True, the Mavs do have more talent, and they're not starting any rookies but that doesn't change the fact that the Rockets would be winning more games if Francis, and Mobley would allow some of the other players to take more shots. That would prevent the defense from focusing entirely on them. The other players also HAVE to hit those open shots. If they are not able to hit those opens shots consistently then they need to get their a$$ in the gym, and work on it. If they don't show the comitment to getting better then it's managements responsability to get players that do. I do agree that even if they did this they don't have enough talent on their team "right now" to take them to the finals but they wouldn't be as bad as they are right now. If players like Cato, and T-Mo would work on their shot, and consistently hit the open jumper they do have enough talent to at least get them tot he playoffs.
To say T-Mo didn't affect this game is a bad observation. When we were making our run there were some nice plays that got him open looks. He missed them. I do realize that he did some good things like tip in a miss in the closing minutes, I just don't think he should have been in there that late. I know Griff wasn't playing well, but in other games where he was struggling he seems to hit those clutch shots, especially wide open. Also I was disappointed with Cat's last shot. I know he had a good game, but it seems like when he has a good night he ruins it with a bonehead final play. Don't get me wrong I'm one the few that like Cuttino and I realize he was in the zone. I just think he could of taken a better shot with the time given. Oh well.
To say T-Mo didn't affect this game is a bad observation. When we were making our run there were some nice plays that got him open looks. He missed them. I do realize that he did some good things like tip in a miss in the closing minutes, I just don't think he should have been in there that late. I know Griff wasn't playing well, but in other games where he was struggling he seems to hit those clutch shots, especially wide open. Also I was disappointed with Cat's last shot. I know he had a good game, but it seems like when he has a good night he ruins it with a bonehead final play. Don't get me wrong I'm one the few that like Cuttino and I realize he was in the zone. I just think he could of taken a better shot with the time given. Oh well. BTW the fast breaks hurt too (Their's were successful, our's were embarassing.)
Steve and Cat had a great game but what did the bench do? without a good bench there is too much pressure put on the starters. that and we lack in the D area. I dont know if Cat could gaurd a mailbox right now, but he did score a lot
I reviewed the Dallas game again, play by play. Francis still makes way too many bad decisions and too frequently forces the action and turnover the ball. To tell you the truth in the last two triple doulbes, failings of Francis as a playmaker have been masked. In another thread, I recommended 8 hours of video work for Francis to comprehend the mastery of Magic, Stockton, Isiah and Kidd. I am still of that belief. I am giving him some of the blame for a lack of a fast break, and I am blaming him for too frequently not passing out to the open man when he is doubled on the pick and roll. I blame him for limiting the above the rim passes to Cato. I saw so many opportunities to fast break and to go on top for guys like EG, KT and Tmo. One of the differences between our team and NJ for instance is the above the rim game. For that I blame Francis. It is not that I do not like Francis but when 12 of your last 15 losses were by six or less points, I have to wonder what if we fast break and got some easy baskets. For that I blame Francis and Rudy. Given the fact that a very high percentage of our offense starts with the defense set, it is amazing that we have been in so many games. The talent is there folks, but the coach on the sidelines and the coach in the game (Mr. Triple Double), have to extract better performances.
See the positive side of it. If actually 12 of our last 15 losses were by less than six points, imagine how good this team will be with Francis combining his amazing talent with a bit more experience/smartness on the court, Mobley maturing a bit and taking a few less wild shots, Mo Taylor back in top form, Griffin just getting better and better and one high draft pick center or a good center traded for a high draft pick added...
