[SI] Humbled Dwight Howard ready to make 'ultimate sacrifice' for Rockets

Additionally...

The acquisitions of Brewer and Smoove were master...MASTER...strokes by Morey. Not only are they above average defenders, which helps Dwight and the team. They are also competent enough offensively that we have zero need for Dwight offensively. What Dwight contributes on that end is gravy. Now he can afford to commit 100% defensively and as an oversized, uber talented glue guy. His epiphanical moment could springboard us to the Larry O'Brien trophy.

 

I respect his comments and realize he has to be accessible to the media. BUT no more talking!!!!!!!!! Actions. Do your talking on the court.

That's how u win a ring.

He can talk about the ring after winning it.

 

It's still early, but these last couple games show that Dwight is walking the walk in addition to talking the talk... He is fitting in beautifully while still getting his.

He's not forcing anything. He's playing his game, defending, cleaning up the glass, and finishing whenever someone tosses the ball anywhere near the basket for him.

 

It is to him. Maybe Howard is privileged and out of touch with common people, and maybe his ego is that big and he thinks of himself or thought of himself as this dominating center.

If your whole identity and career is built upon the notion of being the best at your position - if that's what gives you meaning and fulfills you - than to give that up is a pretty big sacrifice.

 

Freethrows, defense, rebounds, PnR, putbacks, dunks, alley oops, and solid picks

 

Last night was good. He didn't force the offense the few times he got it in post position. He passed it out for an open three, or for the wing to attack. It seems he realizes that he has been horribly inefficient in he post and should not be shooting other than put backs, Pnr dunks, fast break buckets. Let's see if it continues.

Of course, getting e ball to him in the post is still a good thing, as a way of facilitating offense for others, not for him to score.

Now if we could only get josh smith to quit trying to make home run play, and just make simple passes....

 

Very positive stuff to read going into the playoffs. Also props to Elvin Hayes for helping out. Legacy of bigs indeed

 

Does this mean he's will do PnR with James all day long in the playoff?

 

Provided Howard doesn't lose the ball and starts hitting his FT's, he is actually a good post option due to the fact that he FORCES opposing teams to foul him or eat a dunk/hook. It's the fact that he often can't hit 50% of his FT's or just flat out gets stripped trying to post up that's the problem.

 

Honestly last night was great, he still had 18 points in 20 minutes, there will be lots of games where he still scores a lot.

And I do like the fact that we are still occasionally going to him in the post, if they double team it then it opens up other options.

Hope to see more of what we saw last night.

 

Granted that the Wolves play bad defense, it's great to see Howard finally committing to the pick and roll. It's the most dunks / alley-oops / assisted baskets (off of pick and rolls) I've seen for Howard since him becoming a Rocket. It might be a blessing in disguise that he's on minute restrictions, so he's always fresh and can focus on his strengths. I fear when you give him 30-40 minutes, he will definitely try to force things again, he can't help it.

 

We'll see what happens come playoff time.

Dwight was the only one who showed up game in and out last year vs. Blazes.

 

I was at the game yesterday and Dwight looked a lot more willing to pass immediately out of double teams instead of forcing the action like he used to pretty much always do.

 

Good to know Howard is ready to die for the team.

 

This team needs to eliminate those boneheaded passes.

I'm tired of seeing these huge outlet passes being careless with the ball.

It prevents the Rockets from blowing teams out and will lead to big runs by the GSW and SAS of the world.

 

Sounds like Dwight's got his head in the right place. We'll need him for a deep run.

 

Really liked that Smith/Howard front court last night on the P&R.



will we see this line up?:

Dwight
Smith
Ariza
Brewer
Harden

 

Trying to tamper excitement...

A chip would be perfect, but I'll be happy with just a WCF berth as well.

 

This. Dwight got in post up position, but was pretty quick to dish and find the open man. That was a treat to watch. Let's hope he dominates come playoff time.

 

Loved Howard's willingness to subjugate his pride as well as his game for the ultimate goal, a championship. These guys believe that they are that close to taking it all, the confidence should increase with Dwight's seamless return. As much as I was impressed by Dwight's maturity and insight, I have been blown away by how Rockets' icons like Big E and Dream have directly influenced and contributed to the improvement of this team.

Love being a Rockets' fan right now. As for next season, there is time enough to angst and b**** about that .... when THIS season ends. Go Rockets!!