ClutchCity.net Game Thread: Rockets @ Suns 2/19/2003

"I reminded him lots of times to take care of his right side (Amare's charging direction) but (EG) always forgot."

Godda**it. I want to win now. If EG can't remember a simple defensive assignment....

*sigh*

And the peanut gallery says: "But EG's going to be the next Rasheed Wallace w/o the technical fouls!"

*double sigh*

 

Thanks for the info on the Interview! Yao obviously sees the importance of this game. He knows the stakes.

And how funny is it that Yao brings up the point that you HAVE to guard Amare on the right? (I just talked about that a few posts up) The guy's ONLY move is bull rushing from the right side to the middle of the paint. Just lay off him and favor his right side. Amare is not going to beat you on jumpshots, not going to beat you with footwork download like Yao Ming.

Eddie, listen to the big guy!

Chris

 

I'm a bit scared for our Rockets tonight. I'm sure they're tired after double OT and I think the Stoudamire has a chip on his shoulder given all the press for Yao. I think Amare will want to show he's ROY and really take it to the Rockets.

That interview was real interesting, especially the part where Yao says he told EG to overplay Amare to the right because the kid has no left hand. I'm going to watch for Amare's left hand now.

 

I think the Fakers are going to lose to the Spazz tonight. No Shaq and Bryant clearly nursing a sore knee after playing 50+ minutes last night. This gives the Rox a chance to atone for losing a game I think they should have won. If we can manage a win against the Suns we keep some separation between us and LA.

Having said that, I think we lose by 10+.

 

Amare has shown he can go to the left as well if he needs to.

Heck he probably made the play of the season against the Celtics last game. He started just inside the 3pt line being guarded by 2 Celtics dribbled away, Tony Delk charged at him and seemed to have a steal, but dang Amare dribbles the ball behing his back goes to the hoops and finishes with a fingerroll over a defender.

Not many PF can do that, except probably Garnett and Webber.

 

It seems the general sentiment is that the Rockets lose in some form or fashion. I am gernerally optimistic and try to objectively look at this game notwithstanding my emotional distress after staying up to watch the game last night.

However, I agree that our team, while they have a great record for the back end of back to back games this season (and a lousy record on the front end - go figure ) will probably tire early. Francis will probably have a better game than last night and Yao will be highly motivated as always. But will be hard pressed to follow up last night's performance. The only way I can see us pulling this out is if we jump on them early, do not fall behind and both Yao and Francis have great games. In addition, someone will have to defend Amare. I have no answer here.

So while we have a chance, it is a slim one in this must-win gut-check game. I will not say we will lose, but in my opinion, if we ever get down by 10, we will not come back.

 

Not saying Amare can't completely go to his left. Just that if you are going to defend him it behooves you to take away his most comfortable play which is the bull rush from the right into the lane. Amare is a wonderful player, but I will take my chances with him shooting jumpers going going left versus allowing him his most comfortable move.

Chris

 

The Rockets did fairly well against the Lakers when they pounded the ball down to Yao. If Houston faithfully continues to execute this play down the stretch Houston has a chance. Otherwise Phoenix is playing better ball at this time and considering the long drawn out heartbreaker last night I don't know how this team would do it. But neither team is playing to their full potential.

Phoenix 88-83

 

I thought you quit watching Rox already after last night's defeat, hehehehe

 

good, so many ppl lost confidence, it is time for rockets to have win(although occasionally).

 

A Rockets win in an ugly, Ugly, UGly, UGLy, UGLY game tonight. I expect at least THREE fight, TWENTY ejections. Both teams have to play their cheer leaders to finish the game.

 

mmm after double OTs ... rox are prolly tired and pissed.

rox 85
suns 93

 

Well, I just can't see us beating the Playoff bound teams anymore, we can't be the crappiest teams.....so it looks like we're out of luck!

Phoenix 91
Rox 82

Pugs

 

Sorry, Rox fans, it's not gonna be pretty tonight.

Suns 96, Rockets 79.

 

It just doesn't get any easier either...Dallas on Friday.

 

Is that game on ESPN?

 

I hope the rockets will at least try to get yao the ball again. I was nice to see less of the dribble dribble shoot last night. The rox certainly didn't look great last night, but I've seen them look MUCH worse this year. It will be interesting to see if they try to get it inside 2 nights in a row or if we will see Steve, Cat, and Mooch dribbling and shooting.

 

Yeah it is... Hope we get our act together. We havent played well at all against Dallas thus far.

 

Just think of any win as a plus for the rest of the season. No expectations that they will make it to the playoffs this year.

 

What the Rockets show in this game will be very significant for the 15 hours following the game.

If they lose this one, they're pretty much out of the playoffs, and the Rockets may be open to making larger trades for slightly young players.

What am I saying? I'm saying will screw that by letting the front office taste the potential of this team with a thrashing of the Suns.

Of course, the deadline will pass, and they will go on another losing streak.