Here's the link: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news/ap/20010309/ap-rockets-olajuwon.html March 9, 2001 HOUSTON (AP) -- Hakeem Olajuwon, who has played a key role in the Rockets' surge to playoff contention, will miss the next two games because of a strained right calf. He will miss Saturday's game against Golden State and Sunday's showdown against Phoenix. The star center sat out Thursday night's 99-87 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, The Rockets trail the Suns by three games in the race for the final Western Conference playoff berth. The teams have split their two meetings this season. ``It's very unfortunate,'' coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. ``His timing and his conditioning have been excellent. He's been sharp and performing very well. We have to deal with it this week.'' Olajuwon, in the final year of his contract, played 10 scoreless minutes on Wednesday against Atlanta, but in his previous 13 games he averaged 16 points and 10.6 rebounds. ``He's been playing so great,'' Maurice Taylor said. ``He was the anchor of the team since the All-Star break. We've been relying on him down the stretch. It's a huge blow.'' ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Looks like Cato & Carlos Rogers better eat their Wheaties. ------------------ Founding Father of the Refs Suck Club
This could mean problems. Now is a bad time with us so close. I just hate to rely on Cato for anything. ------------------ "Stop your grinnin' and drop your linen" -Hudson
It just means this is Cato's time to step up. Remember last year early in the season he scored 23 points in Phoenix in a <a href="http://www.clutchcity.net/game.cfm?gameID=16">128-122 double OT loss</a> In the other three games against Phoenix last season he averaged 6.7 points, 8 boards and 1.67 blocks. ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET
that game against phoenix was the best i've seen cato play. hopefully we'll get a repeat effort. or, hell, i'd be happy if he just continues to play defense the way he has the past few games. despite almu, i think cato has been a difference maker the past few games. THE CATOMIC BOMB IS BACK!!!!!!
I agree it is Cato's time to step up. If for no other reason than to help decide what to do with him before next season. As much as I would like to see the Rockets make the playoffs this year, it may not be the best thing for them in the long run. As I understand it, if the Rockets make the playoffs this year, we owe our 1st round pick to Vancouver. I am so happy that Hakeem is getting a chance to play and is contributing so much, but he may not be here even next year. Regardless of how much you like Steve and Cat and their potential, I don't think they can win a championship without a better than average center. Maybe that could be a combination of Cato and others. I think we are down to about the last looks at him to decide. If he can't do the job, our best hope may be in the draft. I would sure feel better making the playoffs and losing the draft pick if Cato were to show he could do the job at center. ------------------
