ClutchFans Game Thread: Lakers @ Rockets 4/25/2004 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 4)

That's what bad teams do...

All they had to do was to hit one F'ing basket when they were up 87-83. So instead of working the clock for a good shot, they revert to one-on-one basketball and start turning the ball over - first JJ and then SF. Oh and they "forget" to double-team Kobe, let him get all the way to the rim and BAM! Game over, series over. Time to start picking out those tee-times...

 

Officiating was terrible in this game. I was there and didn't have the benefit of replays.

Yao's sixth foul was indicative - he was standing straight up retreating - Malone initiated the contact with his shoulder.

34 freebees for Lackers vs. 19 for Rox!

 

Two missed shot's are difference in the series!!!

Last second miss by JJ in game 1 and Francis' miss with :06 in regulation in game 4.

Make those shots and Rox are up 3-1!!

 

The Rockets had their chances but they didn't do enough to win the game. I think that at the end is where experience beat us. But in the end we are still not making this easy for the Lakers. I went to the game and I felt the Rockets had the win. It's still not over.

 

I thought we had them, but it comes down to our shots going down.

1. Cat, awsome in OT, didn't shoot the ball well tonight. 6-19 is terrible, especially that he had a lot of open looks.

2. Jim missed some open shots as well, he also hit some big ones too. Bad TO at the end really killed us.

3. Steve had a decent game, except for 5 TOs. This is a game where I could have seen Steve shoot a little more. His shot has been working for him and he's been able to drive in, didn't see enough of it today.

4. Yao was slow on D today, he had trouble doubling and then getting back in time.

Boki needs to get some more minutes. He's been our energy guy and we could use him atleast once in the 2nd half.

 

We show a lot of heart today against arguably the best team ever assembled. (4 Hall of famers)

I really think we can learn from this game and eventually put out the lakers and win the series.

This game also shows a lot of problems with the Rox. I wish Mark Jackson was in the last couple of minutes, I think he'll do a better job handling the ball and make the right play. Francis turns it over. We also did not go to Yao enough. Yao did a great job setting screen for the guards, and that paid off when we climbed back to the game. We break down defensively against Kobe's last drive.

Although I hate to say this, Lakers are the better team today. I think we can win the next three.

 

I had moments I whined about this team- but I take my hats off to the performance thus far- they are playing their hearts out.

True our turnovers are still high, but I think this team can be a championship team- just a few calls our way and we will be back in business.

I sometimes wonder if the coach is too rigid with his rotation- I did expect playing time for Scott Padgett, JJ played great but I think Padgett's 3 point shooting could have been useful.

 

Lakers: 92
Rockets: 88

 

All I've got to say is this...

F**k Karl Malone.

 

It was a very exciting game and as in game one, I thought the Rockets had it won. Very disappointing. They played hard. Overall, this is about the best this team can do. That is why I am hoping for big changes in the off season; an All-Star PF and a "playmaking" guard. I think the series is essentially over, and it was especially tough getting beat by Karl Malone. However, I think we will get to see the Lakers get beat by the Spurs, Kings, or Wolves. Maybe even the Nets, Pistons, or Pacers. I really really doubt that LA can win it all. I don't see it. The 3-1 series standing doesn't really tell the story: the Rockets have "scared" the stuffing out of them and roughed them up as well.

 

Agree. F**K Malone!

 

Yes that last turnover to KB was definitely a kicked ball. I can't believe the announcers didn't catch that.

 

One of Yao's biggest off-season training program should be his spoken English. He needs somebody to teach him American English to be able to argue with the referees about foul calls.

Right now he can speak well off the court, but not good enough to the referees.

 

Rox matches up really well with the Lakers because Shaq has to spend energy on the defensive end.

I can see Spurs beat the Lakers, but not the Kings or Mavs or Wolves. Malone is playing better and better after coming out of the injury. It is going to be tough to beat the Lakers.

 

Ditto

 

Very rational analysis. Getting beat by K Malone make you feel like losing to Utah Jazz

 

Agree!

 

This f**king hurts! But great game by the Rockets! I'm VERY proud of my Rockets!!! Make sure to bring the game back to the Toy Center!

I am in Hong Kong ... the game started here at 3:30 am ... I'm tired as hell now!

 

well i hope u return to your "old" style posts....for the love of god