I still would prefer the T-Wolves but that scenario is very very unlikely now. SacTown is what it is looking like and avoiding embarrassment should be our number one goal in this potential series (though there is always a chance we could win the 7-game series). We don't play smart enough to hang with them that is why the march up has been in the favor - hence the 4-0 regular season sweep. Our best chance of beating the Kings is to play a ultra slow and deliberate half court game. WE CANNOT OUT-SCORE THEM.......at least not this season (I just wish our players will be smart enough to realize this). We stand a better chance winning games with scores in the 70s, 80s or at worst low 90s. WE will also have a chance of preserving our dignity if we keep our turnovers to a maximum 15 per game (or under 12 if possible). Ball movement is not an option - it is a must to even have a change. And finally attack the basket since they do not have a legit or reknowned shot blocker - settling for outside jumpers off the dribble will be classified as DUMB basketball. The only out shots that we should attempt should come off a pass or defensive breakdown. RECAP Keys to keeping the Kings series competitive is as follows...... 1. Slow down the Tempo......play a deliberate, slow and boring half court game. We cannot outplay or out-score them in "their game". We stand a better chance of winning low scoring games than all out shot-outs. 2. Keep turnovers to a minimum - max 15 per game. 3. Ball movement is not a choice but a must. We need high percentage shots and easy baskets. 4. Attack! Attack!! Attack!!! I am talking about the basket here. They don't have nightmarish shot blocker - and we have two top flight athletically gifted guards and slashers. 6. Minimal out side jumpers off the dribble. 7. Attack the defensive board and reduce the Kings second chance point. 8. Avoid dumb fouls because the Kings are far deeper. 9. Patience. When things start off rough or don't go right DO NOT abandone the game plan and invent yours. Strict game planes and structures is a great quality of perenially good playoffs teams. 10. Denfense! Defense!! Defense!!! This department is what will keep us in the game. It is our strength and we need to bring the intensity into every game of the series. Now if we play smart and hard and still lose 0-4 it will not demoralize us or make us the laughing stock it will mean we left no stone unturned and gave a good fight. That is really all you can ask from a pro team. Go Rox!!!
Good post. It's a shame they'll most likely be facing the Kings. I agree with your post, but for the most part it's a moot point. The Rockets don't stand a chance in hell against this Kings team. Extending the series to 5 games would be a major acheivement in my opinion. It's a shame we won't get Minnesota. With Yao lately looking closer to Jason Collier than Shaq, I just can't envision how they'de even have a chance.
Based on title I was expecting a treatise on political theory and then flowery metaphors to basketball, but wow you summed it all up. I would hate to play the kings but it seems like it's going to happen. The reason I'm not really that optimistic even though I'm trying to be is. --you're right that we NEED to cut down turnovers. the problem is they are actually really good at forcing turnovers. Christie, Miller, Divac, and Bibby are all real good at reaching around and disrupting passes, causing deflections and steals. jeez the rockets are going to have to play their most mistake free games of the season to keep it under 12. --avoid fouls is huge... but when we don't get any benefit of the doubt calls that's hard. --the other things are real good too... except those have been our weaknesses all year (i.e. ball movement)... i don't see how it's going to all of a sudden improve. but yeah... if we can control the tempo will be in the game. hopefully bibby can put up some stinkers because that's the key matchup of the series.
The guys on our team are like hyper children on ADD. Even if JVG told them to play smart and slow, they hunger to run with the Kings and try to one up them in their own game. It's like they have some inside contest to prove who's better and atheletic. The Kings are a good fast break and 3pt shooting team. Every time they make one of those, the Rockets will try to match that or one up it when the third quarter comes. They're undisciplined and stupid, and every team in the league knows and anticipates this.
This just cant happen especially with Francis who will be out to show Bibby that he isnt the best PG on the Court.This will help to prove that we still need a high Basketball IQ Playmaker Point Guard.
Are Brad Miller and Bobby Jackson still on the injury list? If they are, and they dont plan on coming back for a while, we have a good chance at some noise, if not, winning this series. wakkoman
Bobby Jackson and Brad Miller have been activated from the IR list. It looks like we will be facing a full and wealthy monarchy.
with the way webber is playing, you have to get him to shoot the ball as much as possible. his play alone tonight helped the nugs into the playoffs
Apparently Jacksons injury is more buggy and really limits him day to day, but Miller seems to have healed fully or like is at 95%. but even then it would be a better experience for the team to face the full kings team, as much of an optimistic rockets fan i am, i really dont think this series will go past 6 games, but I'll always root for them. And one last thing i'd like to add to the list of things, is that they must focus on the series one game at a time. Looking at the overall series lead and all wont help them one bit, one game at a time, make each game like a sudden death and treat it that way from game 1 on. hopefully we may pull a huge upset
I think you're keys are good, but then there are a lot of them, so myswell just say...key to winning = play good. If you had to highlight say three keys, mine would be. 1) Keep turnovers down. I expect the Rockets to havetheir fair share, but if they can keep it in the low teens instead of the high teens, they'll be good. 2) Attack the boards. Especially on the defensive end. 3) Run smooth pick-n-rolls. While I see Yao having an advantage any time when posting up, Divac will likely flop him out of the game, or Yao's shot may be off. On the other hand, neither Divac, Webber (in his current state), Miller, or the guards for that matter, other than Christie, strike me as good lateral defenders. If we set good picks, instead of the crap they do half the time, I think it will help expose Sacramento's already weak defense.
