I dunno about you guys, but what I saw from the Rockets was a whole lotta tight man coverage. (I didn't watch the 4th quarter, though.) I saw a couple of times when we were on offense, Phoenix played some funky defense when we isolated Francis. Francis was on the right hand side, had a man on him, and then there was a man down low just outside the lane, waiting for Francis to try to penetrate. Phoenix also had a couple of defensive 3 second violations called on them, so they're at least experimenting with some zone defenses. So what's everyone's take on the new defensive rules so far. Will they have much of an impact? I think they'll make the pick and roll easier to defend. If the defense plays it right, at least. A couple of times I noticed our big guys staying low instead of coming up to defend the open guard who's defender was picked off. I think we'll work those bugs out though.
I don't think we'll see any drastic changes in defenses yet, simply because coaches don't want to tip their hand as to exactly what they are going to do yet. Or maybe, the coaches don't even know exactly what they are going to do yet.
The biggest difference was we were forcing turnovers. We did not do that nearly enough last year. Francis, Moochie, and Jones were like gnats all over the ball. We also did a good job not turning it over ourselves. Cato controlled the paint when he was in. The only defensive improvement needed IMO is that the PF, and/or anyone else in the area must block out Cato's man when he goes to prevent penetration.
Any zone defense sightings in the game vs. the Mavs? After all my hopes of going to the game, I ended up getting too busy and not even getting home 'til after 830, so I missed it. Didn't watch it on TV, so I have no idea if we showed a zone, or if Dallas tried one against us. Any updates would be appreciated.
I went to the game and had a few observations: Firstoff, it seems everyone baby's Cato for making easy open dunks and letting balls just slip out of his hands. He gets great position to rebound, but it slips out of his hands constantly. He also needs to learn how to box out better. Dirk had his way on the inside. I think Cato has done decent but he needs to learn to play position solid defense and not always go for fronting the player or going for the block. Some very strange Lineups were used yesterday: A memorable one: Moochie, Francis, Jones, Morris and Wizard???? Center or PF anyone? Very strange...but seemed to work because we ran them up and down the court. I know Mooch got his big contract and all but a few times when he didn't get a call he pulled a Cato and whined and moaned while his guy got an open shot on the other side of the floor, we can't have any of that MOOCH! We liked you better when you were hungry! Nwanko is just big, but he really needs to develop some hands, and some form of offense or passing ability. He seemed to be one of the only one boxing out though. FRANCHISE Rocks, you just feel his presence out there and I'm starting to feel with him what I felt w/ Dream. That you can count on him to make big plays and it seems to fall when you need it to. He is also not only about slamming it home, but more about being cautious which is good, we don't need any injuries to our savior!! Great Game, the crowd (not too packed) was pretty into it at the end and even though we lost it was a good night. I would have loved to have seen Rice and Griffin ( Or MJackson ) but I guess I have to be patient for that. NOTE: I went out with some friends afterwards and when I was driving home down Westheimer I saw the Entire Rockets team at PF Changs Parking lot like they just finished eating. It was a few Bentleys and Range Rovers and Cuttino in all white with a big Cross and Rice in All Black. Its good to see that Glen is coming out and becoming close to all the guys! Didn't see Cato's Pink Navigator though.......
