ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Wizards 3/2/2005

but then again, you're not a rockets fan, so those of us who are should be okay.

 

The wizards played a really good game. Hughes and Arenas killed us. I'm happy with the way the rockets played, but the wiz just played 3 pointes better. No need to worry or panic.

 

Yao biggest problem is his foul!!!!!!! once he can solve it or get respect from refs, you will be TD-like player.

 

Agree. I was looking at the replay of Haywood's shot over Yao, the backbreaker, if you will, and I think many of us are just spoiled by Hakeem. The replay was from above, looking towards Haywood, and Yao moved over to D him up. I was watching his feet and, after playing about 28 minutes (he can't be that tired!), he goes up to block the shot, and his feet just didn't get that much elevation. With Hakeem, it's a block, easily.

Yao is not, of course, the Dream, and never will be, but on that play he did what he was supposed to do. Haywood made a clutch shot with a 7'5" guy guarding him very well. Even journeymen at this level are going to uncork one from time to time. As for the rest of the game, and Yao's play, and the coaching, and all the rest of it, I prefer to maintain some sanity, and will withhold comment. I just think people need to figure out that Yao, to reach his potential, is going to take some time. Hakeem could block those shots in his sleep by his third year (hell, before that), but it took him forever to learn many of the fundamentals that Yao knows already.

Yao will take time, and more than a few kicks in the balls from opponents, and some of his teammates. His aggressiveness and smarts during a game, comes and goes, but I really believe he'll get to where most of us expect him to, and when that happens, some of you here are going to look damned silly. In my opinion.

Oh, and bring back Sura, even if he's on a stretcher.




Keep GARM Readable!!

 

Please enlighten us. Lakers fan? Warriors fan? Kings fan? Clarifying this would make more sense out of your posts.

 

Did anyone think March and April would be easy.

It will be war every night.

We have a tough schedule. We are playing well for the most part. We ran into a good Washington team that was on fire and playing hard. We started out sluggish and lost intensity too many times on the defensive end.

We missed open shots and Yao had a weak game.

Point is we just have to buckle down and keep playing hard. Like JVG preaches over and over when we put out maximum effort and play smart we give ourselves a chance to beat anyone.

We can win in the playoffs. We just have to keep the faith and hope we stay healthy. Keep playing hard and make the final 8.

 

No, if we keep losing like that, we will find ourselve fighting for the playoff berth.

 

Maybe as early as the end of next week.

 

good point sun

 

Lakers and Twolvs are losing too... against worse opponents.

 

Well, so far James has shown he can score. But what we miss now is a PG. I know SUra wasn't a true PG, but he did all the little things a PG is needed to do.

This team hasn't been the same since we lost Sura.

Can't wait to see him back on the court next week.

 

when exactly is he comng back?

 

I can't wait until Yao can solve his foul problems so I can be a TD- like player.

 

Let's keep the "trade Yao" hysteria to a minimum shall we?

I know he is having a lousy stretch, but come on. I would like to see one, just ONE FREAKIJNG season where Yao gets his summer off to develop his hook shot and defensive timing.

 

It shouldn't come down to that. Obviously we lose some rebounding with Sura injured since statistically he is our 2nd best rebounder, but come on. Rebounding should be about 3rd or 4th on the priority list for a PG. Sura, given his height and hustle always seems a way to get to the ball in addition to performing all of the other duties of a PG---despite it not being his natural position. With Sura injured, it puts the burdon on the other 4 players on the floor to pick up the "slack." Especially with a 6'1" David Wesley playing big minutes in the backcourt as well, that means it's time for T-Mac, Howard & Yao to up their game and do something extra.

James and Wesley can do their best, but if the other guys can't rebound the Rockets will struggle.