It is pretty obvious that defense will be the key to winning this game...the Spurs have a lot of weapons, and it is impossible to shut them all down. Defensive matchups will have a big impact on the game...Who guards Duncan? Cato or Mo? Who guards Anderson? Shandon or Cuttino? Here's what I think is the best way to matchup tonight: Steve vs A.Johnson Shandon vs D.Anderson Cuttino vs S.Elliott Mo vs Duncan Cato vs Robinson Of course the starting 5 won't be in the full game, so timing of subs will be important too. I think KT should only be in when Malik Rose or Walker is in for the Spurs. I don't think he can guard either of the twin towers. And anytime D.Anderson is in the game, Shandon should also be in. Walt can probably contain S.Elliott so I see no problem there. I'd really like to see Carlos get in some time to try and get us some easy buckets down low...which will not come easily for us tonight. Good penetration will be key, and our shooters will have to be hitting from outside. BTW, is Bullard back to full health yet? He could be usefull if he is. Even with all this, the one thing that could get us the win more than anything is THE CROWD. It should be a full house, so there will be plenty of noise to be made. ------------------
I think the key is to shut down everyone else but Duncan. Duncan will be lethal in the fourth, so the Rockets will want to try and get a relatively decent lead in the first three quarters. The Rockets really need to work on shutting down the role players. If they stay on Dereck Anderson, Daniels, Elliot and Robinson, they should be okay. If you contain those guys, and let Duncan do his thing, the Rockets will win. Duncan isn't going to score the 80 points or so needed for a win, so the key will be to shut down the rest. Mo will have to try to stay out of foul trouble, by avoiding those silly reaching and-one fouls he often gets. The same thing goes to Cato. I think the Rockets have a HUGE chance to win tonight. The law of averages says they have to beat this team eventually, and I know that these Rockets are very hungry. As am I. I get SO sick and tired of hearing the Spurs say things like "This isn't the I-10 rivalry, because we always win." That may be true, but it is improper to say so like that. -Make Duncan work, but don't focus entirely on stopping him. -Shut down Dereck Anderson and the rest of the role players. Sean Elliot especially. -Make the Spurs hit jumpers. Those are my keys. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
Well, forget it. This is not looking good. The Rockets are getting burned by the Role players, and can not throw a rock into the ocean. The Spurs are laughing and having a good time, as the Rockets embarass themselves on their own home court. Pitiful. Sometimes having heart isn't good enough. Sometimes you have to have some sort of basketball skill. The Rockets are showing none of that right now. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
"Is Bullard back?" - What a stupid question. Of course he is back...he hit 6 threes! Usefull does not describe how important he was tonight. Who asked that question anyway? O, I guess it was me. ------------------
