But against the starters it was a much closer battle. In fact it was a battle not decided since the Spurs pulled out their top guns before the wistle to end the game. Way before the wistle. But I've got to say that the Rockets looked like a well oiled machine in the second half. How much can we attribute this to the fact that Duncan and Robinson were siting on the bench. Honestly, it would have made for an epic matchup had Duncan and Robinson stayed in. But its all a game of could haves and should haves. This thing is for sure. By watching the Rockets play these past 2 of 3 games I like what I see. The backcourt is as solid as they come. These guys don't bring a lot of national attention but they definatley out play all of the other backout 2000 tandems floating around. And I was impressed by Cato. Cato is not a guy who should bring you eye popping statistics when you read the box score the next day, but a guy who can make a big difference every game by his presence. Those "DUNKS ARE A THING OF BEAUTY". And Mo Taylor who calmed my anxiety in the summer (as many of you might still remember) just continues to prove to you all just why! He is active and a tempo maintainer. Taylor merely compliments the intensity of Francis and Mobley. And that is a huge compliment. Remember Mobley and Francis are the real backcourt 2000. And Anderson and Nooris are your prototypical NBA starting backcourts. Well that just so much more strenghtens the Rocket engine! ------------------ The guns are cocked and the soldiers are in place, it's time to march and let the battles decide the war.
Damn,I forgot to watch ------------------ I'm not the type to eat it up but the type to hit it raw dog and seed it up. [This message has been edited by Summer Song Giver (edited October 14, 2000).]
I would hardly say they looked like a well oiled machine except for maybe the last 2 minutes where they stepped up the defense and made the Spurs run to keep up. Like you said, the backcourt is looking really good. Moochie is great at running the point. Steve is hustling and staying active. Mobley, is straight up amazing at times. If I hadn't seen him over the past two years, I might call him the next MJ just because it seems like he can score at will. OK, maybe not MJ, but very impressive. Shandon had the quietest night out of the 3 games we've played, but was still active. Our backcourt is definitely the Rockets strong point. I am still concerned about the overall team rebounding. In the first half the rebounding was nonexistent. We were out rebounded by 10 because we weren't boxing out and were caught flatfooted on many a Spur's shot. The second half was a mirror image of the first in that regard as the Rockets were energetic in boxing out their man, most notable Cato and Taylor. Those guys were banging hard and you could see the payoff as they started to get some calls. Turnovers are still a big issue, but as this is the preseason and Rudy is still working Mo' into the offense I expect this to improve. The first half, like with out rebounding was horrendous. I'm not sure how many turnovers there were in the first half, but it seemed like a games worth. The second half was a different story. You could tell Rudy got on them as they dove on the floor and scrambled for loose balls. I was impressed with the turn around. Overall, I think they played a good game. There is still room for growth, but I like the way they adjusted as a team in the second half. ------------------ Too often, we lose sight of life's simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you it takes 42 muscles in your face to frown, but it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and pimp-slap the mother****** upside the head!
Steve Francis only played 19 minutes yet still scored 23pts. His enthusiam is just awesome. Cato is looking better and better but still goes for too many silly head fakes. Mo Taylor had a tough night shooting early on, rattling out a few, but stuck with it and he is quickly becoming a consistent force. Mobley is just one bad mutha fudga, and thats all there is to it. Collier played 9 minutes too many. Its obvious a lineup of Francis, Mobley, Anderson, Cato, and Taylor is the Rockets best and these guys should get the bulk of the minutes once during the regular season. ------------------
David Robinson scored all his point on Collier. Their starters, with the exception of Duncan, racked up their points when our scrubs were in, and our starters racked up their points when the spur scrubs were in so it was a wash. I still have concerns about our defense at the 4 because we could not stop Duncan at all. We didn't even slow him down. I know Duncan will get his points and all, but please lets make him work for it. ------------------
I was completely ecstatic about our full-court press. I haven't seen a team press work so effectively since watching college ball! The guards were absolutely wetting themselves and the post men couldn't do a thing about it. Cuttino and Shandon looked like pro-bowl cornerbacks cutting off the passing lanes the way they did. I just love seeing large deficits shrink the way it did in the 3rd quarter. ------------------ I'm not clumsy, I just have to know my surroundings.
RocketBooster, On the box score I saw, it said that Francis played 28 minutes. Regardless of this, your point is still good. For 28 minutes of work, 23 points, 5 rebs. and 6 assists against only 2 turnovers is awesome! I look for Steve to average these numbers by the time the season is up. (The points might be a stretch, I know) ------------------ "Nothing is certain but the unforseen." Some Dude
Francis was very impressive. He has calmed down from last year and it's brought benefits to the Rockets big time. Steve had a good offensive night yesterday. The Rockets had 16 turnovers yesterday to 19 turnovers for San Antonio. The Rocks also played good defense. I saw a lot of steals and blocks. There were 8 steals and 7 blocked shots total. ------------------
I recorded the game last night. After hearing about it here, I'm headed straight into the living room to watch it. Oh by the way, any Rudy bashers out there, ( you know who you are), looks like RT finally has some semblance of talent to work with again. Now let's see what happens..I think it's Rudy T Vindication time again. ------------------
I have taped all the games thus far. It's fun to go back and watch them, especially if it's a win. It's kind of like watching a movie for the second time. You know what's going to happen, but there are a lot of things that you may not have noticed before. That's the whole beauty of it. Now I can find more positive things to say about the Rocks. There might also be a few negatives (ex. Collier), but that may or may not change in the future given the chance to improve... ------------------
Steve Kerr....hahaha That guy is so sad. Isn't he a 90% plus free throw shooter and a dangerous three point threat? Feels good to beat up on some scrubs once in awhile especially our luck vs. the Spurs recently. ------------------
