I have always looked at the pregame articles on rockets.com and haven't been too upset until i read this one: "Houston (43-37) at Vancouver (22-57) VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- Steve Francis never wanted to play in Vancouver. But Francis and the Houston Rockets will be the unwelcome visitors as they take part in the Grizzlies' final home game on Saturday. Vancouver has applied for relocation to Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies are searching for their 23rd victory, which would be the first time in franchise history they would finish with less than 60 losses. Francis was the second pick in the 1999 draft although the Maryland product said that he would never play in Canada. When he made it clear that he was not going to report, former Grizzlies general manager Stu Jackson had no choice but to trade him. In his first visit to Vancouver as a rookie in November 1999, the fans were ready for the player that shunned them. Francis was booed every time he touched the ball, insulted, and even had a piece of fruit thrown at him. But he responded by collecting 24 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds and no turnovers as Houston pulled out a 118-110 overtime victory. The Rockets come in off a rousing 109-103 victory at Portland on Friday. Shandon Anderson scored 20 points and Cuttino Mobley added 18 for Houston, which won for just the second time in its last eight road games. Vancouver lost to Portland, 100-87, in its last game on Thursday. Mike Bibby scored 24 points and Bryant Reeves added 16 for the Grizzlies, who is 15-25 at home. The Rockets have won all three meetings with Vancouver this season. Francis is averaging 15.6 points and eight assists in the three games." It appears to me that they don't preview the game at all! the writter is trying to diss Francis. He doesn't even talk about the rockets (past game etc.) until the end. oh well, this preview just really $*ssed me off. ------------------
He doesnt need to talk about the past game, it was in the past. They want to talk about tonights game. ------------------ "Break off the block like Maurice Green" --- Steve Francis President of the Moochie Norris fan club.
It kinda is odd that they fail to, or purposely don't mention the fact that Francis had a great game yesterday. ------------------
When i looked at this page i was hoping to read about the coming game but it says nothing about it. All it talks about is the bad relationship francis has with Vancouver. Also it never mentioned him when it did talk about the rockets win over the Blazers. I found it kind of, i guess i could say odd that the writter did not mention Francis in the little recap of the blazers game. Francis was Awsome! ------------------
I don't think the article is dissing Stevie. Actually, the whole hating of Francis thing is at the heart of the evening, sad to say. It will be evident to whoever watches the game that the most emotion will be toward the other team rather than Vancouver. ------------------ Chris Webber at the July 28, 2001 3:00 PM news conference when he announces where he will go: "It seemed tough, but with guidance from Steve Francis, I learned my true destiny. That destiny is to play for the Houston Rockets, to bring them back to championship glory. One big man is all they need, and I believe I can fill that void. Thanks to the loyal fans in Sacramento, but Houston, Texas is where I belong."
There was no diss, just background information. this is the end of the season game between 2 non playoff teams. there are NO implications form the result of this game. whywould the writer even care what he wrote. so he just wrote about the past. they could mention tha same tired things they mantioned the 3 previous tomes these teams met this season, but there was NO nead for that. relax dude, the whole world isnt against ther rockets. have a nice easter peace ------------------ Hanta-Force Paintball www.hanta-force.com
