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

Don't expect much guys. Spurs are rested and at home.

The bad thing about it is, they can send single coverage on all our players, and it would be enough. While we need to double, if not triple, Duncan.

Rockets 82
Spurs 88

Duncan with the monster game
Francis with nice stats, but bad shooting % and TO's


If Yao can pull a miracle off and repeat his performance, there's a chance. But it's not something you'd bet on. He's battered from the Lakers game, and the Spurs (make no mistake about it) are ready for him this time. Maybe if he gets a 10pt, 10reb, 10asst game.

 

yes...in one of his first games, maybe his first, the spurs announcers where annoiting him the greatest thing since sliced bread, a savior, could walk on water...the almighty jesus.

 

After reading the previous posts on individual matchup, I suddenly see that Rox is turning into a very scary team. We have one of the best guards in Stevie, we have one of the best non-elite guards in Cat, we have probably the 2nd best centre in Yao, and we are looking at the possible emergence of a star PF in Eddie. And we have a fierce defender in Posie who can also play SF.

Wow! This is an incredible lineup! Most teams can only have very strong players at one or at most 2 position. We have basically covered all 3 fronts (guards, center, forwards)!

 

In the west, 5 victories could mean the difference between being a 4th seed or being in the lottery.

Raven

 

I think Sean Elliot gave it to him during a Spurs game last year. He was an announcer for them and he was all over Parker's game like he was the second coming.

Parker really aint done too much this year. The sophomore jinx?

 

Tough matchup, but the Rockets take it.

Spurs-87
Rockets-89

Francis with 27pts., 8 assists, and 6 rebouds
Mobley with 18 pts. and 3 stls
Yao with 14pts. and 16 rebs.

 

Why did Robinson still compare Yao with Rik Smits?

 

One of the things that have been keeping Yao from hitting his shots like we know he can is that he has been getting kept off-balance when he's starting his moves.

I'm not real sure that Robinson or Duncan can put him off-balance this time. As long as he managed to get some rest since his head-to-head with Shaq, he may surpirise us and do really well against the Spurs again. His defense is nothing to sneeze at, if he can remain close to the basket and Eggie is not overly affected by his time on the floor, I dont see Rob and Dunc dominating us inside.

As for the rest of the team, our team defense has been no less than impressive lately.

Key for the game...
Belief in what has worked for them in the last 4 games. The Spurs are a good team and they always get up for good teams.

I believe they can do it..

It will be a defensive battle. Rox win. 90-87

 

I believe you. You are a fortune teller after all.

 

I am worry that Yao Ming might be too worn out by the physical punishment everyone got when playing Shaq.

Besides that, I remembered Duncan said after the last Spur game, "we will be more physical against Yao next time."

It will be really difficult for Yao tonight. Hopefully he continues to exceed our expectation as he usually does.

 

In my dream, a futurist just told me Yaos stats in this game.

Yao:45 pts 21 RBS 10 Ast



Rockets 110 Spurs 106

 

"The day Yao scores 45 points in this league I'll kiss your ass!"

Charles Barkley

 

Does anybody know if the game be on FSSW, i can not see it in the TV list.
Thanks
ps. i know it will be on WB39, but that's for local Houston only

 

Carayip, I enjoyed the article, thanks. I had a thought about this quote from the article.

"O'Neal, 30, finished strong against a weary Yao..."

Dare we dream that when Yao is in NBA condition, he will be able to (pick one) handle / contain / shut down Shaq? Oh baby!

 

I love your enthusiam, but we are not in the running for a top four spot. We may have the talent, but we are just too inconsistant.

one starter is a rookie
one starter came in a mid-season trade
one starter is 20 and clearly learning like a rookie
on-going questions about steve and cat decision making
virtually zero playoff experience

Yes, that Laker win was great. But deep down, we choked away the lead late in the game. Lakers were just not good enough to take it. Old Lakers would have won that game.

P.S. Lakers are not back yet. They ran up that good record against mostly poor teams. I hope they die.

 

Bateer played for 1 min in their last game.

Spurs don't know what they got. Bateer is quite a season player.

He is being wasted in San Antonio.

 

Height: Yao 7 5', Smits 7 4', Bradley 7 6'
Mid-range jumper: Both Yao and Smits can hit the shot
Post-up moves: Yao's similar to that of Dream's
Passing: Divac and Sabonis
Block and defense: I don't know whose game Yao's is most
similar to.

Considering all of this, I don't think Robinson's assesment
is too bad. But Yao will eventually has his own identity.

 

Stay on 35 S. Take SBC Center Parkway (formerly Coliseum Rd)exit. Turn left. Can't miss it.

Here's a link that can help,too(if it shows up):

http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/SBC_Brochure-final.pdf

If it didn't show,you can probably track it through Spurs website.

 

I hope they continue to set up Francis with Mobes and Posey bringing it up. Francis can get big picks from Yao (l) and Posey (r). I hope they alternate with a curl for Mobes with Yao and Posey picking. I like Yao getting the kick back at 15 feet or ft line if Cat's defender goes under. He can see the whole court to pass, or take the j if Mermaid stays home. If Eggie can pull Timmy back and stretch the d, that's a big plus. Taylor should park out at 17, too.

 

I think Rox's going to get this close game for the following two reasons

1. A big win against Lakers boost up Rox's confidence level to a new high, and Rox is capabable of beating any teams if they are wild.
2. Key Match-ups wise, Rox has edge. From the last game, we can see YM iis comparable to T.D and D.R. Francis clealy beats Parker. There is no answer for Cuttino in the spurs. Posey plays tough D on Steve Smith.

I wont be surprised to see Spurs throw out Bateer to guard YM if the YM gone wild against D.R and K.W

Rox 98
Spurs 92