Hey, I guess the playoffs are fading real fast on the horizon as we speak. But somehow, it isn't surprising. Although our team is going to be excellent, and still is very good, we don't have the mental poise right now to make it. The only players who can relate to the hunt are Olajuwon and Bullard. This is a lot like the Timberwolves a few years ago, they had the talent, but just didn't know HOW to apply it at the right time. Growing pains, I suppose. The season has been a great surprise, and a great success in many aspects. We have a new offense that exploits our faster backcourt, while also incorporating our strenghts in the front court. We have great team chemistry. And the biggest, we're finishing the year over .500, oh so close to a 50 win season. I think that is exceptional. We've accomplished our rebuilding in 2 yrs, when it takes franchises years and years to harness the up and coming talent. GO ROCKS!!! Much props to the Rockets ... it will be a great year next year. Rockit ------------------
I'm surprised that the Rockets appear to have given up. I say this based on Rudy's comments and the players' comments about not playing hard enough, playing lazy defense, and not getting back on defense. We all know the Rockets are better than their efforts against the Nets and Mavs. Hell, they were still in the playoff race until they decided they weren't going to give everything they had any more. If they were giving everything they had, Rudy wouldn't be complaining that the Rockets were giving the other team easy baskets because they were not hustling to get back on D but rather letting the opposing teams get easy fast break opportunities and layups. He also said he would not have that. Tired? Or just lack of hustle? Or just flat out burnt out? I don't know. You make the call. But to let the Mavs rip us apart on our home turf where we can't even get back on D....man....my Rockets ego and Rockets pride is hurting from the crap I saw last night. At this point, I don't even want to think about next season as I'm emotionally spent on the Rockets this season. I think the Rockets are ready for the season to be over and I think I am, too. The close losses to subpar teams have taken their toll on the Rockets and cost them a trip to the playoffs. You can't help but think what could have been had a few layups gone in in some of those games. We had a good season but it's one of those seasons that, on reflection, leads one to think "what could have been". Surf ------------------
I was at the game vs. Wash and this team definitely had not given up. They did look a little tired, though, so it was not shocking to see them lose in NJ the next night. The Rockets are on the upswing, for sure. If they can take the next step, from .500 to contender, in the next two years will depend a lot on this year's off-season. ------------------ "Considering Mobley for His First Son's Name"
Surfguy, I agree. But again, part of gaining the experience. It's better that we get the losses out of our system now so we can destroy em all next year You learn from your mistakes, and it will make them a better team in the long run. Rockit ------------------
YES I AM VERY SURPRISED I vote for TIRED you cannot keep the emotional high going forever The Hakeem and Moe injuries hurt us badly In the end it was too much to overcome I think the Mangling they took in Pheonix took ALOT of wind out of their sales. See if you rob someone on saturday it sticks in their craw and our young Rockets just could not overcome the Victim mentallity that followed that game They have not been quite the same since Rocket River Sometimes. . .timing of bad calls/games is more important than anything else ------------------ [This message has been edited by Rocket River (edited April 04, 2001).]
