ClutchFans Game Thread: Warriors @ Rockets 11/19/2003

EDIT: I meant "much better team than people last year".

 

Gosh, should be "much better team than last year". I give up

 

Should be a blowout game.
110: 82-----------------------------Rockets win.

 

We should let Yao roam the middle and man up Cato on Dampier.

 

This is an excellent point. Dampier has been playing with great energy and muscle; I'm afraid he'd sap too much energy from Yao. Cato, on the other hand, is a great match on the guy. I can't believe I'm typing this, but if Cato gets in foul trouble early, Damp could really cause us some trouble.

 

Just an interesting tidbit: The Rockets are 6-0 when leading after the first quarter.

 

Who is going to guard Cliff Robinson at the 3pt line in your scenario?

 

IMO, it will be a close game and it won't matter how many minutes NVE plays.

With Van Exel, GS runs a set which starts with a pass to or high PnR with Cliff Robinson. If the Rockets don't defend it well, NVE is in the lane with Dampier 2 on 1 against Yao. Mobely and Jackson can't leave MD Jr and JRich to help. Robinson has the option to shoot, pass the ball to the corner for a three or drive or he can reverse the ball to the weakside for ISO (usually JRich).

GS runs a completely different set with Speedy at PG. They will run a lot more multiple baseline screens for MD Jr and JRich. With Speedy, they also use a 2 man game with JRich and Dampier which should test Cuttino and Yao as a defensive tandem.

Cato, Braggs and Mo T have to make Uncle Cliffie work for every shot. Cat needs to resist the temptation to get into a scoring contest with JRich. Dampier has become a beast on the offensive boards..Yao needs to pull them down and not tip them this time around...GS is much "longer" than Philly.

Unless the Rox blow them out early, it will be close. Rox 87 - Warriors 82.

 

Horrendous defense? Maybe because of horrendous shooting and turnovers, but the Rockets have been playing great defense this year. Can't judge this team on the last couple of years.

IMHO, the Rockets will win with great defense, despite horrendous shooting and 15-20 TOs.

 

I believe that the Rockets will bring their mostly consistent defense and hold the Warriors, on their tired legs, to under 80. Also, I believe the Rockets will be a little more productive on offense, especially with the return of MoT. In addition, how many games in a row can our shooting be so poor?

My predicition - Rockets 92, Warriors 76.

 

After sputtering a bit in Philly, the Big Red Machine will rollover GS, by 20. Cato and Ming will have big nights, and Francis will break out of his shooting slump. MoTaylor will be so ecstatic about his return that he will go for a rebound.

 

Bobby Sura and Chris Anderson are 2 players that i fear immensely... they strive against teams just becuase they play their heart out! pretty unpredictable.. on that note.. im sooo happy Bobby Sura isnt on the Warriors anymore =)

 

where did you find this stat?

 

Rockets win
93-85

Player Points

 

Rockets win
96-89

Player Points Rebounds Assists TO Steals Blocks

Francis 21 8 9 3 3 1
Yao 22 11 3 2 0 4
Mobley 15 4 4 3 2 0
Jackson 11 5 2 1 2 0
Cato 8 13 0 0 0 3
Padgett 5 1 1 0 0 0
Norris 3 0 0 8 0 0
Taylor 8 2 0 0 0 0
Braggs 2 4 0 0 0 0

Its all good!

 

Its going to be a tough game for the Rox ... If they shoot anywhere near as bad as last game chalk one up in the L column. I think they will shoot alot better however and Rox win 96-92.

 

Heres whats gonna happen. The Rockets are gonna win. Thats whats gonna happen.

its my prediciton, and if you don't like it you can't get the $%^& out!

: D

 

How good can the Warriors be this year? I've caught a few of their games and two things are very clear. Erik Dampier has established himself as one of the elite rebounders in the league and Mike Dunleavy is no longer playing like a scared rookie. Dampier is putting up Ben Wallacesque type rebounding numbers and Dunleavy is being aggressive whether it be taking the open three or creating his own shot off the dribble. This team might have been a legit playoff contender with Arenas still in the fold and they may still contend without Arenas. Van Exel is no slouch as Arenas replacement. The talent is there (Dunleavy, Dampier, Van Exel, Richardson). It will be interesting to see come January if the Warriors are hanging around with the 4 or 5 teams that are all expected to compete for the 8th and final western conference playoff spot.

 

Rox 104
GS 82

Blow out win for the Rockets. Yao has a big game (20/13/4 blks). Francis gets his shooting back on track. I see Mobes struggles continuing.

 

Three days rest? I thought the Rox played back to back games on Sunday and Monday. Is today Friday? Well, not really. Today is Wednesday. So the Rox had a good 1 day rest. But that may be enough. At least there will not be excuses of playing 50 minutes previous night for poor shooting again.