Hell Yes I am proud. We've been written off for years. I like some of you have been here since the early days meaning a decade ago. We've sat and watched the Rockets get written off time after time after time. Some of us took those comments lightly, and some exploded and wanted blood. This is the first time in a long time that I think all of us new and old members can put their heads up in the air. We can pump our fists at every shot and we can go home and say to ourselves no matter what the result of tomorrows game Everyone gave it an all or nothing effort. This isn't the story of David and Goliath. That's the story of a man vs a giant. They way I see it, We are now just as much of a Giant in the NBA. A little injured but we are definitely a force/juggernaut to be recognized. I also hope this run signifies just how much more of a threat we are going to be once Yao and Tmac returns.
Of course I'm proud; I'm very proud of my team and any Rocket fan that isn't proud, well, I'd have to question his or her support and dedication to our team... At the beginning of this season, like most of you, I was amped and hopeful about our season's possibilities. I felt we could be legit contenders, couldn't wait for Ron to suit up, couldn't wait to see how T-Mac and Yao did this year, etc, etc. But more than anything, I couldn't wait to see if we'd finally get out of the first round this year-that is what meant more to me than anything. I recall thinking that if we could make it out of round 1 and push whatever team we faced in the semi's to 7 games, not only would I be happy, I would be proud and consider the season a real success. I became a Rockets fan at, like, 8 yrs old during the Hakeem/Rudy T championship era, but after the failure of Barkley and Pippen in the late 90s I got almost entirely out of following Rocket basketball, began to casually follow the NBA as a whole, and focused my attention to the NFL. That is, until Tracy (who was my favorite NBA player during his Orlando days) was traded to my favorite, all-be-it personally neglected, NBA team; causing me to get progressively more interested in basketball and to again follow closely my once beloved Houston Rockets. During T-Mac's first season in Houston, I began slowly at first, but by the end of the season I was watching nearly every game on FSN, and fantasizing about just how good the T-mac/Yao pairing might be eventually... Of course, my jubiliation was short lived as the Rockets blew a 1st round series lead against the Mavs, and subsequently blew every playoff birth they got for the next several seasons. My point is, even though I haven't been a dedicated fan as long as many of you, I have followed this team closely since 04-enjoying every high and our team's endless possibility, but ultimately being let down by injuries or collapses every season that I have closely followed this team. Though there has been a lot to be happy about, and it's nice to support a team that's consistantly playoff caliber, the unfulfilled expectations of the past several years have often left me crushed at season's end-having followed every player and every game so closely all season long. But this season has been different. Our collective wish of a first round triumph have come true, and regardless of what happens in game 7, not only am I proud of this team, but my confidence in the current lineup's future potential has been completely invigorated. Had we of lost yet another round 1, I think I would have favored serious change; maybe even a stark rebuilding of this team. Instead, the Rockets have convinced me with their round 1 victory, and their play against the Lakers with and without Yao, that this is a team that, with a little improvement and perhaps some small roster additions, can win a title. The current roster needs to be preserved as much as possible; as this is a team with heart, character, balance, chemistry, and true championship intangibles. The Rockets have really staked out a can-do, defense oriented, slug-it-out-with-anyone team identity, and to break that up now would be a tragedy. I say we keep Artest, try to keep as much of the bench as possible, and see if T-mac can come back and seriously contribute, because if he can come back at or near his 07-08 lvl of play and successfully fit in to our current lineup... then we might have a team that can win 60 games and title; and not just next season but for the next 2 or 3. Anyhow, in closing... game 7 and whatever happens after that is important, but I've already been more proud in the Rockets this season than I have been at any point in the 10 years. My happiness and pride in seeing Houston win round 1, push an amazing Lakers squad to 7 games WITHOUT Yao ming, and forge an identity that they have lacked for so long is unmatched by anything I've seen in basketball since I was a kid watching Houston win its second title. Indeed, I hope we pull an amazing upset in game 7 so I can rejoice in our wonderful season going on a little longer and the true possibility of a Finals appearance, but if the Rockets lose to the Lakers... for a change, I won't be completely distraught at the loss and season's end. Infact, I probably won't feel any worse than a kid who has finished opening all of his presents on Christmas day. What I mean by that is; I'll feel a little sad at the end of such an exciting year, knowing that another exciting season of Rockets' basketball is so far away, but at the same time it'll be hard to focus on any sadness because I've just been privvy to a great season that has fulfilled the expectations I had at the start of the season. It would be difficult to get upset at losing to LA, after such a hard fought, entertaining series, and a season full of overcoming hardship and playoff success that has alluded our team and us fans for a decade. We can all figure out and discuss where exactly this team is headed, what exactly it needs, and what should be done during the offseason whenever the offseason comes. For now, let's all take pride in what the Rockets have done this season, be happy that they've established a team identity we can be proud of (because the great, championship caliber teams have identities and now so do the Rockets), and enjoy game 7 as much as humanly possible... because it may be the last Rockets game for awhile. And if it is, so be it I say; a title would taste sweet but for the first post season in years I'm truly content with what our Rockets have achieved. Win or lose, we have a great team going forward, and I have a feeling this is a team we're gonna be proud of for many more seasons to come.
This team including every single player, has lots of shortcomings, but they always have heart. You don't need a second round game 7 to be proud of this team. This team showed heart even in last series against Lakers with 4 future HOFs. I am always proud of this team.
No, unless blood is shed. The Rockets are a better team than the Lakers because they are a team in the whole sense of the word to quote Rudy T. Lakers are a bunch of individuals who cannot even beat a 7 man squad without the help of the refs. I would be embarrased if some1 was to help me out to beat another team in sports. Guess that's just me SHED BLOOD, MY ROCKETS !! SHED BLOOD !!!
Yes I am proud. But here is the thing, these opportunities don't come up all the time, playing in game 7's, chance to shock the world, establish a place in NBA Lore... The Rockets need to realize this and play game 7 exactly how they played Game 1, 4, & 6
great post.. That game was a heart breaker but when you come to think about it. The Rockets got the last laugh
I can't be proud of this team anymore. Way to come out strong guys. I wanted to end the season on a good note. Hopefully we won't lost by more than 15.
Not to sound like a homer or anything but what did you expect. No McGrady. No Yao. No Deke. Game 7. Away against the Lakers who are healthy. Tall and lanky. With the way our roster is now and the way their roster is its basically a 1seed vs. 8th seed. If guys really think the rockets was going to win this game then idk. Im sorry but real talk they weren't going to win. Kobe was not going to aloud his team to lose a game7 in his home court. Not with the way the Rockets team looks now. No way sir.
We're playing our asses off. The talent and size difference is just too much to overcome. I'm damn proud of this team for even getting to this point and giving everyone reason to believe.
