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

Actually, in a way he has. I can think of several games that he focused the offense around Otis Thorpe as the main threat down the stretch rather than Hakeem and just used Hakeem for the defense and rebounding. People criticized him for that over the radio when we didn’t win, but called it a brilliant riding of the hot hand when we did. As far as the benching our two best players go, I really think the issue was more benching Francis rather than Ming. I know the stats may look different, but Yao just didn’t seem to be there tonight. He backed off several shots he could have contested and just didn’t look aggressive. In my mind the fact that the bench got the game competitive weighed heavily on Rudy's decision. But, I get you and pretty much agree. Like I think I said I wouldn’t have done it. I just don’t think it was so wild a move that it was indefensible.
In addition I get tired of people demanding Rudy’s job after every loss as if we are a veteran team with all the talent in the world and he’s the only reason we aren’t 38 and 0. I think much of the critism directed at Rudy is unfair and some of it is downright stupid considering his record as a coach. Not putting you in that category though.

 

I agree tothomas. But there is not one game where both our best players, OT and Hakeem, sat on the bench during clutch situations. I think Rudy is one heck of a coach most of the time. Every once in a while he makes very questionable decisions during games. One thing I noticed about Rudy is that he's not very good at adjustments on the fly during a game.

 

I agree with you. But, I guess I look at it like this. Do the positives out way the negative. Rudy is a motivational player's coach who gets great hustle out of his players and generally pretty good defense. His teams seldom quit and always fight. But, Rudy is not a playbook X and Os offensive master mind. He is at best an average x and o coach IMHO and depends to much on his gut feeling for substitutions. But if you get rid of the negatives about Rudy, you may well lose the positives. Some of the games we've won we don't win with a different coach. Personally, I would like to see Rudy bring in an assistant coach that would help moderate his negatives.

 

I seem to recall several games where Franchise wasn't shooting so well, yet he'd make up for it in the clutch with a game winning shot. Pick from Ming...Franchise at the top of the key...seems to work.

 

Excellent post tothomas. Rudy does bring a lot of good things as a coach, and IMO far more good than bad. I just wish he had an assistant he would let manage the game (tactically) between tip-off and the final buzzer. It is not like many of the things I saw last night I havn't seen over the last 10 years or so. If he would keep his game tactical instincts in check with more conventional thinking I think he would be much better in these situations, precisely because he doesn't have great instincts while emotionally invested in the game.

 

Every game I watch on Nba league pass the opposing teams basketball analysts are always talking about how Yao Ming is not being used right. We fans can see this, but you being a Rudy lover is blinded by the light.

 

I'm disappointed at some of the manic reactions from not just the usual assortment of new member hotheads around here, but some veteran posters I respect as well.

It's easy to complain in hindsight, but the bench was playing unbelievably awesome up until the last couple of minutes, and even then, a fumbled Cato pass and one more basket that Cat can often make in the clutch, and we win in a very tough place despite home-cookin' refereeing.

It's easy to say, oh, yeah, we should have put our starters in at exactly the point the subs tanked, but there's no way of knowing when that happens. If Rudy had put our starters in at 8 minutes to go, do you think we get that 2 point lead late in the game? I seriously doubt it.

Also,

* It's a long season. Some guys got valuable minutes and game-closing experience.

* Meritocracy - those who play well are rewarded, giving them further motivation to improve their game.

* Dallas tonight on the road in an even bigger statement game for us. Yao had a big game against Bradley last time and we most likely will need BIG minutes again from him tonight. Now, he can go longer.

I liked the guts of the decision. Much of the BBS practically bemoans the lack of control he has; yet here he exercises some control here and all hell breaks loose.

Great post, pued.

Peace, and...Go Rockets!