ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Grizzlies 11/7/2006

The Jones dunk was terriffic, but it wasn't really over Yao, who was moving over to try and help but was late on the rotation. I can see why it is in the top ten, the explosion to the rim was amazing.

Amel, I pretty much agree with your assessment of the game last night. The rockets looked pretty bad in stretches but Tmac and Yao played well in the fourth. That is the formula we need to remember, all the talent on the bench helps us keep things close and Tmac and Yao have to carry us down the stretch. That is the one positive you can take from that game last night.

Several have asked why no Bonzi. He was on the inactive list with JL3 and Sura. That changes every night, but not sure if JVG thinks Bonzi is in shape enough to contribute. Bonzi said to the press he was ready but it was up to coach. VanGundy called his bluff and threw him out there in the last two games and he looked out of shape and not ready. Now he is on and soon off the inactive list. Smart move by coach to let the player's ego see that he is not as good on the court as he thought he was yet. It's a long season, we can use a healthy in shape Bonzi.

The only real dissappointment was ZERO minutes for Novak. There were stretches where no one could hit a shot and I kept thinking, put in our best shooter coach! But tonight is a high flyer high point kind of game, so maybe the fresher players will contribute (Novak and Billy).

It really was an ugly game to watch, reminded me of the old Knicks games. But a win is still a win. Let's build on it tonight.

 

Appreciate that summary. It's good to hear that not all opposing fans are insensitive jerks. I feel pretty bad for the Grizz, even tho they are the inferior team, probably by far. They lose their best representive in Battier in the off-season, lose their best player Gasol to a significant injury, and lost last night's game in Battier's homecoming. Still the fans were positive. We need more positive people on this board.

Let's realize, none of our players are injured, we are winning our divisional games, the players are learning to play with each other, and Tracy hasn't even hit his stride yet. There should be only hope, not despair.

 

TMAC will get a trible double !

GO ROX !

 

No need to worry given a progressing TMac and stable Yao and Battier, in addition to a group of randomly working supporting players, we will win the game.

 

Yao was blocked out by Cardinal, or someone down low, so he was extremely late going for the block. There was almost zero defense in that play. T-mac completely lost his man without even trying to catch up. So it was basically a freebie. But most people, including the crew at ESPN will make a big deal out of it b/c it's against Yao.

 

I watched the game on NBA LP and I thought the Grizzlies television guys were very fair in their analysis. Very complimentary of the Rockets offseason additions and mostly objective when evaluating the officiating. Props to them for not being complete homers.

 

LOL. I was stunned last night when I came to the board. I was expecting a celebration mode but instead guys were having pissing matches here. It's kinda amazing isn't it?

 

Battier was even better than i thought against his former team. 12 pts, Drills 2 threes, 5 boards and 4 steals. Priceless!

 

Go Rocks!

 

Well, as we've seen in the past, Yao takes it pretty personal anytime somebody tries to dunk on him and succeeds, even if it really wasn't on him. He immediately came down on offense and demanded the ball and went to the hole and got fouled. I can count numerous times, he's done that. He definitely responds to a challenge, and I just wish he kept that intensity from the minute the jump ball goes up at the start, he would be droppin 40 plus every night. After "The Dunk"...which I didn't think was all that great....atelast not great enough to catch number two on SC's top ten, Yao came out and stepped up in the 4th quarter, and then spoke of the embarrassment after the game. He should take pride in the fact that he came out and stepped up in response and helped his team get a win. He's got to realize that he is a superstar, and 7'6 and, and every athletic guy in the NBA is going to try and dunk on him when given an open lane. Its gonna happen....infact it happens to everyone. Its all about how you respond. Hey, if Yao has to take a highlight dunk every night in order to get the krunk flowin....hell I say let em dunk. I did like how Overhype Swift tried to go for a repeat performance a few minutes later and clanged off the back of the rim.....dumbass. Bottomline, good win, especially when playing so sloppy. I'll tak it.

 

That wasn't even a dunk on Yao at all! Yao was being pushed away from Dahntay Jones, he just jumped up and that's it, he wasn't really even contesting that dunk. And of course stupid ESPN is making a huge deal out of it. What a shame.

ESPN is racist.