Some observations from watching Rox games: 1. Whenever a player (irrespective of his status) is tired (like Yao when he's been playing nearly a full quarter), is forcing shots and his shots are not falling (like AB and VW), is dribbling ignoring open teammates (like the bad side of Ron), that's the time for a quick and wise player rotation. 2. When the whole team is rushing shots with jacked up jumpers and is not careful to protect the rock, call a time-out to reinforce discipline on the game plan. I hate to see the above happening without any interference from the coach and Rox lead is dwindling and the whole team is playing in a panic mode. If I remembered correctly, that has happened a few times from 3rd quarter's nearly 15-20 to 6-7 points lead in the 4th.
I didn't watch the game, but I know we normally have meltdown's in the 3rd quarter after we have built up a nice lead in the 2nd quarter, and the culprits are normally the starters. I say if the second unit gives us the lead in the 2nd quarter, let them start in the 3rd quarter, we could call them the anti-meltdown unit. Then they could increase the lead even more. Stop going with the status-quo Rick, think outside of the box.
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You forgot how many of the 10 are last second desperate shot. I bet all of them are, maybe except his first 3 which was a drive and dish - by Francis probably, not sure - with plenty of time left on the clock. If Yao spends the summer practicing, he could actually develop 3 pointer as one of his weapons. After all, 3 pointer is all about touch and practice, and Yao does have a soft touch and a great work ethic.
That was an ugly, ugly win. I'll take it though. The turnover by Brooks could have cost us the game. Ron's defense at the end was fantastic.
If Yao could become a proficient 3pt shooter, I think that would add a wonderful wrinkle to our offense. Stick him outside of the 3pt line, and just have the guards penetrate, b/c the opposing team's best shot blocker will most likely be defending Yao.
It would be like watching Okur & I can't stand a Big man that sit @ the 3pt line, instead of under the basket
Scola was solid, Yao played well and made a clutch three, so did Battier, Artest hit a big time shot and won the game with a great steal, BUT, the Rockets have perfected the art of giving away a lead. NOT GOOD! Mindless, stupid turnovers. AND, Ron has perfected the art of going Globetrotter. What in the world was he thinking! The Rockets were really lucky. Overall, on the road this year, they have not played well. All the more reason to get Home Court. That may be the difference this year.
The Bobcats played some really good defense down the stretch, but we made some mistakes that made the game closer than it should have been. Hopefully, the Rockets won't be too tired for the Spurs tomorrow night.
I think it would just make Yao's offensive repertoire more dynamic. He wouldn't have to "sit" out there the whole game, but just occasionally, in the spirit of having a multi-faceted offensive scheme instead of predicatability.
We cannot be always this lucky. I thought we were going to overtime when Ron made the play. Luckily enough, it was a good steal. It is just so risky.
Brooks needs to be under control. My patience with him developing some pg skill is rapidly fading away. One more performance like tonight's , I think I am gonna join the "Start Lowry" club.
i saw too much threads bashing arron, and most came from those people didn't even know what +/- is. Come on, that's the rockets fan base?? aaron has an off night. he didn't shoot well, and his driving didn't fall. but he still played with full energy. people needs to realize that pg's feeding yao, and yao didn't shoot every time. he sometimes turned it over, sometimes did inside-out. aaron shoot those 3 pointers that should be shot, either he is open or 24 seconds winding down, but he just had a bad touch tonight. If aaron kept feeding yao all game, how many turnovers you think yao will commit?? I like those posts saying aaron should take pressure off yao, and he is just doing fine. I hate those posts call aaron 'little chick with no head'.. it's totally an insult. kyle has a nice driving ability too. but his defense is no way better than aaron. kyle is too hesitate to shot those open jumpers. his lack of scoring ability will keep him from the first choice of pg players in the rockets team. i think yao showed great outside touch tonight by shooting that 3. if he can do that, why not learn some pick and rolls from spurs? like tim duncan does. i mean, aaron drives to the hoop, draw doubles, and pass back to outside yao for jumpers. the problem right now is after yao did the screen, he usually stood there, no moving to create opening for himself, and it made tough for aaron, especially when he found himself was trapped inside. yao is a great player, but those fans who are loyal to yao should not just blame aaron for what he did. I believe aaron just follows what coaches tell him to do and he is doing a good job since he is the starter. he can create his own shots by driving to the hoops, and can create openings for others. what else do you what he do?
Aaron had a rough game. Look at the past couple of games, though. He's been great for the Rockets. I don't know if the Rockets would be doing as well with Rafer still being used as the starting point guard. Give Aaron time...he's only a second year player. His potential is still sky high.
Dramatic play by rockets...love to see artest at last play a defence,and the long waiting of Big Yao 3......
Ugly win but a win nevertheless. Yao's three was pretty funny and Artest's game saving block was great!
To be fair, Lowry had a +/- of -1, but he was on the court when Wafer and Artest made some silly mistakes that cost Rockets some points. Not saying Brooks shouldn't start, but I thought Lowry had another pretty good game overall.
Artest's last second block was not luck. Yes it was a Very Gutzy move that paid off Big Time... and one that he deserved to make since he made the clutch shot to give us the lead... If Radman had hit the three and Artest fouled him we could of lost the game. On the other hand if Radman was able to hit the 3 without a foul or block, OT would have been likely and could have been anyone's game... However, he made a huge play that paid off and in all likelihood was well thought out... It would be great to see him make better shot decisions such as driving to the hole more with post game or one-on-one, and better ball movement to teammates, not like what we saw for most of this game, vs Lakers, and during the season...
He shoots a high percentage in the paint, but what if he's well defended? If he has 50% chance of catching the ball, and 50% chance of TO before shooting, does the 55% really mean that much? If Yao didn't pop for a 3pter this game, AB would have taken a shot with 10% chance of going in. Luckily, Yao flashed to the only open area and shot a 3pter with 20% chance of going in.
