ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Timberwolves 3/5/2004

Farhan007, you must be one of the biggest Steve defenders on the board. Yes, Steve did help us win the game, he virtually took over the game in the 4th quarter, but I think some constructive critizism is fine. By the end of the 3rd quarter, Steve was being clearly out played by Cassell who was shooting 9-11 at the time and keeping the Wolves ahead of the Rocks. If Steve can further improve his defense and ball caring, it would go a long way in helping the Rocks win more.

Same goes to Yao, despite another great offensive game, he should be grabbing more rebounds (although there are less to grab when teams like Wolves are shooting lights out), and his stamina is still a problem. But 27pts in 32min is very very efficient.

Anyway, a great win by the Rockets and both players were instrumental in our win, but I would hold any further optimism for now untill they beat the Mavs on Sunday.

-G'day-

 

Maybe because Yao did not guard Garnett, and Garnett seldom guarded Yao? Whereas Francis and Cassell were direct opponents? Something to think about.

-G'day-

 

Really? I saw Garnett guarding Yao a sh-tload in the 4th, and I saw steve guarding Hudson for certain stretches, simillarly, they both should be hitting the boards, regardless of who's guarding who; but I digresss,

My point is not that Yao was outplayed by Garnett; I wouldn't really even say that he was. Nor would I see that SF was outplayed by SC to any meaningful degree .

My point is that terminal whiners will exploit the tiniest of holes in order to bolster their arguments in certain cases and willfully overlook them in others. This really doesn't contribute anything meaningful and reeks of sour grapes. Why pepople should have sour grapes after a Rockets win is beyond me.

 

I never said who out played who, I was simply answering your question on why people did not brought up about Garnett outplaying Yao.

Madsen, Garnett, and Kandi all guarded Yao in the 4th, but Yao rarely guarded Garnett.

Troy Hudson is the back up PG who plays Stevie's position.

Stevie and Cassell broke even, although Stevie was big in the 4th which helped us to the win.

Neither Garnett or Yao outplayed each other because they don't play on each other (I would not call a few minutes in the 4th a sh-tload when the whole game consist of 48 minutes)

Garnett did have a better game statistically.

But what it matters is Rockets won.

-G'day-

 

I began to see rox game because Yao joined Rox. But really getting fed up with the Steve bashings even after a win like this. I don't care he was outplayed by whom or not. You just can not draw all best players from all around the league like Faker is doing. I don't want to trade anybody if a team can win game like this and is still improving.

Maybe I was fooled because I only watch Rox game on national channels, Steve played at least decetly in big shows

 

btw, is it just me or does Flip Saunder's look remind you a little bit of RT?



-G'day-

 

You are fooled by simply watching some games on national TV. But again we should support every player on the team. But again, do u see the Yao-haters want to trade Yao? It is so much different.

 

zong replying to zongt? I almost thought you were replying to yourself, sorry, just couldn't resist. All is good, peace

-G'day-

 

A great win last night. Thanks for your attention.

 

didn't someone say something about us beating Minny to revenge Flip for not playing Steve and Yao enough in the ASG? LOL nice prediction

 

What a great and exciting Game between the Rockets and the Timberwolves last night, it was most entertaining and the result most pleasurable.It was most favourable seeing Steve Francis applying himself in the manner to which we expect. This gives us a taste of what we shoul be rooting for, at least thats what I am hoping for! The only downside was the lack of involvement of Yao Ming in the fourth quarter and the shooting of Mobley and Jackson. This augurs well for our future because we know that we can be even better than last night.

 

does anybody notice that steve been pushing the ball up the court more lately?I first noticed it in the portland game .I this is a big plus for the rockets if he continues.

 

It's a good thing the first three quarters of a game don't count. Oh wait, they do count. The first quarter is just as important as the fourth quarter. Sam was responsible for at least 51 points, Steve for 37. That is a BIG difference.

 

What a game...what a WIN!!

 

no, there are more important times than others. When your down by 1 with 5 minutes to go, you cant make mistakes, and you have to be clutch. thats what steve did, and cassel didnt.

 

i wish steve could get some more assits and play some damn D to. Also cut the tunovers down. Cassel was lighting him up. I wont go into bashing him, cause he did play a good game.

 

definitly. This will push the defense more back and confuse. Thats what steve can be good at doing..penetrating before the defense is fully set. This leaves players wide open for threes and maybe an open yao ming cutting to the basket.

 

Here is one stat I would love to see in many more recaps : Steve Francis and Yao Ming combined 52points in the winning effort.

 

Who gives a **** who outplayed who. As long as our team outplays their team, it's all good!

Let's go, ROX

 

Eh...That was really more of a hypothetical; I want Steve here, and I think that he could eventually be Yao's right hand man. I think what you're asking for is unheard of...Steve as a 3rd wheel? Most of the guys around here want Steve gone, but are willing to trade him for lesser, role - playing type guys. T-Mac? Seriously? I think it'd be damn near impossible to get him only giving up Steve and change. Without Steve in the deal, it would be impossible.

So if Steve plays well, you want him out? Let's say he gives you a glimpse of what we want from him for the rest of the season...you know, he shoots well, plays under control. We lock up the 6th seed, put up a fight against whatever WC power we have to play, but bow out in a tough 7th game that the team was just not experienced enough to win. You still want him out? You're that convinced?

I'm not trying to make this game out to be some sort of turning point(It really wasn't an incredible game...should be a lot closer to the norm than the exception for a guy as talented as Steve), but if it starts a sort of trend of similar games, you wouldn't consider holding on to him?