ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Timberwolves 1/7/2007

I believe that JVG is an idiot for putting Novak in during clutch time. Why the heck does he not put guys like Novak in when we're blowing out teams to develop them? Instead he puts in a rookie with little playing experience when the game is on the line, not to mention covering Blount. That is on JVG.

As far as Rafer is concerned, his stats speak for themselves and that is Rafer's fault. I don't blame Rafer, he's doing his best, he just isn't good enough. JVG is the coach and is it not the coaches decision to put in the players that give you the best chance at winning? JVG is not cutting it as a coach.

 

I honestly can't figure out if JVG used Rafer to defend Mike James or because of his deep seeded loved for the guy.

0-11 in the second half of the game? Holy crap.

To the people bashing Novak for missing two shots (shots that were GOOD openings), I highly doubt you'd be lighting the rim up with little to no PT week in and week out. There is a reason you need to consistently keep guys in the rotation, even if for a few minutes here and there. You keep them on the bench and destroy their confidence and you get Novak (or Boki or any other rook we have ruined). But honestly, why was Novak playing down on the blocks? Dude got ABUSED down there and it wasn't even his fault.

babydill.

 

Head, I don't know, he's not gonna be en fuego every game. T-Mac did what he should do, gun it every game hit or miss, esp without Yao.

Rafer, I'm the only dude who supports you on the BBS. Please, quit this s**t!!!!! Yet another game under 30%. Do that s**t again and I'll have no choice but to catch a flight to Houston just to smack the s**t out you. I probably won't even do that, I'll have the poster above me slap your ass, and your moms.

 

deke and hayes might struggle against Ben tomorrow and thats not a good thing and if Tmac plays like today then ben gordon is gonna rule him. Lets see what happens since its back to back game

 

I agree 100% I mean this is a game we have to win....Novak has not played all season and it wasn't like he was on fire or anything !! Novak is also weak at defense so why was he in there ? As for Rafer we all know what we get with him so why do we even complain anymore about Alston. He is nothing more than a street legend trying to bring that style to the NBA level. Alston is a bench player and thats it !! But we all here on this forum know that its just too bad that the Roxs Organization doesn't know that !!!!

 

So based on your logic, win or lose is not on coaches anymore? Winning is because guys making shots, losing is because players missing shots. Coaches? They are just bunch of guys sitting on sidelines and watching games, they have nothing to do with win or loss. So why doesn't Rox just hire a fan to be the coach?

 

Van Gundy is not the sole reason for the loss, but he did play a part. He TOOK OUT John Lucas, who was playing well and just hit a clutch 3 pointer, and put in Rafer Alston who was in a shooting slump the entire game. And what a surprise - Rafer missed a big 3 pointer that could have tied the game!

I don't see how Van Gundy can't be at least partially to blame for this silly substitution.

 

[profound comment below]

I think we'll be better when Yao comes back

 

I'm just disappointed TMac didn't step it up in OT but deferred way too many times. Just talking about this one game so don't flame me.

 

I thought Wallace was out or injured or something ?

 

does JVG need an instructional video called How To: Apply Common Sense to Everyday Applications.

 

As much as you guys think Novak being in the lineup when it MATTERS, he WILL learn from this. So long as he keeps his head up, he can learn from tonight.

He does need to be in when we blow teams out just to get experience, but putting rookies in when it matters is just as effective in my eyes.

babydill.

 

JVG should never put Novak in the game during OT if Steve doesn't get enough regular playing time. JVG expects him to be a superman and hit shots whenever he's in the game.

But why "Skip My Ass" was in the the game when he missed all his shots? So you don't blame on JVG?

 

You can't really blame JVG for putting Alston back in. You either score or get scored on, sucks being a Rocket's coach.

 

I agree its the Stars job to take over a game especially in OT !!!!! He deferred way too much..Anyone think the back is flaring up again ?

 

DD, I am here with you support Novak. Obviously this kid is still clueless on offense, until Tmac sets him up but then hes mentally not ready. Yes, he is open but when your mind is not ready, you are not gonna bury them in... Be patient with him, he is gonna shine.

Also, I think Alston should share most of the blame for this lose. Novak? Hes got 2 shots, I would take a Novak misshot any day over the pathatic Alston miss. At least the poor rookie leant something. Good game overall, at least rox fought to the last second.

 

87-69

Now I'm not sure how legit the fouls were but when you shoot 34-40 from the FT line n the Roxs only shoot 12-19 doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the refs kept Minny in this game all the way. When the refs weren't tooting their whistles the Roxs outscored Minny 87-69.

 

I think this is a very fair post as Novak is a rookie being put in a tough situation. Rafer is a veteran and expected to play as one.....Novak did not play well tonight but maybe he will see how tough it is and continue to work on his game....

 

Why did Worrell say " is it maybe time for T-Mac to go back to Waco ?" Is his back hurting him again ?

 

28 vs 16, as i warned in that game thread, it is a fraud no doubt/