[ABS-CBN] Houston, we have a problem

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Houston, we have a problem

THE CROSSOVER By RAFFY LEDESMA


Even with the return of All-Star Tracy McGrady, the Houston Rockets are facing a tough uphill battle in their bid to get back into playoff contention in the National Basketball Association. Injured since November 4, the Rockets have lost all the games that McGrady missed. Currently, the team is only averaging a league-low 85 points a game, underscoring the importance of T-Mac’s offensive punch.

Their recent victory over the lowly Atlanta Hawks augurs well for the team, as it snaps a seven-game losing streak. Still, the Rockets find themselves in an unenviable position—they are presently in last place in the tough Southwest division (and the entire Western Conference) that includes defending world champions San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks. With a 4-11 record, the Rockets need a couple of winning streaks to keep pace with the other teams.

The Rockets may have dug themselves deep into a hole this early, and the loss of one or both of their key players shows how vulnerable they are to injuries. During McGrady’s absence, 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming became the focal point of the offense and was easily guarded by double teams on the low block. With defenses sagging, Houston’s perimeter players had to shoot lower-percentage outside shots, usually without much success.

Looking at the Rockets’ roster, they are actually an experienced team who can mix it up with the best of them, while old guard David Wesley and center Dikembe Mutombo are still valuable contributors. They also have forwards Juwan Howard and Stromile Swift and swingman Derek Anderson. One of these players must step up and become a third option for the team since McGrady is still day-to-day and is feeling his way back into his usual groove.

As one of the top-ranked teams in the offseason, the Rockets still have time to affirm their billing as one of the elite teams in the West. They have all the ingredients that make up a successful team, and it would be a pity if they continue their losing ways.

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Another team at the bottom of the barrel is the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant might be putting up more than 33 points per game, but he is also making 30 plus attempts over the last few games on 42 percent shooting. It seems that the more Kobe shoots, the more his team is likely to lose. Bryant shooting more means less touches for his teammates, who need the ball to get into the flow of the game. In Filipino, Kobe is simply becoming dupang (ballhog) and this is showing in the team’s dismal win-loss record.

In fairness, Kobe might feel he has no choice but to take more shots, especially with the lackadaisical play his teammates have been showing. But Kobe really needs to have more faith in his teammates to deliver the stats needed for the team to win. Bryant simply cannot carry the entire team on his back and expect to start winning. With his athleticism, Bryant can create more opportunities for players such as Lamar Odom and Smush Parker to have wide-open shots. He also sets the tone on the defensive end, as he is the team’s best defender.

I am sure that the scores of Lakers hopeful are expecting Bryant to make some adjustments to his game. If he doesn’t, he and coach Phil Jackson are in for a very long year.

Please send your comments and suggestions to raffyledesma@hot-mail.com.

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