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How do you feel about the team as they near the playoffs?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by ClutchCityReturns, Apr 7, 2008.

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How do you feel about the team going into the playoffs?

Poll closed Apr 17, 2008.

  1. Very confident in their ability to win in the playoffs, no matter the opponent.

    6 vote(s)
    3.8%

  2. I'm optimistic. Depending on who they play, I expect them to win at least a series.

    71 vote(s)
    45.5%

  3. I'm pessimistic. Things would have to fall perfectly in to place for them to win a round.

    69 vote(s)
    44.2%

  4. I can smell the impending doom.

    10 vote(s)
    6.4%
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  1. ClutchCityReturns

    ClutchCityReturns Member

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    I've personally never witnessed a season like this one, with so many highs and lows, so many unexpected twists and turns. It's definitely been the proverbial emotional rollercoaster.

    - There was the 6-1 start.
    - There was the ensuing 6 game losing streak.
    - We were eventually withering away at 15-17.
    - Then we were treated to a 5 game winning streak.
    - That was followed by two late game meltdowns against NO and Philly.
    - Shortly after, the streak began and all was well. Very well.
    - Cue Yao's stress fracture, and talk of the lottery.
    - The streak didn't flinch, stretching to 17 games.
    - Then we lost Carl, our newly emerging front court beast.
    - In spite of that, the streak eventually reached 22 games.
    - We haven't beaten a team ahead of us in the standings since the streak ended.
    - In the last 3 games, we have won in impressive fashion...against 3 very unimpressive teams.

    As things stand now, I just don't know what to make of it all. I'm psyched that the team has persevered and that they have managed to make history in route to eclipsing last year's win total, but at the same time I'm extremely worried about the playoffs. I know we shouldn't expect them to win a round shorthanded as they are, but the 22-game streak has given me reason, whether false or legitimate, to believe that this team is still capable of doing great things. For that reason, I believe a first round exit would haunt me just as badly this time around as it has in years past.

    All the teams we are likely to face in the first round have big, talented front courts that could easily spell disaster for us. Los Angeles has Gasol, Odom, and possibly Bynum. New Orleans has West and Chandler. San Antonio has Duncan. Utah has Boozer, Okur, and Millsap. Phoenix has Shaq and Amare. We have Mutombo, Scola, and Landry (not 100%?).

    As I said, I do still believe that this team can do great things, but it's feeling more and more like they're marching toward their untimely death at this point. Tracy's in a shooting slump, Rafer is injured, Battier has a sore hamstring, Landry doesn't look like himself, and for some reason Luis has been passive far too often on offense. All of that needs to be remedied over the next couple of weeks if we stand a chance against any of the teams I listed.

    Basically, if you're feeling great about this team going into the playoffs, I envy your optimism.

    ;)
     
    #1 ClutchCityReturns, Apr 7, 2008
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2008
  2. Pizza_Da_Hut

    Pizza_Da_Hut I put on pants for this?

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    All things considered, the fact we made the playoffs is astounding alone. Win/Lose, this shows we got the parts, we're almost there.
     
    #2 Pizza_Da_Hut, Apr 7, 2008
  3. Prometheus

    Prometheus Member

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    Optimistic that we can win a series. Wouldn't say very confident just yet.

    I want to see some of that 22 game winning streak swagger as we get closer to the end of the season.
     
    #3 Prometheus, Apr 7, 2008
  4. LCII

    LCII Member

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    One word: wary.
     
    #4 LCII, Apr 7, 2008
  5. EMAN34

    EMAN34 Member

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    Im really impressed with how this team is playing, but honestly dont expect much in the playoffs. I do feel if Yao hadnt gone down we could have competed for the championship this year. I also feel like others that we are serious contenders when healthy, but could really use an upgrade at the point. No way bashing Rafer
     
    #5 EMAN34, Apr 7, 2008
  6. pchan

    pchan Member

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    if we go into the playoff with a good momentum, we may be able to win one round.
     
    #6 pchan, Apr 7, 2008
  7. Prometheus

    Prometheus Member

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    I think momentum is the key in the playoffs.

    We have to win game 1 at home if we want to be able to win the first round.

    If we're playing Utah, I think we have a good chance of getting past.

    I just hope we have enough offense to keep us going.

    Rafer will have to shoot out of his world again, and our role players will have to play as well as their best games this season.
     
    #7 Prometheus, Apr 7, 2008
  8. Champ Caliber

    Champ Caliber Member

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    Sure we could win a round, but to go some distance we'll need some luck. More like some teams will have to experience the misfortunes we've had the past 3 years.
     
    #8 Champ Caliber, Apr 7, 2008
  9. Win

    Win Member

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    Yeah, that about sums it up for me. I voted "pessimistic" for lack of a better choice. I'm actually optimistic, but the Rockets getting out of the first round is a stretch. Then again, the whole season (considering injuries) has been unpredictable, so....

    Even if we lose in the 1st round we have developed some good young players and would seem to be well set for future seasons.
     
    #9 Win, Apr 7, 2008
  10. DaDakota

    DaDakota Balance wins
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    I voted pessimestic, but I would really call it realistic.

    DD
     
    #10 DaDakota, Apr 7, 2008
  11. smoothie

    smoothie Jabari Jungle

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    exactly how i feel.

    im happy that they played with all of thier heart to make the postseason, and give fans a few more games to watch and cheer.

    win or lose, they showed they have what it takes to compete. with yao back next season and a summer to improve on weaknesses, i fully expect to be a powerhouse in the nba this time next season.
     
    #11 smoothie, Apr 7, 2008
  12. Rocket River

    Rocket River Member

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    The question now is. . . Do the Rockets have that EXTRA GEAR to turn it up in the playoffs?

    I think so . . but we will see

    Rocket River
     
    #12 Rocket River, Apr 7, 2008
  13. Jeff Who

    Jeff Who Member

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    I'm always optimistic, just always especially wyhen it comes down to Rockets' things. Presonally I don't like pessimictic/realistic people. We are fane, we have to belive.

    Of course it is tough, if we had had Yao I would have even voter for Rockets to become NBA Champions. Obviously without him I don't belive it can happen but damn, look how many changes we have done since last year's exit. We have improved a lot, 1st of all it is coach, than it is bench, not only Rafer and better offensive game, new plays for McGrady. Of course one of the most important thing is Scola and Landry. After having only Hayes last year it is a BIG improvement.

    We'll be fine. Go Rockets !
     
    #13 Jeff Who, Apr 7, 2008
  14. emjohn

    emjohn Member

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    I'm also skeptical of our chances. Our lack of size behind Deke and Scola has been glaring, and in 7 of our last 15 games, McGrady was unable to give us 20 points (3 of the 7 were losses).

    I hate to say it, but I don't see us being able to play at our best every night over the course of a 7 game series. Ever since the tail end of the streak, we've been prone to coming out flat. Last week's losses to Portland and Sacramento should have never happened.

    Evan
     
    #14 emjohn, Apr 7, 2008
  15. BucMan55

    BucMan55 Member

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    Our last 5 losses are to Boston, NO, Phoenix, Spurs, and Kings.
     
    #15 BucMan55, Apr 7, 2008
  16. MayoRocket

    MayoRocket Member

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    I'm optimistic and excited, but wary too.

    It would be so awesome to see the short-handed Rockets take out someone in the first round. I mean, how inspiring would that be???

    At the same time, the West is so damned good this year... :(

    I think McGrady will be amazing in the playoffs again as to opposed to last year when he was really good at home, and awful on the road. What I wonder about is whether the role players show up? It's really gonna be up to how well those guys play that determines how far the Rockets can go.
     
    #16 MayoRocket, Apr 7, 2008
  17. tiger0330

    tiger0330 Member

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    If this were the Knicks you couldn't be anything but pessimistic but this is a team that won 22 games in a row, the 2nd best streak in NBA history. This team has proven it can win, so come on guys lets give the team the benefit of the doubt. Far too many are being doom and gloomers for out team.

    Last year Deke was not happy with his playing time in the playoffs, this year I see RA giving Deke 25+ mins against teams that are big at the 4 and 5. This is the playoffs, Deke should/will leave it on the floor in the first round so we can get into the second round.
     
    #17 tiger0330, Apr 7, 2008
  18. pchan

    pchan Member

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    And almost all of those are playoff teams, which means the type of competition we will be facing in the playoff.
     
    #18 pchan, Apr 7, 2008
  19. IROC it

    IROC it Member

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    Wow. Color me a an optimist with Rockets Red colored lenses...

    I'm in the (currently) 3% minority picking the first option.



    The streak didn't even convince the locals? :eek:
     
    #19 IROC it, Apr 7, 2008
  20. RoxSqaud

    RoxSqaud Member

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    This is what we need to see if we are going to win 1st round.......
    [​IMG]

    But deron Williams is better than last year.......and is very good
     
    #20 RoxSqaud, Apr 7, 2008
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