Far too often we incite the opposition to play better against us. The Dallas Mavericks are a case in point. Ever since we said the things we said years ago we had our butts handed to us. With last night's game, if we didn't light a fire under Stoudemire with a forearm, I have a pretty good feeling we would have won. That gave them a moral justification to win the game when we were clearly in error. A few more examples from Rocket history: ***Charles Barkley declares the Suns kick but inc. after beating the Rockets twice in the playoffs...we then use that as motivation to win the series. ***Karl Malone was on the free throw line with the Jazz up and about to win the first round series in '95. He says some disparaging remarks to Drexler and the Rockets. Drexler takes it personally and takes control of the game and helps us win the series. ***Danny Ainge throws a ball in Mario Elie's face during a playoff game. Mario ala Stoudemire walks away and helps us win the game. I have seen this time and time again. I can't explain it. Those who take the high road usually do well. It gives the team that is wronged a higher purpose. It also puts pressure on the team that did wrong. If this is a one on one sport then, it might be OK, but in a team game there are dynamics to consider not only in the opposition, but also on your own team. Anyway I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but I just want us to learn from this game and be ready for the playoffs.
With last night's game, if we didn't light a fire under Stoudemire with a forearm, I have a pretty good feeling we would have won. That gave them a moral justification to win the game when we were clearly in error What did Stoudemire do the rest of the game? He made, what... one or two baskets on about 8 shots for the rest of the game and pulled down 2 more rebounds? If the rest of the Suns had played like him, then we would have won easily. ***Danny Ainge throws a ball in Mario Elie's face during a playoff game. Mario ala Stoudemire walks away and helps us win the game. The Rockets already had the game won when Ainge threw the ball at Elie. It didn't have any effect on the outcome of that game.
This is interesting. There's another thread saying that the Rox, in particular Yao, are too nice and should get in opponent's faces more. This is a game where trash talking and intimidation have come to be expected and at this level I'm not sure how much it affects the players. That said I myself have taken Hakeem's old motto to heart Stay Humble, Stay Hungry In an era of trash talking and showboating the Rox of the mid-90's were a study in dignity. Like those former Rox I would rather see the Rox letting their play do the talking than their mouths, fist or forearms.
In response to aelliot: What did Stoudemire do? He played great D! Remember scoring isn't everything. He also made the baskets when they were needed at the end. His teammates clearly saw he wanted to win even if he wasn't that efficient. Put yourself in Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson's shoes. He sees his teammate being disrespected, he hears Amare complain about the altercation on the bench, he's going to try that much harder to win the game. His teammates didn't respond physically...I'm sure they admired Amare for his restraint and let their game do the responding. In response to aelliot again: When Ellie got hit in the face, he could have retaliated and affected the play of the Suns the next game. I'm sure it would have given the Sun's more of a purpose. Mario also could have had the fleeting satisfaction of beating the crap out of Ainge and be thrown out of the series, but he let his game do the talking and hit the Kiss of Death 3 to seal the victory.
You're right...I was inprecise with my wording. He provided great energy and hustle...and I do remember a couple blocks on sure 2 pts. My whole point isn't limited to Stoudemire's production...the whole Sun's team were given a spark off that event. I don't think I'm reaching here...but I am willing to let this thread die as I'm argumentative by nature...
