I know I and most other fans that follow the Rockets closely have been disappointed with the Rockets start, mostly because we can see them do so much better when they are actually playing to their abilities, but nevertheless I thought I'd post some positive stats to make ya'll feel better about the progress the Rockets have made this year. Of course, there are lies, damn lies, and statistics, so take it for a grain of salt, but still... # of players in double-digit scoring: 2007-2008: 4 Yao (22.0), McGrady (21.6), Rafer (13.1), Scola (10.3) Note: Yao missing 27 games definitely increased the PPG's of the other three, and Scola def. would not have had double-digits if not for his injury. 2008-2009 (through 20 games): 6 Yao (18.9), Artest (15.7), T-Mac (15.6), Alston (11.6), Scola (11.0), Brooks (10.8), (Battier is at 9.75 PPG through 4 games) I used to look at the Suns box score and salivate at the thought of six players avging double-digits. I dunno if it's the best way to play but it's sure fun. Kinda like stat-padding in sports video games. Rockets' 3-pt shooting% 2007-2008: 34.2% 2008-2009: 37.9% Rockets' FT% 2007-2008: 72.6% 2008-2009: 82.4% Rockets' FT attempts/game 2007-2008: 22.5 2008-2009: 25.8 Yao Ming's minutes/game 2007-2008: 37.3 2008-2009: 34.0 Rafer Alston's Usage Rate: 2007-2008: 20.6 2008-2009: 18.0 T-Mac's Usage Rate: 2007-2008: 29.3 2008-2009: 22.8 Rockets' ADOLT (Awful Decision-making on Long Two-pointers) Rating: 2007-2008: 674.3 2007-2008: 42.6 Hmm, I wonder if those last three stats are correlated... So, enough flaming lying on my part. All the other statistics are not looking so hot. Except any other silver lining stats you might wanna add to these! And remember, stay positive: it's not how you start, it's how you lay 43 points on the G-Warriors in the 4th to win by 19.
to me the most pleasant surprise this season has been the free-throw shooting. i mean, 10% as a team is a huge, huge improvement and is definitely a game-deciding factor.
