I'm expecting a better effort defensively from the Rockets. They must reduce the transition baskets that the Suns are so good at. Make Nash accountable in defense and not loaf around watching Rafer launch clangers.
If RA decides to play Rafer the whole second half the Rockets will be blown out. With that being said I hope the Rockets bench can be a given a chance to help the team win.
The Rox have to pick up Steve Nash in the backcourt and pressure him as he brings the ball up court, that is the only way to slow down the fast break. If the team pressures the ball as the Suns bring it up court, they may slow them down enough to have a chance. Rafer and Steve need to spend all their energy on pressuring Nash and slowing the Suns down. I think the Rox will be competitive in this game, unlike the last, but they'll lose by 10. 109-99 Suns. I hope I'm wrong.
Yao needs to step it up vs Pheonix. The first meeting his line was: 4-17 FG .235 FG% 4-6 FT 3 REB 1 Steal 5 Blocks 6 TO 12 PT
SF3 should play major minutes at pg position. I remember Nash was SF3's substitute in the ASG 3 years ago.
to win, we need to play big out there so we can have someone punish nash on D (he's HORRENDOUS). play tmac/battier/bonzi/scola/yao. try something new for god sakes. we can run with this team.
if the rox crash the boards on the offensive side of the court, the suns will just fast break all day long. they have to shoot a high percentage, depend on yao to grab the boards, and pressure nash to slow him down.
in my opinion the player who should be benched so francis can play is bonzi. bonzi should be used on special occasions as the 12th man like if we play against smaller 3s or 2s.He really hurts us on the defensive end against these quicker small forwards and shooting guards. He also has trouble guarding the pick and roll.
suns loss to the warriors that has to hurt.............the suns take their frustration out on us...........we lose...hate to say it but i will be rooting for our team!
We just don't match up well against the Suns. I'm hoping for a win but expecting something different.
I think if Bonzi and Rafer decide to show up we have a chance. I know Tmac and Yao will have big games GO ROCKETS!!!!!!
Honestly, this road game is going a real test. Whether Rockets will win or not depends on their game plan. I believed the plan is to i). Stop Nash from running around us in the paint, hitting 3s and dishing good passes. The question is how and who? My gut feeling Francis or AB should get their chances to stop him if Rafer first few min showed that he can't i.e. if Rafer don't stop Nash, the Suns will increase lead fast 8-10 pts in 2-3 min. ii). I fancy Scola on Amare. He has handle him during the world qualifying and recently. iii). Now Marion is the difficult one. Any idea who can cut his drive and 3s. I don't think Scola can deal with him. Hayes can't either. More ideas needed. iv). I hope Yao is sharper for this game. The recent one he was having an off night. Anyhow if we slow down Nash and his 3s, we may have a chance.
The Rockets win their second game in a row. The Rockets have played well in Phoenix in recent years. Having Tracy back will definitely help and the Rockets pull this one off in the road 103-99.
