I would like him to not shoot 0-6 from beyond the arc. But Brooks was the Rockets MVP tonight. Our offense cratered when he went to the bench in the first half.
For real. They had 26 to's against a team that is normally at the bottom in forcing to's. The rockets won't lose games because they didn't show, they will lose games because they have a lack of talent.
Lowry Brooks budinger Hayes Andersen I wonder how this lineup would do, where they ever on the floor?
In the 4th quarter, Rockets played a different breed of basketball, caught Portland off-guard. They don't know how to defend Budinger and Anderson, they don't have quick guards too stop both AB and Lowry from going inside.
The Rockets will get outrebounded all year, but they will make up for it with steals. If they hit their 3s tonight they win...... This is who they are. DD
On the other hand, I thought Portland played good defense in the first three quarters. Kept an already offensively challenged Rockets team from generating any rhythm.
Yep, couldn't agree more. Not enough people capable of handling the ball. I would not mind Lowry being thrown in or even Budinger.
I was saying that in the fourth quarter tonight.. that I'd like to see Chuck and Andersen on the floor together as well.
My Rockets-Blazers analysis http://hoopscribe.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/rockets-blazers-analysis/ The Blazers defeated the Rockets 96-87 in each team’s season opener tonight. Here’s some of what I saw: - Don’t be fooled, this one was never close. The Blazers built a 20-point lead in the third quarter before falling to sleep and allowing the Rockets to cut it to six late before pulling away. The Rockets got back in the game by driving and attacking the rim instead of settling for 3 after 3 and it paid off. - Houston, though so hopelessly devoid of talent, did do some good things, and the Blazers will likely walk away from this one kicking themselves for letting things almost slip away. Houston held Portland to 42.9 shooting and forced 26 (!) turnovers. These undersized Rockets are a scrappy, gutsy bunch, and defensively they can compete, no doubt. - So what won the game for the Blazers? Attributes that are sure to come up time and time again this season for Houston. The Blazers knocked in 10-of-21 3s (47.6) percent because the Rockets were so focused on containing penetration and protecting the paint. Portland, more importantly, also out-rebounded Houston 51-33. Expect that to be a common trend against the Rockets, who are very undersized. - Rookie Chase Budinger was on the floor for Houston when it made its late surge. The swingman scored six points but looked nervous and frantic early. He turned the ball over twice in 15 minutes and missed 4 of his 6 shots. - Good defensive job by Houston on Blazers star Brandon Roy, who shot just 5 of 18 for 20 points. But he went to the free throw 11 times, making 10. - The Rockets play fast and try desperately to get up and down but I don’t know how much longer they can last. Qucik shots lead to quick buckets on the other end, and their transition defense was horrid. - By one game, athletic swingmen will give the Rockets trouble. The Blazers’ Travis Outlaw scored 23 points on 9-14 shooting off the bench, and starter Martell Webster added 14 points on 4-7 shooting in 25 minutes. - The Rockets’ bench was better than the Blazers’, but Portland’s starters were better than Houston’s. - Despite being the sixth best offense in the preseason, I expect scoring to be an issue for the Rockets. They scored 87 points on 37% shooting, including 27% from deep. Too many role players asked to assume lead roles for Houston. - The Blazers looked incredibly smooth and precise before going sluggish in the fourth quarter. They were hitting shots, making the right passes, and the rebounding and defense was incredible. They will be a tough team to beat once they learn to put together four quarters of basketball. Their asleep-at-the-wheel act tonight was inexcusable. - The real measure of the Rockets, at least this early in the season, will be tomorrow against the Warriors in Golden State. Both teams lack inside power. Both teams wanna run and gun. And both teams are expected to be near or at the bottom of the West this season. Should be a telling game for both clubs.
Why do you think I wanted Wafer so badly? But yeah, until Tmac is healthy, we got to run with the no dribble no cut brothers. DD
I really wish aaron would get off the 3 line and focus more on 17 and in. Its nice to know that he has that range, but he can get by anuone and the calvin murphy pull would basically be unstoppable.
The starting line up definitely needs to change. Brooks is the only legit starter who can handle the ball. All the other starters were turnover prone tonight because they just can't handle the ball. I think there should be at least one more player that can handle the ball in the starting line up.
That is true. Rockets' talent level is low. 40 million sitting on the bench. There will be a lot games like this, reminding me some of JVG's years.
ARGGG... We need to trade Scola!!!! Haha JK everyone. First game back after not playing much of the preseason games and had a little rust. Little disappointed in his performance, but I am more concerned if the ankle was an issue for him. Scola is a veteran and a warrior and I am confident he will play up to his abilities. We got to remember to not judge players fully on a per game basis.
Rockets played like a team in 4th quarter, shared the ball, took good shots. With Wafer in the line up, that might not happen. You need to put your money on Wafer having a hot night.
