ClutchCity.net Game Thread: Rockets @ Spurs 10/24/2003 (PRESEASON)

That Shane Heal dude doesn't look that old
I think he will probably be an important part of Spurs this year

 

That turkey is good .

 

A couple of observations:

1) Jimmy Jackson looks awesome on defense, swarming the passing lanes, just being a nuisance. I hope I'm not the only one who caught this in the 1st quarter. On offense, he's just a good calming influence. He doesn't try and force anything, knows his role, is a good post entry passer.

2) I like how JVG is using Steve. He's playing like a shooting guard in that he's receiving the ball in position to score, not having to create as much. Yao is pretty much the point guard out there

3) Yao. Wow.

 

1:35 HOU - Y. Ming makes a 5-foot jumper in the lane. Assist: S. Francis

3:00 HOU - Y. Ming makes an 8-foot hook shot in the lane. Assist: S. Francis

 

I really love that hook shot Yao uses now...
impossible for anyone to block

if he can consistently hit that like today, he is unstoppable

 

The only thing that can stop Yao this year is his endurance. Other than that he's a lot stronger and should be a force. The Rockets offense looks really good and more under control. They're really taken care of the ball.

 

Yeah! This is great! The first game of the season televised in Austin!

Yao and Francis are looking real good. Steve is getting Yao the ball in good position and both players are taking their shots when they are available.

Mobley and Jackson aren't looking too bad either. Both guys are playing pretty good D.

Room for improvement:

Boki needs to take his shot when it is given to him. He passed up a wide open 3 for a questionable pass. I'd like to see him take that shot since it is preseason.

GO ROCKS!

 

More! More! Please!
The first quarter looked like they reverted back to last year but things got clicking in the second.

 

I think Cato is looking pretty damn good with Yao Ming.

Yao has 7 boards at the half and Cato has 6. Both are hitting over 50% of their shots. Sweet.

Nothing will come easy in the post for opposing teams this year.

And damn!!! Yao is huge! You can really see the difference in the added strength and bulk as compared to last year. Watch out Shaq.

 

4)CAAAAATTTTTTOOOOO!

 

The guys are playing with greater urgency but there were too many backcuts made by the Spurs and we didn't defend us against the pick and roll on one occasion.
Cato was awesome in the 1st half and Yao did a great job in the 2nd half.I would like him to see go hard against Duncan.
The ball movement wasn't bad but the shooting still needs to improve.

 

First time to see the Rockets this season (also live in Austin). I'm very excited to see the controlled play on both sides of the ball. I was a little bummed to see Steve's deadpan remarks at the end of the half considering how happy I was about the 10 point lead.

 

Good assessment. Thanks. I am lost a little bit though.

(1) Is Yao guarding Duncan or Duncan guarding Yao? Why should Yao go hard against Duncan?

(2) We are shooting 52.6% FG and 83% FT as a team in the first half. How much more could we improve?

 

JJ is pissed at Hedo!

 

Cat is a different player. He got three assists and four rebounds already. I hope his shot will fall after getting his feel.

 

I missed it. What did he say?

 

Yes. JJ is hot....in his shots too.

 

Nesterovic is guarding Yao when he's in the game.

Rose and Duncan have switched onto Yao occasionally.

Remember, Duncan "is not a center."

 

JJ gone wild. 8 points in a roll

 

JJ is forking up Tuko