After the Suns game, I think it is clear that Rockets are capable of beating any team in the West. Many people think a Suns matchup is a nightmare for the Rockets. Tonight the Rockets showed that they can get it done. I am not worried about the playoff matchups no more. I think we can beat anybody.
While I want to agree, it was one game. Playoff series are 7 games. Imagine playing that pace for 7 games, it would wear this team down. Deke can not guard Shaq for 7 games straight.
As long as Adelman uses Aaron Brooks and BJax and Landry for good minutes....you are right. Our 2nd unit is the key they generally outperform the other team's bench players and get us a lead. Tonight they ran the Suns into the ground....and that is amazing. DD
The only thing to fear is fear itself. lol It's not about fear. It's about playing flawless ball. We are less talented than every playoff team.
I am by no means saying we are a lock to beat Phoenix in a seven game series but I have noticed that any time our PGs go at Nash and aggressively try to score on him it really effects his game offensively. We also tend to win those games. It seems to be a more and more effective way to slow him down as he has looked his age the last 5 or 6 times I've seen him. Suns window is this season. I don't think they contend next year with Shaq and now Nash appearing to be in rapid decline. Should have got KG, Steve Kerr.
I think you are right. But don't forget that Shaq is not 26. He can't play 7 games straight like the Spurs game. The strength of this team IMHO is that we have a long bench. We can go to 12 deep and still get good production. That'll give matchup problems to any team.
Bill even mentioned this tonight. It's only one game. Remember what happened to us in the previous game versus Phoenix? Sure we might be able to beat Phoenix once or twice by catching them off guard or so. But in a 7 game playoff series their bigs will effectively wear us out without Yao Ming. This is why almost all championship teams have depth in their frontcourt. This is why it is imperative we try and face a team with a frontcourt that lacks a post presence like Shaq.
oh really? and you base all this on what? dont get carried away when rockets play one perfect game, and phoenix plays a not so good game. steve nash is not going to miss point blank layups for 7 games. they are not going to shoot 35% from the 3pt line. so just chill out with these bold statements.
Hayes frustrated the crap out of Shaq tonight, it was nice. If he can frustrate people like that during playoffs we have a good shot.
I think Sun lose on purpose. And I don't think Utah is a good idea. Do you remember they control SA and NOH under 70 pts? While we are fighting for seed, they are #4 already. God knows how much power they are hiding.
Rafer 2 of 11 Luther 2 of 8 (0 of 3 pt) I don't think we played a perfect game. The coach made good decisions and the bench produced when the starter struggled. Oh yeah, we won because Suns played a not so good game. If so, we only need our opponents to play 8 "not so good" games to reach WCF. You can be cool and I'll enjoy myself.
I still think it's one of the tougher matchups for us, but this game gives me hope. I was especially surprised by how easy it was for McGrady to get the shot off the high pick-and-roll when Shaq was in the game.
