ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Lakers 4/19/2004 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 2)

im pretty excited about this next game.. what I saw in Game 1 was that we match up well with the Lakers. We had sooo many TO's in the first half but we still kept it close. In the 2nd half we didnt turn the ball over that much but we lost our shot.

I think the Lakers worry about us.. they always try and bring their A game against all season (because of the Yao/ Shaq hype) and we still hold our own against them.

JJackson had a bad shooting night oh well it happens consumate pros like him bounce back so I expect a big night from him. Yao should be able to bounce and hopefully find his missing shot.

my thoughts are about adjustments..

1. I wonder why JVG never uses any zone.. I know he hates zone but it seems to be effective in changing the tempo of the game. We dont have to use it exclusively but in short periods here and there to disrupt tempo.
2. I think Yao did a pretty good job defending Shaq yesterday as long as he stays away from stupid fouls he was doing fine. (or unless Shaq gets the ball real deep)
3. We had a poor shooting night but we played great defense.. we held the Lakers to 9 points or so in the 3rd.

J

 

They should put Cato on Shaq and have Yao as the help defender. Shaq was neutralized with that strategy. Yao guarding Shaq 1-on-1 is like playing Russian Roulette.

Also, when Yao is not in the game, the Rox need to goto the half-court trap a little more to further disrupt the Fakers offense.

 

Cut down the TOs, then a WIN is secured!!!

Let's start the Rockets Winning Streak in the Playoff!

 

Francis was obviously nervous and fumbling the ball all over the damn place because it was his first ever playoff game. Now that all the players know what to expect as a team, Id look for the Rockets to bring it on and kick some Faker ass next game.

 

what about that open layup missed by taylor in the last seconds of the game? why blame only francis?

 

A lot of mistakes in game 1. I especially do not know what JVG was thinking letting Yao guard Shaq with 5 fouls already. Anyway, lets hope we pull it together come game 2.

Francis played his heart out so did Cuttino. Mark my words, they won't go a combined 14 Tos in game 2.

Let's kick some ass!!

 

It will either be a blowout going Lakers way and the rest of the series going that way or the Rox win by a basket or two and then we'll have to wait and see.

 

have a bad feeling about the match

 

Rockets 66
Lakers 60

 

Iw as just hearing a self complimentary piece on Shaq- here was one of the quotes

" There is no one who cna guard me one on one"

IS there a rule that you should guard anyone one on one- i did not think so!

If Yao gets as many calls as Shaq does then it would be a no-brainer who wins! ( Case in point the blocking foul on Stevie and 9 out of 10 players would be hauled up with a foul for that!)

 

You really think so? remember that the rockets are known for not being able to keep up with the momentum, my prediction is a defeat with a large margin.

Lakers: 98
Rockets: 72

 

Man. I really wanted the sweep. Rockets 101 Lakers 67.

 

bash those motherfakers heads in

BELIEVE!

 

DOWN WITH THE FAKERS!

 

The Rox should win another close one...I like the matchup and with the Fakers banged up, we should win...

I like our chances pulling out the series, just because we are a better team...

 

If we can keep the turnovers to less than 15, then we can win. Yao goes off in this one...25/15/4

Rox...87
LAL...83

 

I believe that the rockets can win this game and the series.

Go Rockets!!!

 

Man, I have a bad feeling when ZRB is positive. Wish he is right this time

 

i got a massege to all those non belivers



DON'T EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

 

Iwas wondering abpout that! Because it proved to be the best stratergy in the Regular Season. Did JVG just forget to use it especially as Cato would be fresh having rested for so many games!