ClutchFans Game Thread: Sixers @ Rockets 12/31/2003

that comment was in regard to the 3 minutes with an 0-1 3pt attempt, and then being benched

 

Mustbe you watched the wrong game. Wilks played 8 minutes, 0-1, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Most importantly, that was the time we built fourteen points lead from a tie.

After he was benched, being replaced by Francis, we lost the fourteen point lead down to eight, my friend.

 

It was the pace and the pass around that Wilks brought to the game. That was why we built up the lead. And that short eight minutes showed how well we could be if Francis, a better skilled player, can do if he plays unselfishly like Wilks.

 

Did you even watch the game?

 

adeelsiddiqui was talking about the very first few mins wilks was in when cat went in to the basket and threw the ball out to wilks at the 3 point line

 

I know. But did you watch the game how much and well Wilks did in his eight minutes of time, not the 1 play which last a couple of second?

 

you guys seem to have misunderstood adeelsiddiqui so i was just backing him up.

and of course i watched it. i've liked wilks since the beginning, and i've been waiting for him to shine

 

Who cares if he missed ONE 3-pointer? Wilks made his presence known on the court by his ball handling...he made some better passes (and wise) than Stevie did tonight.

 

why are we arguing? we all agree that he did a fabulous job! adeelsiddiqui said one thing, you guys all disagreed, so i was just explaining what he was talking about. i am not bashing mike. i like mike. he's a sweet guy

 

Yeah, we should sign him to a 24 million dollar contract.

 

Sina.com.cn reported that Steve wore an armband of the number 12 on his arm in memory of his pal Moochie. Was this being reported anywhere else?

For the first time my prediction was right, we won by 5-10 points - way to start the year Rockets!

SS999

 

It is said that annthuyn confirmed that Steve Francis did wear a number 12 armband for his former teammate, Martyn "Moochie" Norris.

 

He also protested when EG was released.

 

What is SF going to do when cat is traded?

 

That does not sound too good. Francis is seeing his empire disappearing.

 

nothing, because cat's not going anywhere

 

it's metioned in Chron:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.hts/sports/bk/bkn/2330474

Dec. 31, 2003, 11:13PM


Deal gets Rockets' attention
Players aware life in NBA can change in a hurry
By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

Rockets officials sent a message this week, whether they wanted to or not.

Dissatisfied with the direction the team was headed, the Rockets made a trade Tuesday, sending Moochie Norris and John Amaechi to the New York Knicks for power forward Clarence Weatherspoon.

The news came as a shock to Rockets players, who suddenly became concerned with their own job security.

"Sometimes I think, `Who's next?' " said Yao Ming. "Maybe it's me."

Cuttino Mobley and Maurice Taylor had similar sentiments Wednesday night as they tried to adjust to life in the locker room without Norris. After more than four seasons with the Rockets, Norris was not only a fan favorite but a team favorite.

The players were saddened by his absence as they arrived at Toyota Center to play against Philadelphia. A few were openly upset. Steve Francis showed his feelings by replacing his No. 3 arm band with a No. 12 arm band, in support of Norris.

"It's definitely emotionally tough," Mobley said. "That's like one of your closest friends, you know what I mean? To see him gone is hard.

"It caught me off guard, but that's how life is. It's crazy. You know, I could get traded. You never know. Steve, anybody. Nobody is untouchable."

The Rockets entered play against the Sixers one game behind where they were a year ago. Everyone -- from general manager Carroll Dawson to Jeff Van Gundy and the players -- has expressed frustration with the mounting losses.

That's one reason some of the players aren't sure Tuesday's transaction was the last one they will see in the coming weeks. But they also know they cannot spend too much time worrying about it.

"They made a trade they felt bettered our team," Taylor said. "Anything as far as trades or what's going to happen, I leave that to the front office. I don't really worry about what's going to come or what may not come. It's really not my problem to worry about."

Taylor admitted the move did make him realize that there is no guarantee how long anyone will wear a Rockets jersey.

"Trades happen in the NBA," he said. "You hate to see (Norris) go, but it just opens your eyes. It's a business."

After spending only a little more than a year in the league, Yao is still adjusting to how the NBA runs its business. He spent a few years playing in the Chinese Basketball Association before coming here in 2002, and he has noted a number of differences between the leagues.

Yao said Norris would never have been traded midseason in China.

"No, that doesn't happen," Yao said. "They would never trade a Chinese player during the season."

Since the trade was made after Tuesday's practice, few players on the team were able to say good-bye to Norris. By early Wednesday, he had already cleaned out his locker and was in New York undergoing a physical.

"I called Moochie yesterday to see how he's doing," Mobley said. "Moochie's going to be OK. He's a strong dude."

The players are now anxious to look toward the future and see how the transaction winds up impacting their season.

"I'm going to miss Moo," forward Kelvin Cato said. "And I hope that Clarence is one of the guys that is going to help take us to the next level."

 

Brilliant performance in 4th quarter!
Wilks did a good job in this game. I thought he wanted to prove something and he did it !
Your Rox made us a present of the win for new year.Thanks!


Happy new year to everyone here!

 

Harsh