After the Spurs game on 51, Mooch made a comment about going out and doing what Rudy needs done, and doing what Rudy wants...even if some other players might not like it. I find that a very interesting statement. I don't remember his exact words, but I can watch the tape again later for an exact quote. Anyways, it may seem that some players are not cooperating with Rudy, or they aren't happy with their role on the team. I wonder what the real deal is? I noticed that Steve was in the 2 spot in the 4th, Moochie had the ball, and it appeared that Steve wanted it, but didn't get it. I think Mooch then turned it over, and Steve ran down the court to foul the fast breaking Spur. On that possession, it appeared that Steve may have been a little upset. I don't know. Mooch played great, and he was out there with Steve a big portion of the game. More than normal. We played great team ball, we won, so hopefully the players can see what it takes to win. I just found that comment interesting.
Quit typing... watch the tape again like you suggested, then report back with exact quotes. I want quotes!!! This is interesting if Moochie let that slip, and if what you're quoting is in-context. Thanks.
please give the quotes. It's interesting. Ming got almost 20 shots tonight, MoT started, and ... I knew Rudy.T must have been hard about the way Rox playing...
Ok, since I care so much, even though it's 2am, and I have to work in the morning, I jotted down the words for you guys. Post game: Lisa: "You make things happen, you work really hard, and I think you are becoming more of a floor LEADER. Do you feel like you're taking that authority? Mooch: "Always, always. Rudy as a tremendous amount of confidence in me, he believes in me. He doesn't talk to me much, but he knows that when he wants something done, he only has to tell me one time, and I'll go out and make sure it gets done. Go out and make sure we get a play executed, get a shot. WHETHER THE TEAMMATES DON'T LIKE IT, it's just my job to go out there and believe in the system Rudy has laid out there for us." *********************** Now that I think about it, I think it was at the start of the 3rd quarter when we turned the ball over 5 times in a row, or close to it. Maybe Mooch was put in to halt the turnover curse which let the Spurs close a 10 point lead after the half. It wasn't pretty.
Not good news. I mean, it's already hard for SF to accept that he's not in the sportlight tonight. Now that he couldn't even have the ball in his hands when he wanted..... I really hope this is not a long-term issue.
Fear not, Steve's handle will be back very soon! Remember, even a blind squirl gets a nut every once in a while.
Basketball is all about team play, not about individual players. I thought Moochie did great in the fourth quarter bringing the ball over half court. Steve had 7 TOs in the game, mostly in the 3rd quarter. Rudy's strategy is right. We won the game. Everybody played better tonight, as a team.
just out of curiousity: do the players need to love each other to play great team bball? O'neal and Koby went through the same thing a few years ago. then they pulled up and there came the rings. But I'm still not sure if they like each other or not. I'd love to see the great players love each other, but if they can't, I hope at least they can make the honor of team the first priority and not to disgrace your job the second.
If it is true that Francis isn't doing what Rudy wants and Moochie is, then I'm all for Moochie continuing to get minutes if he keeps playing like he has over the past 4 games.
Now that's some juicy stuff. We can't automatically assume it's SF that Moochie is fingering when he mentions "teammates." Of course, it's logical to infer he's among the displeased teammates, as he does have the most to lose if the Rockets shift the focus to Yao. But who else is included among the malcontents? MoT, Rice, and Griffin? Probably not. Hawk, Boki, Collier? Why would they care? Cat and KT? They seem to be the other likely candidates. Cato? Inconclusive. If SF is frustrated by this, well, it is kind of satisfying to see him get a taste of his own medicine. And Moochie does redeem himself for quite a few of his past sins by executing the game plan, while Rudy is absolved from some of his criticisms for actually having a game plan.
"actually having a game plan" True. Lets see if he can expand it to more than "Give yao the ball, pass it out if he gets doubled."
That one alone won't suffice, but it is simply the biggest piece of the puzzle. Others could include: * Steve drive to the basket and get double-triple teamed, but he pass the ball to Yao for an easy dunk. * Pass the ball to Yao, be ready to get the ball back from Yao, since Yao often uses his big body to block the opponents so rocket player can get a uncontended shot. * Yao is already doubled teamed before getting the ball, drive to the basket for an easy layup (Griffin did that) All these options are much better than those ISO, dribble the clock out, drive to the basket trying to shoot against 3 guys, pass the ball to Yao when the guards are jaming the passing lane, etc.
Steve can lead this team, Cat can lead this team, Yao can lead this team and Taylor can lead this team in a couple months. This is not a bad thing, it will just take some getting used to. I'm not exactly calling the guy out, especially because he probably doesn't read this she-iet, but you said you want to win Steve? We are winning. That being said, I still don't think that Steve is unhappy with his role. The man said he doesn't want to score that many points(when he was averaging over 30). He is our point guard that has SG skills. He'll be happy when Cat is back. No gay comments after this, but they are pretty close friends. I warn you now. You will be on my S-list.
Funny, didn't most of Yao's dunks come from Steve and Mooch penetrating and dishing him the ball while he stood by the basket with no defender? I think these guys know what they are doing. Sometimes, things don't work out as planned like in the Kings game. Football teams have game plans, but they don't always work flawlessly, regardless of what they team does, it is possible for the other team to have an effect on the outcome of the game. Sometimes I wonder if you guys think the Rockets only have to contend with themselves and not their actual opponenents.
Yes I agree that others could also have problems with their new roles when they involve Yao more. And KT would be my top candidate too. I'm not pointing finger at SF, I actually hope that SF could be a scorer as well as a playmaker. The problem is that he's still young, and every young kid loves the spotlight (not to mention that he's already get used to it). I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that SF will need time to adjust. Please don't think that it's about Yao vs SF. It's all good.
Playing Devil's Advocate: (i.e. Not a true feeling, just expressing a debatable thought) Anybody think Steve is cool with Yao being involved early as long as he can be the 'Hero' at the end?
