Let me clarify, the reason we lose so many close games is that Steve and Cuttino try to do too much in the 4th quarter or close games. Last night (even though we won) they almost blew it again. We are up by 6-8 points with about 6 minutes to go, and Cuttino forces up a bad shot, then turns it over on a bad pass, then Francis tosses up a hurried shot, then Cat takes an ill advised 3, and BAM, Boston is right back in the game. The only reason we won, is that Cat had to pass the ball to Moochie in the corner because he had nowhere else to go. Every game for 3 and 1/2 quarters we pass the ball and look great on offense, then when, what Magic used to call WINNING TIME comes around, our 2 guards decide to do it on their own. If they can learn to trust their teamates in crunch time this team could go off on a major run. In fact, I predict the Rockets will struggle until Eddie Griffin is the primary offensive scoring threat, and Cat and Francis defer to him on the pick an roll at crunch time. DD
I don't know about Griff being the primary scoring option right now, but I do agree that we'd be a better team if we moved the ball. Last year there were a lot of posters saying that trying to turn this team into the Kings was bad because that's not our game, but I have to disagree. While I don't think we're as good at passing as The Kings I do believe that we would have a better record moving the ball and taking the easiest shot especially in the "winning time," I think that Steve is trying to get there, but may be afraid to take the gamble with the game on line.
Agreed 100% We won't beat many teams with only 2 guys coming to play. We need 4-5 guys to step up a night, and that won't happen until there is better ball movement, and getting people involved for 48 minutes. The opposing defenses WANT Francis and Mobley to have the ball as long as they do. That makes their defensive responsibilities 10 times easier, when they know that Cat and Francis are the only ones who will have the ball.
Da Da, You make a really good point. Last nite I was trying to analyze why we always fall apart down the stretch. We did it again last nite...just got away with it. Stevie is an incredible athlete but his decision making is not consistently good. When he takes it into the teeth of the defense, esp. late in games, the refs simply aren't going to bail him out when he gets stuffed. And Mobley continues to force shots, even when nothing is there. Looks at the really good passing teams: Sac, LA, Dallas, they move the ball until there is the open shot; and they get into their offense early enough to do so. During Hakeem's development, the Rox only began to win when his assists exceeded his turnovers. It's not just about the players learning to trust their teammates, it's about the coaching staff insisting on the extra pass and unselfishness. This team does not have a high basketball IQ, and until they change they're gonna struggle, I don't care what the talent level.
DaDakota, Good points, but I think its only fair to include Moochie in the above statement, as he has been our starting point guard as much as Steve this season. Moochie seemed much more effective last year by changing the offense up and playing the role of "true point guard". He seems to be trying to create or look for his shot first, rather than keeping the other team off balance. When Steve was out, I think the team would have benefitted more if he still had that same mentality, instead of trying to supplant him and his game. It seems like the teams that keep winning without their star player do so by coming together and trusting each other more. The team as a whole, not any individual, has to make up for the missing player (See Shaq-less Lakers, Webber-less Kings). When the player does return, the team as a whole is that much stronger. Even the Rockets didn't do anything great until Hakeem learned he couldn't do everything, and started to trust his teammates. Deja, vu?
Also, I get tired of Cuttino whining all game to the refs, and Steve saying "And one" each time he shoots the ball. If you want respect from the officials, try showing some to them too. Hand them the ball for once instead of letting it just fall to the floor and roll away. I am sure outside of Houston, people see these 2 as punks. They are good players, and play with a lot of heart, but don't understand what it takes to win.....YET !! DD
OMG I hate that. He really does do it every time he shoots. Why not worry about making the shot instead? I wish he would shut his freaking mouth.
I agree, but the system and the NBA is to blame as well. I hate all the isolations. I want plays. I want ball movement. I want player movement. I want man to man defense back. I want pics. I want an inside game. I want E.G. to start and get 40 min for the rest of the season. I want S.F. and C.M. to grow up and become as mature as E.G. I want...... Did you read the AP interview with A.Walker of the Celtics who said that the Rockets showed them more isolations than ANY TEAM THEY HAVE PLAYED THIS YEAR!!!
