Ok, this is my first thread, just some random thoughts after reading some crazy posts criticizing Yao's lower efficiency perfermance in this play-off series so far. Yao's most inefficient perfermance is caused by his slow reaction and drawn stamina. When he gets tired, in offense, he applies less moves. He settles for slow motion turn around and fade away Js. Even getting close to the rim by chances, he rushes for the weak lay ups, cause the inability to jump and dunk, making his offense praying and predictable, hence turn overs and the low field goal percentage. On defense, he's one step slower, hence opponents check the bucket like Saturday's window shopping and make shots over his head, or blast past him for easy lay ups or dunks. I know Boozer is a difficult match up for him, but what can he do to improve, just a little more quickness and suatained energy? My thought is: Does he still go through more than two hours of shoot around before the game every time? If so, why can't he reduce the load before the game and reserve some more energy for the game? I remember his only 20+ rebounds and 20+ points perfermance is from when he was late because of the traffic and didn't make the shoot around. Maybe he should change his pregame routine for the important games?
After seeing Yao getting so tired, I was thinking he should use an altitude tent. I wonder if anyone on the Rockets have ever thought of doing so.
I've also wondered about this every time I see photos of his pregame workout uploaded here. The workouts are probably partly responsible for Yao's usually strong starts to games, but do they also play into his running on fumes in the second half?
yeah he was definitely tired..that's why its difficult for rockets because in the playoffs during a 7 game stretch yao is bound to get tired. I think he needs to conserve more energy and get in better positions like getting closer to the basket. If he catches the ball in a far position from the basket..he shouldnt even think of shooting it, he missed or got blocked because of his tiredness. WHen he's tired + double teams=disaster
Yao should elbow defenders in the chest like Shaq since everyone else is playing physical on him to wear him down. 2 out of 10 calls would make other defenders think twice.
This is an analysis about Yao's Game 5 from a Chinese forum. Why did he have such a horrible game: 30% FG, poor defense, 4 TOs. Can anyone please thanslate to english: link: http://web.wenxuecity.com/BBSView.php?SubID=sports&MsgID=156725
I think the primary reason Yao is shooting so poorly is b/c he's not used to the ultra physical (hacked and pushed every play but no calls) defense. It's kind of like a boxing match where there is a heavy opponent leaning on another opponent. By leaning on him, he's wearing down his energy. Yao has to deal with Okur pushing on him all night long. Basically he needs to toughen up a little bit. He's going to have to thrown it down every opportunity. Hopefully he'll be back to full speed next season. But right now, all his moves seem to be in slow motion.
also when he's at the bench, he does not have to stand all the time, just lay down have a nap like nash.
Yao should learn Tai Chi, one of the important principles of Tai Chi is use four ounces strength to move 1000 pound, even an 80 years old man can use Tai Chi to fight 20 years old young person. Definitely a good way to conserve energy.
He needs to stop putting the ball on the floor when he's posting up. Just spin and shoot. Also, Last game when Yao wasn't doing so well JVG ran a few plays that got Yao point blank position down low. McGrady tagged him with the ball and Yao got some easy buckets. I think we should start the game with plays like that so we can get Yao going and give him easy buckets so he isn't so tired towards the end.
Yao is getting tired because he's really going after rebounds and he has to guard Boozer on almost every defensive possession.
You guys all have valid points. But what I really want to ask is, does he prepare himself well enough for the game? Did he have the right tactics to play smarter knowing his own weakness? It's reported and well known that he's always the first one to arrive and step on court the before the game. I appreciate him being a hard worker, but is that a smart way for preparing the game knowing his low stamina? Anybody with basketball experience knows, when you warm up too long on court, you wear down phisically and mentally. Yao will get tired with the game processing, that's the fact we all have known. But what frustrates me is that in many games, he shows fatigue ever from the beginning! That, I think, is not excusable! And that's why I thought he might need to change his pregame routine little bit. Just stretch the body and warm up 30 minutes is enough. Get into the game fresh, with the passion and eager for the ball, make smart and quick moves. That, I think, will help elevate his game more realistically and practically.
I agree that he should, during the championship playoffs, reduce the long preparation by at least 50%, especially at the high altitude of Salt Lake! PS save it for the game!!
Didn't Dream have an oxygen tank handy on the bench whenever he played in Denver or Utah.. maybe Yao needs the same.
