ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Mavericks 2/21/2004

What do you think we have been doing for the last 4 days? Practicing the fast-paced game. Who says that we must limit ourselfs to half-court slow paced game? In fact, we should run more. Learn both.

Yao, must keep up. Let him huff and puff.

 

Game tempo is too quick to fit Rockets!

 

I hope Yao goes off in the locker room. He was working overtime in the post to get open, and no ball.
I think the guys are afraid of throwing a bad pass. I'd like to see some zippy passes into the post, not those lazy tosses that get picked off.

 

someone watching the game.. could you please provide a recap with your opinions on the game? Hows the ball movement? Defense? Are they double teaming Yao? I noticed we have 12 assists (same as Mavs) also 9 TO's (not too bad) also same as Mavs.

I think the JVG substitution really hurt is.. (when SF3 and Yao were both out) but im optimistic about the 2nd half. Im glad to see we started off strong.

J

 

That's ridiculous. Playing to the other team's strength?

They're better shooters, better passers, and overall better scorers.

The lower the score the better.

 

did we really only get one FT in the 1st half?

 

SF3 passed the ball directly into the hands of SN while Yao was open. How could he make that kind of careless pass?

The Rockets need to stick to their game plan. It seems that the Rockets guards make it personal that they need to R&G like the Mavericks otherwise their manhood is seriously challenged.

 

The Rockets need a bruiser. If they knock a couple of these finesse players down, I bet we kill them! Get them out of their game. They are soft!

Weatherspoon needs to be our enforcer!

 

thanks for the recap Nick.

J

 

yao was being used in the begining. then became a statue to the rockets. No double teams either.

 

Just a question, but against a team like Dallas wouldn't Scotty Padgett be more valuable than Weatherspoon? I like 'Spoon's game, but we could use Padgett's length and outside against the Mavs' frustrating zone than we can use 'Spoon's rebounding and post offense. Padgett could spread the defense and give us another weapon against the zone. Obviously Van Gundy has a better idea than me but sometimes I feel like I don't see the same game as the coach.


That being said, if it weren't for our 3-point shooting, this game wouldn't be pretty.

Azim da Dream

 

I don't like their shot selection. MoT driving into a crowded lane, the 3 pointers that were taken early in the shot clock. The only explanation I can come up with their quick shots is JVG is telling to take the first open look given to them instead of letting the Mavs fall into that zone. I would of liked to have seen the Rockets bust up the Mavs big men by going into Yao more, and telling MoT to take wiser shot selection.

The funny thing is the moment the Rockets were down Cato checked in and the Rockets lead crept back into a 6 point lead. I think his presence stops all the second shots the Mavs get with the long rebounds. Yao still fumbles the ball, and they're not calling anything except for the excessive reach in fouls on our big men, or the air blown in the general direction of Najera that's causing him to fall on the floor. The guy flops too much to be given credit for all of that. As is the case already, if the Rockets keep playing at the pace of the Mavs they'll get worn down. When they went inside out in the first quarter and went on that big run, they were playing in a half court set both offensively and defensively, were causing turnovers and were busting up the Mavs in the paint. They need to keep playing at their strengths and bust up the Mavs in the paint instead of taking so many perimeter shots. I'm glad they're falling right now, but gambling on our 3 pointers to keep dropping isn't wise at all.

 

You expect Padgett to guard Jamison or Walker?

Padgett shouldn't even be in the league.

 

Gee David, guess the rest of us didn't get the memo that you're an assistant coach on the team. Thanks for filling us in on the practice habits of the Rockets.

And as long as we're on that vein, let me criticize you and the rest of the staff for serious intelligence deficiencies. What kind of a bull-crap staff are you to spend a few days practicing a game scheme that doesn't meet our player profile? Sure, we should practice transition defense... but the "fast-paced game"? Do you really think it's a good idea to change the fundamental game-plan of the Rockets (when we haven't even mastered the half-court game) with 30 games left in the season?

 

Padgett's had some big games for the Rockets as a starter no less. Had an double double grabbing something like 11 rebounds, and scoring in the flow of the offense. He's been great for the Rockets given his limited playing time.

 

Don't let me begin on that POS Najera. He flops even better than JS and KM. Next time I wish Yao kicks his ass if that POS wants to pull out that kind of a fake performance.

They are not calling any fouls against the Rockets. Yao was clearly fouled by Shawn on that dunk but no foul called.

 

Ya ok!

 

Blame the Playmakers for this!

 

Well, that's new. Maybe you saw Lakers playing Mavs pace when they faced each other? We have a big man in the paint, who they have to respect, double, and front. And you are telling them to give up our strength to play Mavs' game? I guess, if you try really hard to beat your opponent by their game, it still won't earn you two wins.

 

Everygame they lost to dallas they have been seduced by dallas or by their own stupidty to follow thier run and gun shooting. everytime that occured a big fat L (loss) after the game.

Earlier in the game when they slowed the tempo which allowed players to post up and get good positioning they hit their shots and had big lead.

2nd quarter they played dallas's game now more turnovers and poor shots and no buckets. the play speaks for itself.