I haven't seen the Rockets play a better game this year. They played their best defense of the season, they passed the ball; they rebounded; they made free throws; they made a comeback; they built a lead; they kept the lead; and they won. It was a sight to behold. The Rockets beat a good team on the road, and they limited the best player in league history to only 11 points. Defense! Defense! Defense! The Rockets won this game because of defense. Rotations were quick, shot blocking was there, and turnovers were forced. There were very few uncontested shots for the Wizards. The Rockets recognized patterns in the Wizards game plan, and they adjusted. Hopefully, the Rockets will take what they learned from this game and apply it to every game for the rest of the season: defense wins games.
ZRB, you are right. And it fun to watch them confidently close out the game. AND MY APOLOGIES TO THE LITTLE DRIBBLER whom I trashed before the game in the thread on "going small." His decision making and leadership really helped Rox take control of the game. This was the best TEAM EFFORT I have seen all year...they really showed trust in one another. SOMETHING TO BUILD ON! Dallas Rocket
If the Little Dribbler can give us 12 dimes a game, we should re-do his contract and give him a raise.
I didn't get to see it, but I'm glad they won. I liked the box score numbers with the exception of Steve's turnovers. He's been turning the ball over a lot lately. But it's tough to criticize someone who often plays through migraines. Good job, Rox.
Defense was quite nice but two other things caught me. Ball movement. I nearly wet my pants during the run in the third. Instead of dribble, dribble, dribble, to infinity. We got Mooch swinging it to Cuttino who swings it to the other side to an open KT. For a brief stetch the ball movement reminded me of our championship years. Second, we actually pushed the ball up the court and tried to run. Mobley or Frnacis would rebound and push the ball up the court. What a difference that extra couple of seconds on the shot clock make! BTW, play of the game? KT rebounds, THROWS AN OUTLET PASS, and Francis hits a layup while getting fouled by Jordan. SHows the value of having a couple of days of practice. Ball movement.
I was getting worried for a second. That was the first Rockets fast break I had seen in a looong time. Jordan looked so slow on that play. He had the inside angle too, yet got burned.
i don't know, it was a great game but it wasn't the most complete offensive game of the year. the first quarter was still ugly as hell and i couldn't wait to get that 3 guard line-up outta there. thankfully moochie and cuttino were both hitting so we didn't pay for it.
What was up with Kenny knockin' down the J from the top of the key? During warmups Kenny was working on that shot a lot. That would be great if he could hit that consistently.
I have been swept away by the negativity lately, and I am so excited to hear good news for a change. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch the game myself. It sounds like the Rockets proved that they have the coaching and ability to do the things we seem to think they have completely forgotten. Now if we can just add a little consistency and good vibes to the mix the Rockets could pull out the season on a positive note. I wish Eddie was a bigger part of the win.... but I'll take what I can get.
