ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Mavericks 1/16/2007

Is anyone else really afraid of the Refs trying to impose *their* will on the game? We all know how much the Refs love the Mavs. Unless we establish a double digit lead early, the Refs will look for any excuse to screw us over.

 

Maybe T-Mac's jersey should be modified to "Wade" for this game and maybe the refs won't realize it till he gives tmac 20 calls... hehe

 

Its gonna be a tough game for the Rockets. However, if T-Mac can step up like he did against Sacramento and Mutombo can continue to dominate the boards, we can win this one. Final score, Rockets 111 - 109 Mavs.

 

We are going to have to pounce on them early. And I don't think we can win a high scoring affair with them.

Keys to winning:

Battier being able to contain Nodickski
Rafer not getting raped by Ugly Ass Terry
Tmac playing like Tmac
Rebounds Rebounds Rebounds Rebounds

 

Tracy will have to make his FTs. He will have to drive a lot and make FT when he is put on the line.

Someone has to stop Dirk. Either TMAC (he did in the playoff few years ago) or Shane Battier (who I heard was abused by Dirk in the playoff last year).

Rafer Alston has to knock down open shots. Luther and Shane will have to continue to knock down open treys.

 

Finally folks in Dallas start to give Yao some kind word, but they still want to rub in a bit

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcon...s/stories/011607dnsposherrington.26faa7e.html

 

I mentioned this in the other topic already, but I think we should play zone defense and force the Mavs to play on the perimeter. This way, Dirk (and the other Mavs) is forced to play his perimeter game where Battier (and maybe Hayes) can shut him down, and the paint is clear for Mutumbo to grab countless rebounds.

I'm not too sure of the Mavs' players passing abilities though which could break down a zone defense, but I've read somewhere that they're the lowest assist team in the league, so this strategy should (theoretically) work well against them.

Anyways, I finally created a signature!! I'll remove it right away if something bad happens against the Mavs tomorrow

 

I think were going to take it 98-94. Either way, this is a HUGE game!!!

 

The Mavs have the lowest assist team in the NBA simply because of their style of play, to which I have no damn idea. Playing zone would mean Dirk trying to foul out Deke, simply by flaining his arms around and pretend to be fouled by Mutombo. I'd much rather have Howard on Dirk if he's in the low post, or Battier on Dirk. Howard is the key factor here, since he is a combo guard/forward. Actually, take it around. Put T-Mac on Dirk and Battier on Josh Howard. With any luck the Rockets should shut down those two and Jason Terry will have Alston for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and some evening snacks.

 

watching the Lakers game, Kobe took the challenge to guard Dwade, so i think Tmac should again take the challenge to guard Dirk

 

Hopefully we will see some of this. Man Tracy's shot looks so different.

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what a game...

 

and Bonzi Wells practiced. thats gotta be good enough for some minutes on the court these days right? i'm sure he has softened van gundy up to being in shape.

 

The key to the game is making Dirk work on defence as well. If he is allowed to coast then he will have a big night offensively.

Make sure Howard gets some touches and Mutombo gives Dirk the elbows when he comes in the paint.

I feel T-mac will get a triple double and just stamp his greatness all over Dallas' collective behind.

Then as an encore, he's going to drop 60 on the Suns and the Rockets win a shoot-out.

 

I don't really care whether Bonzi suits up for this game or not, since I don't think he'll have an instant positive impact to this team which is gelling and rolling without him.

Sure wouldn't mind him playing against the Spurs though, heh. Maybe JVG only plays him when we've got an upcoming Spurs game.

 

Damn.. by comparing the starters, we should've won that series man...well, at least with the current Yao, we should've. Harris, Josh Howard were sure fast learners.. they were sophomores (correct me if I'm wrong), while we had seasoned veterans. Or maybe if we had Battier instead of J. Jackson...blah, the speculations are endless. I'll stop dwelling on the past now . I really feel bad for McGrady not making it past 1st round yet.

 

if T-Mac iced those last two free throws, the Rockets probably would have won that game in regulation.

 

Good quote by Avery ohnson:

"I don't know why everybody is so surprised by what they're doing. We played them in the playoffs and everybody seems to act like (Tracy) McGrady or Yao (Ming), when he was playing, all of a sudden got good. That's the real hilarious thing for me. We always had a lot of respect for them. We always knew they would be good if they were healthy. McGrady didn't just start passing the ball this year. He's always been a good passer.


Finally somebody who the nba/media respects tells them Their crazy.


Anyway i ain't scared T-MAC ( and the rest of the squad ) gonna knock them fools out.

 

You know what's odd.

The Mavericks have been getting more calls, ever since Cuban has stayed on the sidelines and kept quiet. The new owner rules by the league actually helped Cuban's team by keeping him from irritating the refs and his players.

It's interesting to see them maintain their winning with more calls from the refs and fewer distractions from the owner.

 

Statement game. Sucks, I think I'll be at work.