ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Raptors 11/3/2004

Phil Jackson probably faxed his resume to Les after watching the Raptors game. The inflexibility of JVG in the offense is a serious killer. I have always thought JVG is a great defensive coach. His mind and innovation as it relates to the offensive side of the ball is staid and stale.

 

Has TMac asked for a trade yet? He probably wants to play with Chris Bosh. JK

 

LOL! I was thinking the same thing, the guy is annoying.

You need to add the "This particular point in time" phrase.

 

What happened to Bill Worrell?

 

This was a hard one. There are a lot of problems. Yao's turnovers don't seem to have been fixed. Some of the supposed reasons for the TO's last year have been traded. T-Mac seems scared to take over the team. Or when he does, he tries to do it mostly from shooting outside shots(that's based on the opening night game laregly too.). We don't have a real leader at PG. Our offense just isn't flowing.

I know we have the talent. I really want our team to turn it around fast.

 

0-2? Get the crap out of here. What' s wrong with this team? Deja vu again? Please don't **** no more or trade the losers.

 

If TMac wants to get traded, they should trade him for Peja and Bobby Jackson.

I think the odds of Yao getting traded to a California team increases after every game. I do not think his performance on the court warrants a max contract. Only a California team should pay him a max contract as of now.

 

I just got a feeling,yao ought to get more touch,or we will be the
next Magic.

 

After watching tonight's game, I have to state the obvious, THE ROCKETS STILL HAS A LONG WAY TO GO to reach the same type of chemistry they had leading into the playoffs last season.

Here's a few observations:

1). Right now, the second unit is far superior than the starting line-up. How many times have we seen the second unit bail us out during the last two games? They are playing more efficiently, faster-tempo, and smoother transition in-between the players. Also, I think their spacing is a lot better.

2). However, the same cannot be said of the starters. It just feels like there's absolutely no chemistry between the players and that's to be expected. They've only been together for a short period and will probably take about 20 games to really gel and get their stuff together to make a run for the playoffs.

3). I really blame the Rox's two losses on JVG's style of play more than anything else. I HATE the half court offense. Sure, it helps Yao save energy but it REALLY slows down the game. And when you slow down the game, it gives the opponent time to set up the defense. When you're playing against a bunch of young, up-tempo, transition offense minded Eastern Conf. teams like Raptors and Pistons, Rox will always come out on the losing end. We just don't have the power (yet) to dominant in the half court game and it doesn't allow us time to get back on defense.

4). Lastly, God bless Yao, and sure he's done a lot during off-season, but you've GOT TO TAKE THE BALL STRONG TO THE BASKET. There were many wasted opportunities tonight where he could've dunked it but chose instead for a whimpy layup. Dude, this is your third season. Why not learn to be a little more aggressive?

 

FREE YAO !!

Let him play the high post and slash to the basket, get him off the block a little bit.

Look at how Rudy used him in his rookie year versus how JVG uses him now.

JVG is trying to force him to be a low post only player.

FREE YAO, let Yao be Yao.

Let him post up some, face up some, and slash some.

He is being under utilized.

DD

 

Rockets will be in playoff as long as Yao is here. They will never win it all as long as JVG is the head coach.

 

So do you guys feel that the rockets will just be going downhill from here? I understand it's discouraging, believe me i'm more upset and disappointed than the next guy, but things have to come together and achieve our initial expectations yeah?

 

Don't forget to post that same statement after our next win.

Fair-weather fan...

 

Yao's 15 ftr is no longer MONEY

Rocket River

 

How would we know? He is never out there unless it is a last second contested shot.

Who could block his shot at the elbow? No one !

DD

 

Man, I give it 5 games till this team gets their **** together. They are just out of sync.

But I blame our PGs for these past 2 losses. They are just clueless on running this squad.

Ward -

3-10 FG
8 pts
5 reb
2 assists
2 TOs

Lue -

1-5 FG
2 pts
0 reb
2 assists

Is this the crap we're going to be getting out of our PGs?

I can't wait for Sura to come back. Hopefully he can change some things....

 

Didn't see the game, it is too early to care. This team is nowhere near put together, I have zero expectation that they would be playing together. Right now it is like painting a moving vehicle. In a few weeks things should start coming together. If not, change some of the supporting personnel. Also, let the "Stevie is hot, and the Rockets are not" banter begin. Yahoo reports that Francis made the winning shot, a "magical beginning." What was really interesting, Hill had 20. Whoa, if Hill makes a "real" comeback and stays healthy, the Magic could be tough. If not, "Stevie's" bravado will fade. No playoffs for you!

 

I don't think he is being a fair-weather fan, he is just giving his opinion and I have to agree. That or I just hate Van Gundy so much I'll agree with any JVG bashing right now.

 

Here's the silver lining. The team last year lost to both the Pistons and the Raptors when they played them on the road. If the Rockets were bricking in the Toyota Center, there would be problems.

 

Yao's 15 footer is no longer money. His free throw is also no longer automatic. JJ's 3 point shot has left him. The rocks on the team have had their shots left them mysteriously.