http://homepage.mac.com/neilkt/Menu1.html Click on the link to see two graphs that show the Mavs and the Rockets last 25 games (just the last 25, I needed to go to bed). I took out one blowout by a good team that was an anomaly for the Mavs, and 3 blowouts by good teams on the Rox graph to get this very telling comparison... The "trend line" on the graphic for the Mavs clearly shows that the lower their opponents' winning pct., the larger the margin of victory. This shows consistency in how hard they play. The "trend line" on the graphic for the Rockets is the OPPOSITE. It shows that the lower their opponents' winning pct., the SMALLER the margin of victory. If the Rockets ever needed a snapshot look at their maturity, this is a pretty good one. The good news is that these trends are known to change with swift removal of immaturity "denial" followed by mature "action". This probably means talk less and play with respect more.
True, but you have to like the fact that the Rockets can beat the better teams. It just shows, if they get into the playoffs, they will be a team to be reckoned with.
very interesting.... did you make that? Maybe you can make more of this kind of analysis. ESPN would offer you a spot then.
The downside of this logic is, of course, we still have 3 dozens games to play to get into the playoff.
...or, if their attitude doesn't change, they'll just play down when they have any kind of momentum, when they're at home, if they win the first game, etc. They just need to play up - no matter what. Period.
Yes, but they usually play well when motivated (see lakers game on Jan. 17) so when they are 3-5 games out of the playoffs with 15 to go, they will go on 13-2 run to sneak into the eigth or seventh spot.
