Everyone points out the similarities with matching up with the Jazz in the 4-5 spot with Houston having homecourt. Sure, lots of similarities but there is one main difference. Finishing the season. Utah collapsed down the stretch, going 4-6 in their last 10 with a meaningless win against Houston after the matchup was set(effectively 3-6). Houston went a solid 6-4 with a meaningless loss at Utah the last game of the season(effectively 6-3). This year, both teams are finishing strong and Houston is 2 games ahead of them at this time. Last year, Houston lucked into the home court. This year, they are earning it.
If I remember correctly, when the Jazz beat us at the end of the season last year, we all thought we had lost homecourt. The Jazz choked in the end and we lucked out. Our matchup wasn't pointless, at least I don't think.
I think its the fact the rafer alston is playing more like Chris paul this year seriously though, Last year we had chuck hayes starting contributing nothing but defense, but when playing against boozer,that didnt matter because boozer is going to get his anyway.....One game of the series the rockets bench had 0 points, and had didnt break 100points combined the entire series If I am correct. that made the diffrence
The Jazz game was the last game of the year. It was meaningless. They even said on the telecast that the Rockets would open the play-offs in a few days in Houston with the Jazz.
This year bench strength is one of the Rockets' core strengths while last year, it was the Rockets' key weakness. We have last year's starting PF as our third string... And we have two competent bench PGs vs. having JL3 and V-span...both of whom, if you haven't noticed...are out of the league now. Seriously, the upgrades made at those two positions have been scary good. Mad props to Morey on that.
last year we had Yao who couldn't guard Boozer to save his his life. now we have guys capable of defending all 5 positions as well as more offense.
Ditto. More or less. But let me add some more: This year: Chemistry+Less dependence on Tmac+Defense Last year: Stiff offense + Van Gundy (kinda self implied though)
If their earning home court advantage this year as opposed to last year then why are people wishing for the Nuggets to help out the Rockets by beat the Jazz tonight? This is the NBA, where any given night a good team can lose against weaker competition or a team just gets into a slump like we did a few games back. The Rockets didn't luck into anything last year. They earned their home-court.
There's no guarantee the Rockets play the Jazz in the playoffs is the other main difference. Last year Rockets were up 2 games on the Jazz last game of the season so it didnt matter who won or lost it. If thats the matchup I'm not too worried who finishes strong or not cuz the Rockets roster is different. It obviously didnt matter who had the strong finish last year. Rockets don't have Yao but they have more depth at power forward and additional options besides 45 mins a game Rafer to go at them with.
Hmm...rofflesaurus... If you're a hater and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap) If you're a hater and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap) If you're a hater and you know it, then your posts will surely show it You're a hater and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
IMO the biggest thing will be T-Mac's time for redemption. After the loss last year against the Jazz, in several of the following interviews it was obvious that he really took it to heart. I think it'd be great to see him get over the hump especially against the team that took it away from him last year. Couple this source of motivation with the new confidence in our role players plus our crazy streak, I think both mentally and physical we are on a whole different level his year.
One reason for that is because it pretty much secures HCA for us against Jazz IF we play them. But right now, we have a chance to tie division leader and actually play the 8th seed. Nuggets. Now I don't know about you, but Nuggets seem a lot easier than Jazz if you think about it.
we are better this year, but so are the jazz.... we have upgraded the PF position and bench, but we have lost yao i want to be optimistic, but realistically i do not think we will have enough to win 4 of 7 against the jazz, spurs, lakers, or suns, though i hope i am wrong. that would be the best tasting crow EVER.
one things for sure.. this race won't be over until the finish line is crossed in the last game of the last day of the season... unbelieveable race out West this year... it seems the only teams that are locked in their position are Utah at 4 and Dallas at 7... everything else is up for grabs edit: i see Phoenix also staying where they are since we helped the Lakers clinch the division last night
In case you did not know there is an "Ignore List" on where you can put ignorant haters like him. Also, please don't quote his posts because not many guys here want to see them.
No disrespect to JVG, but the single most difference is coaching IMO. Granted Rockets under JVG would still be a quality team, but he had his limitations that was impossible to overcome. Thanks to Adelman now we have a great winning team and they are fun to watch, too.
With 5 games to go last year the Rockets and fans were pretty much assured of having to start the play-offs on the road at Utah. Utah collapsed. Utah was clearly the better team last year. (went on to the WCF) This year, the Jazz aren't clearly the better team. The teams are pretty close but the Rockets have a slight advantage, especially against the western conference top 6. And did you thikn that people were hoping for help so that the Rockets could secure their spot and then rest players on the last game or two of the season?
