I do not like losses, but some losses are easier to stomach than others. This team was beaten in the second quarter, and it was bad, completely dominated in every facet of the game. They could've quit. Hell, last game after getting way down they never showed this intensity. In fact, it was only the inspired play of Kenny Thomas that we even scored any points at all. They dictated the tempo in that nice comeback, and they were able to thouroughly outplay the Spurs in the second half, even though the Spurs were lead by Tony "Jesus" Parker(So named due to the Spurs announcers effusive, to the point of agony, praising of him). Well, Francis is bigger than Jesus. He really played well in the second half, truly carrying this team to a competitive game. I wonder how this game would've ended up with Mobley playing, but now is not the time for such pointless recriminations, this team, after coming out flat, showed some serious intensity to get back in the game. Rice also played very well. Also - is bruce bwen completely useless on the court or what?
After it was explained in the chat, I really like that nickname. (though maybe he doesn't deserve the capital J) I am very glad I didn't have to hear the announcers from SA like some of you did...
I agree. Not only does it look better on the scoreboard with a close game, but it showed this team has heart AND talent. Without Cat, down 25 at one point in the game, this team came back and almost beat the Spurs IN San Antonio. There's no way a Spurs can can be happy, or brag. This team went toe-to-toe with the Spurs. The Rockets could use a solid big man though. Cato is completely useless now. I tried defending him, and hopefully it was just a bad game, but 1 point and 2 rebounds is inexcusable. I would take ANY kind of serviceable big man. I'd take Jahidi White, freaking Brian Skinner ANYBODY right now. Cato is not stepping up the last few games and it's killing us!
While I agree with your optimistic view Pued, the Rockets have come out flat far to often the last couple of years. It seems Francis and Mobley don't get their fire going until they get behind in games. There is no doubt about their talent, they need to be more consistent is all. Also give Rudy some credit for making adjustments at halftime. He is one of the best coaches in the league at this.
And if they come out on fire and build a lead they end up losing it. I guess these are signs of a young team. Does anyone hate Porter as much as me?!! I really wish this guy would retire.
They weren't flat, they were STUPID. This team plays ignorant basketball, they isolate too much...waste the clock dribbling, and the rest of the team just stands around. Hell, we started doing backdoor screens and off the ball movement in the 4th quarter and we nearly snuck one out. This team has heart...but they don't have any brains. DaDakota
Moochie is still LOST out there. He'll hit a big shot here and there to allay our fears that we overpaid for him, but how can you let Terry Porter score 8 on you in crunch time? Mobley's length on D was much needed tonight at the end. A minor suggestion: More Rice in the post to begin games, less Kenny. This is not to say Kenny isn't producing, but when Rice is involved in the offense early, other facets of his game tend to increase in intensity as well. And, he's got a nice finish when he gets a half step on his man going baseline. I would like to see more of Morris as well. This team needs defensive rebounders desparately, and he happens to have the innate ability of tracking down loose rebounds . Give him some minutes.
