ClutchCity.net Game Thread: Sonics @ Rockets 11/5/2002

All right, the first reply in a game thread!

We'll probably lose and everyone demand that Steve be traded, though....

 

This will be a tough one for us. Gary Payton backed up by Kenny Anderson? No rest for Steve.

Like the Raptors game, we have to hope that our inside game is strong and we pull this one out. These guys are very thin at PF, so Griff should have that game we've been waiting for. I sure wish we had T-Mo to put on Lewis.

 

First homer prediction in the game thread?? Cool!

I predict that with 4 more days of practice, Yao will have become even more comfortable with the team and the offense than he showed against the Dinos..

KT will have a much better game and he might actually be able to hit his shots this game..

Question, will Rice be back for this game?

I think this game will be a defensive battle...

Rockets 74
Sonics 72

we take the lead early, and allow Seattle back in the game
and end up winning with a last second shot from Cat at the buzzer..

 

Seattle seems to be relatively healthy and playing well. So this will be a tough task for our team. I am looking forward to seeing how we will do. It appears Glen Rice will practice today and will be ready for the game as will Kenny Thomas. Glad we are getting healthy. Hopefully we can start getting the chemistry together with everyone back.

In the Seattle game I think the backcourt matchup of Payton/Barry vs Francis/Mobley will be very interesting to watch!

Chris

 

I agree. the payton-francis matchup is always fun to watch. However, I am worried about the Mobley on Barry. He has been playing well, and given his size and recent play, i think there is potential for him to have a big night. I think that we can neutralize it though with our inside game....I think Yao is going to have his best game yet, around 14 pts and 11 boards

 

Sonics are unbeaten, but they have played Utah, Warriors and Suns. There is no matchup in the game that Sonics is superior to us. I cannot see how we can be expected to be in a dog fight, with more days of practice, the confidence from the last game, home game and the return of more fire power.

 

THis is a must win game for us. At home versus a potential playoff contender. WE need the win to get even with them on overall standing as well as bild some momentum before the season gets too long for us.

 

This game might be a good one for Yao, being that his only competition is Drobnjak, Booth, or J.James. Drobnjak seems to be the better of the bunch, but none of them are good defensive centers. Its also good to note that there isn't one guy on their team that averages more than 7 reb./game or more than 1 block/game(except lewis at 1.33), but they do have 5 guys in double digit scoring averages. They're balanced offensively , but they aren't that tough on the boards. ZRB could probably provide more info on the enemy.

 

I think the Rocks blow em out.

Seattle is not as good as their record, and Houston matches up very well.

Barry will not be able to beat Hawkins, and if Payton gets by Francis, we have 2 shot blockers closing off the lane....sorry GP, the little spin move is closed.

DaDakota

 

FYI -- three game stats for the 67,000,000 dollar man:

Rashard Lewis 36.0 .310 (FG) .125 (3P) .750 (FT) 7.00 (RB) 3.3 (A)2.67 (S) 1.33 (B) 11.0 (PPG)

Betcha he ups those avgs 'at home in Houston'...but can he 'shoulder' the load for a season?

 

Eddie and Yao are due for a big game! With the sorry front court the Sonics have, the Rockets should be able to dominate. I mean, when we get Taylor back, I think we have five frontcourt players(4's and 5's) better than Seattle's best big man. Can anyone argue that?

 

Sane-You're worried about Kenny Anderson? The guys a chump.

This game comes down to defense and post play. The Sonics have ZERO post players. It's up to Yao, KT and EG to make the difference offensively and defensively. Could this be Ming's coming out party???

 

The Rockets will win if Francis exploits the Sonics weaknesses and doesn't try to turn it into a one on one match up between himself and Payton. It would be fun to watch but going one on one against the glove is not the smart way to go after the Sonics.

Rockets 85
Sonics 81

 

I am pumped up to watch this game. If they get the same game they have been getting out of Cato and have the players without the ball continue to move we will win this game.

My hopefulls for the game,

SF will get GP into foul trouble.
EG will have six blocks.
KT will play strong "D" and hopefully have his shot back.
CAT will have his ISO game going.
Rice will destroy their ZONE on the few shots that he gets.

And the biggest factor is to get the crowed into this game. Go to
Ming and allow him to hit a few buckets. The crowed will be going nuts. They scream like crazy when he does something.

JLB

 

Rudy should put Hawkins on Payton to slow him down...We'll have a GREAT chance if he slows him down...I think the home court advantage will also play a key part. If they play with alot of energy and get the crowd involved, I don't think the sonics can hang...

 

Come on. This is Payton's season. He's going to absolutely demolish the league this year. It's his contract year, and he wants to make the Sonics know they made a mistake.

 

Most likely this game will be another duel between Payton and Francis most of the way. Rox and Sonics are both very guard oriented, the front court will probably be the deciding factor. Rox definitely have the more talented frontcourt.

 

So far, the Rox have played at the level of their competition with the exception of Toronto. However, Toronto was even more short-handed than the Rox were and they are the worst shooting team in the NBA today. I'm very interested to see if the Rox can raise their level of play against a completely healthy team like the Sonics. Backcourt will be a battle as Payton and Brent Barry go against Steve and Cat. I can't say there is a clear advantage in the frontcourt unless EG and KT come out palying with their full potential. So far, it's been sub-par to what they are capable of. Mo T will be missed in this game. Yao will still have limited minutes and Cato is still playing exceptionally well. Homecourt advantage will be a factor this game. I think this could be a close game where offense won't be as much of a factor as defense. My prediction is 92-88 Rox on top.

 

Why does everyone say i Yao will have 16pts 10 rebs this game? hes not our starter Cato might yao i hope could contribute but i think and we all know inside that wont happen this soon.... Dont get me wrong i wish he got 16 and 10 hes on my Fantasy Bball Team