ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Kings 11/23/2004

It sucks that Yao made those costly TOs, but that is a process every young star have to go through before becoming franchise level players.

Remember when Kobe launched up two airballs at the end of his first playoff series against the Jazz? Kobe was no "clutch" player during his first two seasons. But he just kept launching those airballs, turning over by dribbling too much, and driving himself into a crowd of defenders. Eventually Kobe learned from his mistakes and the refs started to respect Kobe's rep as a clutch player who should get calls.

Today many people consider Kobe as the best clutch player in the game (and the #1 *******, but that's another story).

I just hope the Rox keep going to Yao down the stretch regardless of the mistakes he's been making. TMac is already a proven clutch weapon, so it is more important to develop Yao this season. We're not going to win the championship this year, but at least we can condition Yao for greatness.

 

so true. couldn't have said better myself.

 

Very good points vwiggin! This team will only go as far as Yao takes us. Yao has to be every bit as dominant as Tmac if we are going to go to the next level. Yao has to be able to WIN games for us at the end. He has to be able to take the last shot(s).

It's a learning process everytime. We just have to keep working and be patient.

 

turning over by dribbling too much, and driving himself into a crowd of defenders

So did Steve and Cat, TO is TO. Yao should had protect the ball better. Anyway, the problem is not him, it is the team.

 

This is just another example of the extreme expectations of Yao. He is always the subject of 3 or 4 of the active threads on this BBS and by my account gets raked over the coals whether he has a good or bad game. Yao was dominant last night, he was the leading scorer with 29 points, only Kobe scored more last night. I'd say Yao did his part and is showing tremendous improvement in his game this year particularly at the offensive end.

To get to the next level, this team needs to acquire some more players. The Suns with Marion and Stoudamire went no where until Steve Nash signed.

 

Pathetic...

 

But Kobe led his team to victory!
What did Yao do? Two costly turn over when game is on the line

 

Im just kinda down... Both of your stars scored 25+ points and we still didnt get the W.

 

Totally agree. Just read what kings coach had to say last night after the game:

"It's just hard guarding those two guys (Yao and TMac) when they both have their game going. We left some shooters open sometimes, but you're going to have to do that when they're both killing you.''

 

You know, it seems like in every game this year, it's been down to the wire. With that in mind, it makes sense now and again that T-Mac will miss the 17 footer or layup that ties the game or locks it up for us. Same thing applies to Yao...he'll miss a shot, or turn it over. The point is, it would've been nice if we had a nice cushion or we were winning in a blowout fashion. This year, it just doesn't seem our style at all. Also, the Rockets we're playing at Arco where we can't expect the Refs to help us at all.

 

Ummm...they edged out the Rockets and got into the playoffs in Yao and Amare's rookie year. That's pretty good by my accounts.

 

sorry, let me qualify: By my accounts, that's pretty good given their circumstances that year.

 

The Suns (without Marbury) with Marion and Stoudamire went no where until Steve Nash signed.

 

i remember long.....long.....ago

we used to get the occasional W against the kings...

thank God for memories

 

November 6th was a long time ago?

 

yeah i am hoping that they develop a killer instint and bave a little cushion at the end of games. I dont know if i can take a whole season where every game goes down to the wire.

 

the unfortunate thing about our system, is that our defense will keep us in most games, our heavy focus on defense and inconsistent offense will keep most opponents in the game.

i wouldn't expect too many blowouts with this team. only in games where the entire opponents team couldnt buy a shot (twolves game last year)

 

Yeah, I don't know if my heart could take it. My girlfriend is already resigned not to watch any games at all due to climatic/anti-climatic finishes...although I can always catch her peeking out of the corner of her eye LOL!

 

I agree. The Rockets offense doesn't allow us to keep on tacking on points.

When we build a lead, we need to keep on the offensive, keep on attacking and adding points. Instead, it seems that we just TRY to increase the D-intensity (which isn't bad) but it becomes very difficult to start the offense again.

 

Rockets deserved the loss .Even though Rockets has so many salted players,it is not a mature team so far.Many details can prove this.