably Jon Berry - except for the stupid behind-the-back pass that flubbed on him late.
Looked like the same Steve to me. He was still taking tough shots with defenders in his face. He would fade to the side on many of his shots, making them more difficult than they should have been. He still could not hit the 3 consistently. His team only managed, what, 11 assists for the game? He played well and made his shots, but these games against us are all Steve has at this point. They are his version of the playoffs.
YA SteVE WAS SMart, bUT He jUST DID it agAINst the rocKETS....I live in orlando, so i KNOW HOW IT PLAYS, bUT HE SUCked and was virtually non existance in the FIRst 2 gaMES Of thE SEASOn fOR THem.....buT PROPS TO STEVE LAST NIGHT
