Span's blog has been updated: Here the translation, quite intersting... I will only translate the game-relating part: "You certainly wonder where exactly I am. I am in Minnesota- atl east when writing these lines- and the bad thing is that we have lost against the timberwolves. Bad for 2 reasons: First, beacause 7 min before the end the score was 77-77 and we lost the game out of our hands after 2 wins. And secondly, beacause I just played 6 min. However, I have noticed that this I the way the NBA works. Some hours ago, I achieved a scoring and minutes record in the game against GSW, that we destroyed playing nice basketball, but against the wolves my contribution was small. I dont whinner, I just mention it because this is reality. Those who know my character can understand that I am not happy tha I do not play a lot, but I never give up knowing that there will be further chances like this against the GSW. If I had not made 5 TOs, everything would be fine, but 3 out of the 5 TO happened in the last last few minutes when we where up 34. In such cases games in the NBA become "show"-like. I do not want to justify my Tos, however in such a situation you play with less discipline ans seriousness and try to offer entertainment, to make a crazy pass, do something special in order to thank the fans who love you. From Minnesota we are travelling to Charlotte, where we will play on Friday, while on Saturday we move to Washington for the game with the Wizzards. As soon as we have finished with the east coast, we will return home to meet the Lakers. That's the programm Always travelling, sleeping in hotels and after some hours a new match. You will say it's difficult, but I am using to it. And I get adjusted to the new way of life and the customs in the USA.
Did you guys see the expression on JVG when Billy attempted the behind the back pass against GSW ?Jvg almost took him out of the game right there; but then billy got the steal........ I don't see anything wrong with a behind the back pass @toyota center when up by 34,but someone needs to tell Billy commissar JVG will not tolerate such actions.
Welcome to the realities of the NBA. If you haven't been voted to the all-star game, then a coach will never allow you to "put on a show". Especially with a coach like JVG.
yep jvg will not risk blowing up a 34 point lead in the last 3 minutes of a professional basketball game just for a small chance to entertain the paying and cheering crowd with a behind the back pass..
It is impossible to lose a game when you are up 34 in 3 minutes, even if you do not score at. The opponent would have to make a 3-pointer every 15 sec...
Thanks for the update. I like VSpan a lot. The kid has the right attitude. I hope for 3 things: 1) that he works hard and continues to do so to hone his NBA skills regardless of playing time, 2) that the veterans on the team (including yo, Yao!) show some more tangible love for my boy with encouragement and perhaps even their own experiences as rookies; and 3) that the coaching staff engage VSpan in more specific Rockets game plans, rather than treating him as a substitute mainly for the purpose of buying starters some breathing time.
Very nice to see our boy VSpan not giving up. I really like his mentality. I wish Bonzz has this mentality.. I wonder what V thinks of Bonzz, or does he even know Bonzz exists? I only wish JVG would loosen up a bit, just a little bit. I mean cmon, it's practically the end of the game and the W is in the bag.. let them have some fun. If this keeps up, say good bye to that "chemistry" we had 2 years ago.
Off topic but (I like VSpan too) does anyone know if anyone in the Rockets organization ever reads this board?
I have a co-worker at work who is Greek and told me he has coffee with V-Span... (We had a conversation about him) and he said pretty much everything what V-Span has said, but what I didnt see him write is that in the Euro Leagues that they tend to be more in your face and physicial than we are here in the NBA (its like you will get a tech if you try to pull that off). And we have seen that in some of the YourTube posts here in his Euro League competition. So that was one of his fustration. I told the guy to tell him to relax his time will come. I said it is not just here in Houston but it is everywhere - and now that Synder is hurt and he has started to take up in the rotation to take advantage of it and USE it to his advantage. Make it harder for him to take him out of the rotation when Synder comes back. But the in meantime - NBA style is different than Euro style and it is going to take time getting adjusted to it. But without doubt, us Houston fans are thrilled he is here and we are really looking forward to him setting himself up here. So hopefully V-Span will just hang in there and keep on trying! I love his aggressiveness here with the Rockets - we need more bulldogs here.
Just think what Don Nelson could do with V-Span. I love the Rockets, but I know an offensive-minded coach like Nellie would unleash him to create -- and take no prisoners in doing so.
Exactly my sentiments. Billy is wiser than his coach but he also understands the circumstances of playing for a neanderthal coach. Oh and for those who say Van Gundy hasn't broken his spirit yet that is only because Vspan won;t allow it. Not because Van Gundy isn't trying.
