I love the fact that its a TNT game when we're struggling big-time. At least now, when they bash us, it will have some merit (instead of it being the default Barkley stance from day 1, that we're a soft, slow-tempo, no-talent team... which he hasn't watched play more than 2 times). Expect lots of Denver propping... they are definitely the flavor of the month (or two months... or 3 months... they've been great), and they will dominate the show.
You're knocking T-Mac for taking most of the team's shots? Are you kidding me? Nobody else was making shots last game or the game before or the game before that. How can you trust your teammates if they consistently miss shots? He made 50%+ of the shots. He'll do whatever he has to do to win the game. If he can involve his teammates he'll do it and if he sees that they can't hit the broad side of the rim, them he'll take over himself. The problem last game wasn't offense, we scored 117 PTS.
Nobody is immune to criticism. The rest of the team scored 73 points. Shooting 34 times in one game is not winning basketball. That type of basketball doesn't win games consistently, and it will never win championships or even a playoff series. Dude, it wouldn't of matter if he took 44 shots and scored 60 points, the Rockets still would have lost the game. Like you said offense wasn't the problem. However, when most of your teammates aren't involved in the offense they won't be there for you on defense, and they definitely won't have a hot hand for you in the fourth quarter.
We will win this one. Please start Bowen or Padgett instead of Spoon, we do not need Spoon when we play a quick team. It is so sad to see him pick up one foul after another one with the face of :
This is a big game for the Rockets. Yet, I don't feel good about it because Kobe is going to play. Tracy on the floor will make him play well. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost, and if they do, its time to panic because what follow are games at Phoenix and Seattle (and the Rockets have won there each already once, probability says they won't win there twice, plus we are without Howard), and then 4 home games against decent teams sans the Clippers and we all know how well the Rockets play in their own backyard. This is a must win. I hope the Rockets play with the proper urgency.
Lakers in tank mode, we don't want any part of the 7th seed and the Spurs in the opening round. Rocks 110 Lakers 92 DD™
We won by one point, but the Lakers did come storming back carried by a marvelous Lamar Odom comeback attempt. They rimmed out a wide open 3-pointer and we got lucky and won. Is that what you are talking about? Sidenote: GOD I would love to have Odom on the Rockets roster as a PF/SF (he could even play some SF with T-Mac resting). I KNOW he hates playing with Kobe in LA, but the problem is the Rockets would have no one to give up in return if a trade was to occur. Also, his contract size would be problematic (but may be Les would pay up because of all that supposed "extra cash" he has in his pockets from Yao and the Toyota Center lux boxes) I know the Lakers will try to get rid of Odom, Butler, and others, but likely it will be a packaged deal to try and get a solid front-court player to play with Kobe.
If we can't beat a crippled Laker team that has been eliminated from the playoffs we don't deserve to get into the playoffs - simple as that. Let's see if we can right the ship down the stretch. Without Howard, I don't think we'll get deep into the playoffs regardless. I'd really like to see Braggs get some playing time. He's tough, quick and high energy. Can't understand why he hasn't seen the light of day. D R
My gut feeling tells me that the Wolves will lose probably 2 of its next 7, and if that hold true, the Rockets need to win two games to secure playoff birth. That is why if we had won the Hornets game (that would have been BIG considering our standing now) we would have needed to win the Lakers game, and possibly another 2 games of so, and then Minny would have been eliminated by then. I hope JVG is proven wrong at the end (he had said that the Hornets loss would cost the team somehow, either in the seeding or in making the playoffs in the first place)
I thought he was injured If that is true, and Kobe starts as well, then we are in deep sh** Why can't we catch a break and play a team that has nobody playing for it? Why the heck does Kobe have to come back? Is it to be on TNT and showoff a bit? God, I hate Kobe even more so now
Rockets won't think of this as "must win" but more as "must focus." Expect Yao to have a spectacular game - 24 pts, 12 rbs, 2 blks. McGrady will find his shooting touch - 28 pts. Someone else needs to step up to solidify this victory...someone will. Wesley will emerge from his past funks to have a solid 17 pts. Sura will also be there with 7 assists. Result: Rockets 102 Lakers 89
Yo!!! This is a must win game!!!!! It does not get easier!!! Rox 97 LAL 88 This is the game JVG is going to motivate and conquer!!!
A spectacular game of 24, 12 and 2...to some of the posters here that's what Yao should average in his 3rd season.
With Kobe playing the Rockets will probably lose...maybe get blown out!!! Oh well. With the 14th pick, the Rockets select.....a foreign dude we have never heard of. Great!!
