The boys learned a harsh lesson tonight against GS. Underestimate an opponent, don't play D and you can lose to anyone. On that Blalock 3 late in the game, I counted 3 errors on the play. 1. Francis goes flying in and tries to steal the ball from Blalock on the rebound. Just get back..you still have the lead. 2. S. Anderson went right by Blalock and did not pick him up. 3. Cuttino switched to Anderson's man and did not tell Shandon. Young team, stupid mistakes....bad record. It is good to get these lessons out in a year when we are not going anywhere. Playoffs were a good pipe dream there for awhile. Next year baby !!! DaDakota PS. I did like Rudy's reaction when they left Blalock alone....FLUMOUXED !!
The original title of this post was Young and Learning, should have been young and dumb! Same mistakes they've been making since training camp! This was indeed a harsh lesson - will the guys learn? I'm not real encouraged at this point. By the end of the season, Rudy's hair will be as white as Del Harris'. Tough to lose to the Warriors, especially since they only had 8 players, one of which was hurt and ordinarily wouldn't even have suited up. Up and down - it's never predictable with these Rockets.
Bobby, That is precisely why I am wondering why Rudy is not REALLY working Hakeem into the lineup. He should at least be finishing the close games. It would help to have a steadying, veteran influence in at crucial times. DaDakota PS The original title of the post, before I changed it was YOUNG AND STUPID, then I thought I should tone it down a bit. [This message has been edited by DaDakota (edited January 27, 2000).]
One thing you mentioned Dakota, not playing D, has been a problem for the Rockets much of the year. I said earlier this season that our defense would be one of the major concerns when it comes to winning/losing games and its turning out to be exactly that. Just last week we played a great offensive game against Denver(I think), but we played zero defense. That has happened many times this season including the Phoenix game and tonights game with GS. Most of the times when our opponenets score less than 90 points a game, the Rockets are doing the same. Its almost like we are playing down to the competition. Also, I'm with you on the Hakeem issue. PLAY THE MAN WHEN YOU REALLY NEED HIM!! Damn, I mean he still is one of the best defensive players around just because he changes so many shots! When you have a player like that, he's got to be in there in crunch time. I'm starting to wonder where Rudy's head is during these streches. ------------------ The key for the Rockets is a winning attitude and mentality which can only be had by winning basketball games.
It's EXTREMELY disappointing!!! What a waste of Stevie's triple-double!!! I used to be an optimist of the Rockets making the playoffs. Now, it's like farther and farther. I agree that Hakeem should have played in the end of the game. He's not making his shots, but he's still an extremely good defender, especially down the stretch in a close game. Too bad! Rudy didn't play him. Stupid mistakes, plus the no-call on Bullard's 3-point attempt, caused us the game. I didn't usually blame the refs, but this time I'm just too disappointed to not do that. Bobby: I would disagree with you! Rudy will not have his hair turned white since he will lose ALL his hair by the end of this season.
I got the feeling in the fourth that it was more about Steve getting his numbers than putting the game away. IMHO, the Rockets felt they had the game and could put it away at any time, so Francis focused on his numbers. Francis looked like he was rushing and forcing the offensive rather than setting up plays and moving the ball around. You can look at a lot of areas and say "that's what costs us the game", but I firmly believe if the stats were thrown out the window, that Francis would have played smarter down the stretch. It's a learning process. Did anyone else get that impression?
The Rockets haven't been playing D since 95-96. And I don't think it is all Barkley's fault either. But you put a short PF, a slow PG, and aging swing players around a very good (but no longer a unbelievable single-man team stopping) center and that isn't a good formula for defense. But at least now the Rockets are beginning to have the perimeter players to be a fine defensive team. Cato also looks like he can be an interior eraser for many years to come. In my mind one key ingredient is missing, that is why I want to look toward a somebody like McGrady or Jamison to fill out the roster.
