ClutchCity.net Game Thread: Timberwolves @ Rockets 1/31/2003

Yao used to receive a decent number of touches until he hit the Rookie Wall. Just remember how he missed many easy shots and did not have that legs anymore. Yao had the same problem on several consecutive games. This is different than Steve. Steve had a bad shooting game as well, but not on as many consecutive games of poor shooting as Yao did. Plus the fact that Yao is a Rookie, it's understandable that the guards and coach did not involve Yao in the offense too much.

In fact, you see that Rockets utilize Yao primarily as defense, rebounder, and setting picks for the guards in the last couple of games in the hope that Yao can get over the Rookie Wall. Now in the last three games, we can see a revitalized Yao. That's why Rockets has started to dump the ball on him again.

 

I dont know if anyone mentioned this already. That is Yao took less fade away jumpers in past two games. Particularly tonight, he will try to move close to the basket, wait for the double team, then kick out to the open teammate. I thought it is pretty good adjustment. On several occasions Twolves didnt send double team, and he could finish with a basket. I think Rox is learing how to play with Ming. That is always exciting.

 

I noticed it as well. In the last 2 games, he might have only took 1 post up fadeaway and 1 open 15 foot jump shot. That's it. All the other shots were dunks, layups or hook shots. No wonder his FG% were much better. Not that he couldn't shoot jumpers (we all know he can), but it's nice to see him play closer to the rim.

 

Wow!!! I was at the game tonight, but just now had a chance to get online.

Let me say it again - WOW!!!!! What the heck did Rudy put in the Gatorade?? Whatever it is, please keep it coming guys!!

I have to admit that I was beyond skeptical after the Mavs game, but the Rockets have temporarily dispelled almost all doubt I harbored about getting to the playoffs. I tip my hat to the entire team tonight because everybody who played did an outstanding job. YOU GUYS ROCKED TONIGHT!!

I was impressed not only by the effort, but even more so by the execution of the offense. When Steve, Cat and Yao all have big assist numbers, the rest of the team will feed off of it and the whole thing will become self-sustaining, much like the Celtics of the 80's.

Having said all that, I must also admit that knowing the T-Wolves were on the 2nd game of a back-to-back (especially one as crucial as the Dallas loss was), gives me reason to pause.

I will be fully back on board if we can win the next three. Even 2 out of 3 would be acceptable, but we cannot afford to have our only win prior to the All Star break be against the Cleveland Cavaliers. We really can't afford to win less than 2. If we win all three and then come out with a couple of wins over Utah, we would probably move ourselves right back up to a 5th or 6th seed!!

Now THAT would be COOL feeling!!

 

Fakers beat the Queens

 

wow, what a great game. Our boys played nothing short of fantastic. I was there, the crowd was loud, the shots were falling, and I think I even saw an actual play or two!!! Amazing.

 

I few little tidbits I thought were interesting while watching the game on tv:
- Some fan had a large sign that said "Pass the Ball to Yao" right behind the Rockets bench.
- Mobley made a boneheaded mental mistake when a T-Wolve knocked the ball past the halfcourt line and Mobley thinking it would be a backcourt violation just hit the ball out of bounds instead of picking it up. Why just knock the ball out of bounds? Just pick it up in case an opponent had touched the ball last.
- Francis showed a lack of hustle when he got knocked down after a dunk. He just sat on the court expecting a foul call while the Wolves took advantage of fastbreak numbers and scored an easy pair.
- The fans were singing the Yao Ming Song louder that I have ever heard them sing it. It could definetely be heard on TV. I bet Pulltab sold alot of CDs tonight.
- Also while listening to the halftime report on 610 during an interview with Van Chancelor I heard the Yao Ming Song being played in the background. For those at the game, what was the halftime entertainment and why was the Yao song being played?

Overall this was a definte pick me up game that the Rockets needed badly. Let's hope they can continue!

 

Well, Yao never has the touches he deserves and Rocket needs. Other rookies such as Butler and Stoudamire have way more touches than Yao if you look at their stat.

Yes, Yao was tired during the rookie wall; but to a certain, that was also caused by even less touches the guards gave him. And Rocket was hurt big time.

 

5-0 = You're welcome.

Go Rockets.

 

I think the rocket guards pushed Yao into the rookie wall. Every one has bad games but that does not mean you start going away from your big man if he misses 2 shots in a row.

 

Yao is at his best when there are passing and movements in the offense. He's a motion player not a strong post-up player (yet).

 

I am not sure if this has been mentioned before now (if so I apologize) but did anyone see the fan sitting behind the rockets bench with a placard/poster that read "PASS THE BALL TO YAO". Men what was that? I don't know what to make of that. I know the players saw that because it was directly behind them. Wow. What do you make of that? You are the fan identify yourself immediately.

 

Eh...anybody can win when they shoot 58% at home against a team that played the night before...Let's see if they can keep it up...

 

Hmm... maybe you two need a tip jar.

 

Bill Walton during the Dallas game: "We are seeing a lot more motion offense out of the Rockets and Rudy T's scheme tonight than we've noticed over the last couple of weeks. There's been so much isolation; give it to one guy and let him go. I don't think that will work with Yao Ming."

(I can't believe I quote Bill Walton! )

And yeah I also agree that Yao Ming is not a strong one-on-one post-up player yet. He really needs to build up his strength to become a true go-to inside player. He's not there yet. He needs time.

 

Yeah, but I woulda rather had the Kings win that one. Past 2 years, I've been rooting for ANYONE but the Lakers to win it all while the Rockets are temporarily out of contention.

Plus... you can't forget, the Lakers are our competitors for this 8th spot right now.

 

A-TRAIN !!!

What's with your member status??? I've always wondered how and why some people get screwy titles like that. I've asked someone about this before, but I don't think anybody answered me, but eventually I stopped checking. It seems very random and weird though, don't know how these funky-title people are chosen...

And on another note, can anybody shoot 58%? Plus, I'm getting sick of that little "they played the night before" excuse. It happens to everybody, and they don't always get annhilated the second night cuz of it. But I guess no ones ever really seen you be very positive before, hehe.