I understand JVG's style is to make teams beat you from the outside, but, when the other team has shooters (which most teams do), it becomes really tough to keep up with on offense seeing as we don't hit our open shots yet we give them space to shoot whenever. I don't know, this is going to kill us. Why does JVG want perimiter defenders when he wants teams to beat him from the outside? I don't understand, as long as we win, I guess.
Maybe I'm just seeing things, but it seems to me the Rockets are actually more effective in this game when Mutombo is on the floor. Maybe that's because the Spurs don't double-team Mutombo and/or just let their guard down a little when Yao's off the floor? Or maybe I'm just imagining things...
True, Mutombo can protect the paint thus Spurs can't penetrate, especially Parker. This gives Rox perimeter players more freedom to defend the perimeters. Yao can't do that.
Maybe Stro should stay out there the rest of the 4th... see what happens. He seems to have something to prove, which could be beneficial for the Rockets. Or not... Of course, that meaty dunk he just had explains at least part of my enthusiasm for leaving him out there.
Great hustle and finishing by Luther. Stro on the previous two plays showed more than just flashes of brilliance. He should be credit for an assist to Yao's 2 FTs.
