All, Here's our latest column from what seems destined to go down as the most amazingly improbable streak in sports history: http://blogs.houstonpress.com/ballz/2008/03/rocketshawks_where_20_in_a_row.php As always, your comments and critiques are immensely appreciated. Thank you so much for checking us out. JCF
good article hopefully they arent looking forward to sunday's game and handle business tomorrow against the bobcats.
So here's a question for you Jason (and anyone else who wants to answer): taking everything into consideration (our horrible start, Yao's injury, questions about his heart, etc..), is this T-Mac's greatest accomplishment to date in the NBA?
Reason: Picture1: JVG --- defense comes first. Picture2: Adlman --- attacking... Picture3: Join together Picture4: T-Mac --- Yes,this is the reason why we are on a 19(20):0 steak!!
Jason, is Houston Press giving you props yet for your work and the glowing compliments you get in the comment section?
Okay, I'll bite. Since basketball is a team game, and accomplishments of any real significance must be centered around the team, I'd have to say yes. However, I think it's important to remember that T-Mac played at an MVP level when Yao went out last year. So we've seen this before, it's just that it never previously manifested itself in the form of a 20 game winning streak. There are, of course, many reasons for that which have nothing to do with McGrady. His teammates are better. The chemistry is better. And, taking absolutely nothing away from the streak, the schedule has been favorable. As someone who has lobbied the Rockets to at least consider trading T-Mac in the past (only because of his sometimes fragile nature, mind you. I've never questioned his spectacular talent), I'll be the first to admit the guy often gets a raw deal. His playoff numbers are beyond reproach. It's not as if the guy hasn't shown up in the postseason. But as I said at the outset, all accomplishments of significance occur in the team setting. And when that measuring stick is applied to T-Mac, he is shown to be lacking, however ridiculously unfair that might be, I get it. So does he. So greatest accomplishment? I say yes. Best he's ever played? Debatable. But we all know the taste of this accomplishment will ultimately be determined by the Rockets success, or lack thereof, come playoff time. Thanks for reading. JCF
This team with Yao is still undersized but with a commanding presence in the middle. Last nite's game was as ugly as The Streak is glorious, but let's wait til the Bobcat game is history, and the history that will present, before worrying about The Kobe-esters. I do tend to wonder just what would be nationally screamed if it were the Knicks or Lakers with this run, tho we have had lotsa banner headlines tossed in Rox direction. Keep writing and hopefully keep writing about the ongoing Streak.
Thanks for pointing that out. It's fixed now. That'll be the last time I use yahoo sports for any dated stats. JCF
They've treated me quite well, thanks for asking. The Press gets me in the doors and inside the locker room, and that alone is a tremendous privilege I cherish and take very seriously. That said, it's also a what have you done for me lately business, so the daily comments are always appreciated. My natural impulse is to always want to do more, more, more. I have a ton of ideas I'd love to explore with my Rockets/sports coverage in the future. Hopefully soon, those doors too will open. Thanks so much for reading. JCF
Good to hear. It's been great having your articles as an alternative to the Chronicle. I prefer the way you write and I don't feel like you're giving us straight fluff like they do. Keep up the good work.
I would have laughed in your face if you told me the rockets would be listed as the top team in the southwest division with no yao ming at this point in the season.
When we beat the the bobcats and lakers, i would love for houston writers and bloggers to give the national media a bit of their own medicine by writing on how the 22 game streak > 33 game streak in today's NBA.
The Hawk: No matter what, I was leading him by a point at hard time. That was already very hard to do! The Rocket: Lets rush! Narrative: Expecting the Hawks to stop Rockets? Guess even the Hawks themselves won't believe it. Rockets 83-75 Hawks, 20 Straight Wins Second Best in History
