Lock if Posted http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/03/18/fiveontherise_week20/index.html Brooks (1) "Brooks (like Scola, who we'll get to in a little bit) has been scorching, averaging 24.4 ppg and shooting 50.8 percent over his last 10 games, something he can probably thank the Nuggets and Grizzlies for. In an up-tempo win over the Nuggets, he had 31 points (going 11-for-17) and nailed the game-winning pull-up jumper over Anthony Carter with 2.9 seconds left. Then came possibly his best performance of the last few weeks, when he also scored 31 on the Grizz, but did so with a seven-for-seven showing from the 3-point line that set a team record previously held by Shane Battier (he was once six-for-six). The Grizzlies didn't exactly pressure Brooks on some of those threes -- a confounding strategy considering Brooks' 3-point shooting percentage and that he's the league leader in 3-pointers (169). In fact, Brooks has hit a 3-pointer in 39 straight games, which is a Rockets record and is the longest current streak in the league. "It was a weird experience," Brooks told the Houston Chronicle. "I don't think I ever shot 7-for-7 in a game or in a pickup game. Some of the shots were off-balance. I don't know -- it felt pretty good. Shane (Battier) passed it to me, so I'm sorry. Sorry, Shane."' Scola "Simply put, Scola's play was nothing short of stunning last week. First, he had a career-best 44 points (on 20-for-25 shooting) and 12 rebounds as Houston squeaked past the Nets. More stunning than that gaudy point total were these two stats: Scola became the first Rockets player to go for that many points since Tracy McGrady scored 47 against the Jazz on Nov. 11, 2007 and his 20 field goals were the most made by a Houston player since Hakeem Olajuwon (24) in 1997. His encore performance, a 23-point, 11-rebound game against Denver, was equally solid. He got some quick scores inside and in transition to spark Houston's fourth-quarter comeback, but also got himself going throughout the game with some nice jumpers and hook shots around the basket. Much like Zach Randolph (who we've mentioned in this space before), Scola does most of his damage with footwork on offense and positioning on defense. They're vital (if underappreciated) skills in the NBA and he's doing his best to pass them on to another generation. The Houston Chronicle reports that Scola (along with defensive whiz Shane Battier) are two of the veterans working the most with rookie Jordan Hill (whom Houston acquired from New York for T-Mac). "We're just trying to help him make the least mistakes possible," Scola told the newspaper. "He has a good attitude. Just by talking to him we can eliminate some of the mistakes you usually make when you're young and come to a new team."'
Yep, can't wait to see how Jhill looks next season. Hopefully the Rox can use his mid-range jumper and D aside from his rebounding.
Battier is the perfect player to have as a mentor for our young players. He is always mentioned as a good teacher when the younger guys talk about their progressions throughout the season. I think it behooves Bud and Ariza the most having a guy like Battier on the team.
Loved reading that about Luis and Shane working with young Mister Hill. Sounds like two of our smartest players have a good opinion of Jordan's work ethic. Considering their own, that's outstanding news. Nice find, cjtaylorpt.
Battier has helped Budinger become a lot better defensively this season and I'm sure he is going to help Jordan as well.
One of my biggest beefs with Hill was a poor attitude he seemed to show while with the Knicks. It might have been just a case of coming into camp out of shape (which was reported) and then getting in the doghouse early and maybe because of not getting enough playing time he did a little sulking. It could as simple as that and with some addinSo reading this from Scola is a very good sign. A still think Hill is overhyped on this board but already he has shown more with the team than I expected. So I stand corrected on my initial judgement. He could become a decent role player for this team next year if he hads a little bulk and continue shows a desire to learn.
