The Rockets played a lot of it in the first half. It was beautiful. They played with pride, hustle, and heart. Here's the test: can they keep it up for the whole game? This is the kind of improvement I have been waiting for. If they keep it up, then the Rockets will have played great defense in two out of three games. For this team, that is a pretty good stretch. Keep it up guys. D is the key!
Word. I would laugh out loud if the Rockets were able to pull a win out against Minnesota after being slaughtered by the Bucks in a back-to-back situation.
ZRB, so far so good. Like I said last nite, tonite's game is a gut check. Maybe it will soak in that defense CAN be a constant. And let's give Oscar more time; his hustle and desire have earned it for him. Go Rox
Very impressive performance, especially in the back end of a back to back. The defense was sensational and they ran everytime they got a chance to. That pass to Mobes for a dunk on the break was one of our best plays of the season. We could have done that so often this season. We have the athletes so lets do it. Keep it going guys.
Of course, in typical Rockets fashion, they are finding a way to give this game away. They're shooting well and defending, but are now a pathetic 2-10 from the free throw line. Steve is 0-4.
Looks like it was just a one-game thing. How do you go behind 29-9 in the first quarter at home? Unbelievable.
Yeah, I guess that 31-17 second quarter is a perfect example of that horrible defense. Man, at least wait to see the whole game!
I still think that falling behind by 20 in the first quarter is a cause for concern. They did a great job hustling and getting the game back in control, but the Rockets have to realize that they can not keep falling behind by that much so early. They need to bring that incredible effort for 48 minutes, not 36. Tonight, however, 36 minutes of toughness and grit was enough. Nice job Rockets.
1st Quarter: Celtics 34 Rockets 16 2nd, 3rd and 4th Quarter: Rockets 83 Celtics 55 Now, THAT is defense.
Honestly, I agree with you there. It seemed to me that Francis' condition had them all in a funk to start the game. I'm glad they snapped out of it.
I have really been impressed with the Rockets, first, coming back from being spanked by the Bucks to surprise the Wolves in a gutty performance, and, second, playing with head and heart to shock the Celtics. But most of all, they seem to have discovered DEFENSE. What made the difference? They have reawakened the "fan" in me. Is this a flash in the pan or have we turned a corner? Are they on to something? Is this a breakthrough that looked like it would never come?
The difference is very likely practice time and a string of games in which Francis has been healthy enough to play. They had 5 practices over the past week and a half and the stress in all the practices was increasing their opponents turnovers. They were ranked last in the league in that category and their practice time was focused specifically on defense. Having practice time and a consistent, healthy line up can do wonders.
I don't think it was defense. The Celts shot pretty damn good from the field. It's a rarity for Twan AND Pierce to shoot 50%. We sure hustled, but our D was failing, we came through with some nice baskets and some luck. Good Luck for the next game Rocks!
Nice baskets and luck? That's it? The Rockets forced 17 turnovers (11 off of Rockets steals) and outrebounded them 45-28 (<b>17-3</b> offensive). The Celtics scored 32 points in the first quarter going 13-19 from the floor for 68 percent including 6-6 from the three point line. From that point on, the Rockets held them to 41 percent shooting on 23-56 from the floor and 5-16 from the three point line for 31 percent. From the second through the fourth quarter, the Rockets played temendous D.
i think this might have been our best game of the season all-around. since the break we've become a completely different team and everything has been based on defense. it's not possible for us to play harder or smarter defense that what we did against boston. but the good news is we have the athleticism to keep that up on most nights. our team kind of reminds me of what cato did mid-season to change, it's like watching somebody else out there. speaking of which, NONE of this is possible without cato, he has shown alot of heart.
