I caught the last 6 minutes... the last few games I keep forgetting they are playing... I wonder why?? maybe Adelman thinks, "Surely, Tracy won't embarrass himself with a lackluster effort." T-mac seems to be content to do so... or maybe Artest and T-mac are playing head games with one another... maybe T-mac surprised and soured Artest a bit with his seeming apathy for winning (hey, it's a long season; don't worry. just wait 'til spring!) and maybe they're trading "sit-outs". ... Francis' apathy got him what? Does Les realize this makes him look pretty silly as the owner? Or maybe no more committed than T-mac? I sure hope I start remembering to watch the games again... it's a real downer to realize I've missed so much excitement lately. Sounds like a good New Year's resolution.
I just watched the Christmas matchup between those two teams, and they are both playing at an extremely high level. The gap between those teams and the Rockets right now is huge, much greater than I'd imagined. Ultimately, it all hinges on McGrady's health. He has to play at 100% at the end of this season and the playoffs for the Rockets to even have a chance.
Another poor game from Alston and Battier, but I guess Battier is above criticism. T-Mac, I just don't know what to say about him anymore.
No energy at all..we still get close because of our benchs.. It's better to keep our bench to finish up the game..but Rick just did not want to take a risk. What you can said? it started to get tire being rockets fans..
I know this is going to sound crazy but I think we should start Von Wafer till Tmac's Knee is right. Tmac should come in with the second unit, with the way he is playing right now he can't even score with one on one coverage. He has no value in the starting lineup till he is healthy. I Cant believe he looked so bad out there after 2 days of rest.
Rafer and T-Mac were so frustrating yesterday, as others have said - especially T-Mac. At least Aaron Brooks is very capable of taking up the slack for RA - assuming Rick Adelman lets him. As far as T-Mac. . . His physical/mental shape and fortitude will be the soap opera of the season and mainly determine whether we go out for the seemingly 20th year in a row in the first round or play the Celtics or Cavs for the title in June.
T-Mac sucks point simple and plain, boy I can't wait till 2010 is here, not for Lebron to come here but when T-Mac is off the books, or just trade his ass, cause he is making me sick. I'm usually is on his side but he is starting to really get me mad, I'm ready to whoop his ass before every game to represent the fans and let him know we ain't F8cKin playin no more we sick of excuses, what was it last night , uhhhhhh the first game in 1 night, I'm serious Tracy imma pistol whoop yo BiT2h ass you keep playing with me
Ugly Game, Ugly Loss. I cant believe when Chandler got his 4th fouls in the third quarter, the whole team just stopped passing the ball to Yao to attack the basket....they basically gave the ball to SheMac and watched him making every shot short (or if not an air ball)....Where was the basketball IQ? Where was the coach?
Disappointing performance from the starting backcourt of Alston and McGrady, just awful shooting. Should have given Brooks more of Alston's minutes and probably the same for Wafer since he would have at least given more energy on both ends of the court than McGrady in this game. At least they could'nt have done any worse than the combined 3 for 21 output that Alston and McGrady had. Brooks had as many makes (3) with only 5 shots that those guys had with 21 attempts.
Why does everyone give Battier a pass. No high scoring wing to guard and the guy is offensively challenged. Then when posey came in at the end, he posted up shane and scored over the top. Everyone loves the intangibles, but what about the tangible iq to see your team struggling offensively and you can't recognize that and turn it up. He's bench material.
Agreed. Those open 3's need to fall. In the worst way. However I continue to root for Battier cause I know it irks the wannabe GMs in this board that he still gets love from the fans.
I belive he is in a lot of pain. We may question Tracy's attidue and effort (it may be a possible reason why he is struggling) but as for Battier it is all health. He wants to play but he is NOT READY. I mean, he HAS TO sit. He is hurting, he can't make shots and obviously he is not as good on defense. He is limited, he came back WAY too early.
I'm not see him laboring or limping going up and down the court. I'm a little amused that you are making medical decisions for Battier and Adelman when you are far removed from knowing the real situation. He may still be feeling it a little bit in the ankle but I would like to think if the pain is to the point it's not letting him do the things he's used to doing, then he and Adelman would make a prudent decision on that. How does a sore ankle affect shooting a wide open 3 ball anyway, from a guy who never really depended on superior athletic skills in the first place? I just think it's due to rust and he needs to practice a 100 of them each practice.
Because Battier has been the epitome of consistant and you know what his work ethic is. He is coming off injury and his shots havent been falling. So if he isnt hitting his shots, he is either lazy (not likely), bad (not likely),or hurt (likely). I can't speak for everyone, but I think its lame to criticize a player for playing through injuries.
Because Battier is coming off an injury... AND GIVING EFFORT. If he's hurting the team, then yes Adelman should take him out for a little, but atleast when he's in the game, there is no question he's giving 100 percent.
