ClutchCity.net Game Thread: Rockets @ Spurs 1/20/2003

Must win game, otherwise we are losing 2 streak games.
Key is to contain Duncan like we contain Kobe. Allow Duncan to score less than 25 points, and we have a big chance to win.

 

We must win. We will win. To continue the tradition of predictions

 

Rockets 96 Spurs 91
Rockets WIN!!

 

Duncan is on fire lately. It's unlikely to keep him under 25 pts. We just must shut down their outside shooters which are not many except maybe Parker.

 

Yea, as touched on, I feel the key is the forward play. It will be a given that our dynamic backcourt will show and do their thing...Yao will be so mentally ready as the strong previous showing enabled...Yao will get his shot back...The thing is can Posey keep it up?...Can Griffin keep from getting lost? Team play will keep our streak alive. It should be another fun game to watch!

 

I'll save Heypee the trouble...

Everyone, let me reiterate what Clutch has said -
Reminder: Please use the chat room for "play-by-play" rather than the game thread.

Spurs 94
Rockets 83

Just not feelin it.

 

Coming off my 104-102 OT win prediction against the Lakers, I am compelled to make another one:

Rockets 82
Spurs 79

Defensive struggle pitting two of the best defensive teams in the league against each other.

 

Anyone going to the game??

 

OK I think the Rockets will win this game, but the Spurs also need this game to hold off the surging ROCKETS so I think it will be well played.

Reasons for ROCKETS victory: Yao will recognize how to play against a big man and incorporate those skills against Tim Duncan. Steve Francis will be pumped up by Friday night, and although he wont get 44 points, he will get 30 points 8 assists and 7 rebounds. His perimeter defense is KEY to a Rockets victory along with Cat and Posey's D. Eddie Griffin will probably defend Duncan(although I would like to see Yao guard him) so he has to step it up. He is one of our best defensive players and he has to perform well. I hope his back is still not bothering him. If Rudy puts Eddie on Duncan, then at least put Yao on Duncan when MoTay comes in. There is no way Taylor can handle Duncan. Another reason for victory is Cuttino. He has to have great defense and score 20 points.

 

Can't see this one going Rocket's way.

It'll be an interesting matchup betweem Bradley and Yao again. Hopefully the Rox will bring it again tomorrow, but after the Lakers game, we're due for a psychological letdown.

Let's hope SF and Cat keep their shooting touch and Yao gets his back!

 

We got this, we're riding the high point of our season right now (season high winning streak with good wins) and guys are believing in the system. Only reason for losing Monday game is it's on the road. Rockets should clean house.

 

When Parker has a good scoring night (20, 25pts) the Spurs generally win. Duncan will probably have a good night (30pts, 12+boards), basically nothing we can do about that.

Rockets 87 Spurms 72

Another great game by Francis/Mobley. Posey will step up another notch. Yao Ming will get a double double, but won't have a great game like the last meeting.

 

Robinson v Yao
Duncan v Griffin
Bowen v Posey
Ginobili v Mobely
Parker v Francis

Call me crazy, I like our chances. I'm calling for another big game for the Cat and Yao should get back in the groove here, if he can get loose on single coverage. If they double, send Posey and Mobely out for the ball on the corner and shoot it around or downtown. Francis should be able to go off on Parker, but he can get help from Posey with picks. I think Griff and Taylor can do their job with Yao behind. This game looks good for our boys to me.

 

I predict a Rockets win unless Yao Ming is guarded by Bateer. What happened to Bateer? I haven't seen this guy play this season (I should ask this on Spurs board).

 

Dallas suddenly does not look that difficult.

Maybe that 30 point loss to Kings shakes their confidence.

 

I'm not big on predictions, but I think the Rockets will start off slow still riding high from the win Friday night, but come back in time to pull it out. Griffin and Yao can contain Duncan and Robinson, and our backcourt is light-years ahead of the Spurs'.

Then the Rockets become a truly recognized team and start getting noticed by beating the Mavs. The next loss will come to Chicago next Sunday. Typical play down to the opponent game that we have seen so many times this year, and plus it's an early afternoon game (noon) on the road.

But, who knows, I could be wrong.

 

Spurs is kind of team Rockets have an edge. Duncan is their single man to score and rebound. Yao has learned a lot of physical play against Shag, guarding D should be easier job. Yao can not play 48 minutes, Griffin has to step up. Eddie is hot since Rice is gone. At least one of Steve and Cat keeps hot shooting, this is win situation. One of them will have an off day. My prediction: 95:85.

 

Typing mistake. My prediction: 90:85.

 

we'll win this game if we come out with intensity. I think we will, but after a quarter. There will be some Rockets fans at the game, which will help.. and hell, its on TV in Austin! We better win. My prediction is that we will come out cold, but then the rockets will lift off! Good luck!