Defensively: I think we're doing a really good job overall......they're just hitting their shots. Basically good defense better offense. Offensively: * Brooks can not hesitate on the pick n roll.....if his defender goes under, then he should launch without hesitation just like he did in Game 1. * Let Artest catch the ball on a curl. Artest can't blow by anyone 1 on 1 but if he gets the ball on curls with a step ahead of his defender, he's basically unstoppable going to the basket. * We all know that they won't let Yao beat them, so if we get atleast 10 good looks for Yao and have Scola make the open shots then we have a great chance. Please add any more suggestions.
Offensively: Brooks needs to pass to an open Yao. Brooks isn't our first option on offense. Brooks is a frickin' roleplayer and if he doesn't understand that he needs to get the ball to Yao or, if he doesn't trust Yao (like that loser Brooks has even earned the right not to trust his teammates) then he needs to be shipped outta here.
it most likely will come down to execution (getting old, i know). late in a series, sometimes there ain't too many "adjustments" to speak of. both teams kinda have "seen it all". it will be execution, determination and composure.
I don't see it as a lack of trust or a lack of understanding of what is required of him. He isn't a PG. When he gets under pressure he feels he needs to score,he can't do anything else.
Keys to winning: Brooks sees 0 playing time Artest only shoots the ball if no one is within 100 feet of him.
Here's how to win the game: More Kyle Lowry and less Aaron Brooks More Von Wafer and less Ron Artest (particularly in the 4th when Ron decides he no longer trusts the offense and shoots us out of the game) More Chuck Hayes and less Carl Landry really, that's it.
Then he needs to sit. When you have a player like Yao, there's a major malfunction with the team if the PG can't or won't get him the ball because he's mentally weak and breaks down under pressure. And if he can't perform the duties of a PG because he isn't a PG then his useless ass needs to be shipped outta town. Plain and simple.
Accountability. It all start with Rick. Call plays, get into player face if they don't follow the game plan esp. ab and ron. No go-to player means we have to rely on system. Not 1 on 1 play. Cut, move the ball to create quality shot instead of AB dribbling out the clock then dump it ron to heave a bad 3. Got to make every possession counts.
I don't know how Adelman can get AB to pass to Yao at the 6:40 mark of the 4th quarter, after Yao had sealed his man. All Adelman can do is bench AB, but unfortunately Lowry wasn't playing great tonight either.
We need to figure out how to put a body on LeMarcus Aldridge. I believe Portland used more screens to get him some breathing room, and he's been deadly when he has time to shoot. The Rockets have to dictate the pace of the game, as they did until Game 5. It was smart of McMillan to put in Rudy Fernandez early in that game, which I thought changed the pace and dynamic to their advantage. Next time, the Rockets have to keep their poise and discipline and just grind it out. The Blazers are young but improving by the game, and Roy should be over his flu by Thursday. We can win, but it won't be easy.
Offensively: Start KL, limit AB's minutes, keep AB out of 4th quarter for god's sake, keep artest under control, center around Yao and Scola, set spot up jump shot opportunities for Battier or Vafer Defensively: Put Artest and Battier alternatively on Roy, double team Aldrige when needed, Rox fans 'Defense' chant throughout the game
Three things: - Sit the players that cannot handle the pressure, meaning: AB, Wafer, Landry, Lowry & Artest - More ball movement - Pass it to Yao, Scola & Battier because they need more shots instead of Artest & AB. I'm still baffled how Battier did not shoot more, Scola did not get the ball more and Yao was taken out by his own teammates
