With all the Yao/Shaq hype and Francis' 40 points and 10 assists, where would the Rockets have been without the Cat. I mean the guy played great D on Kobe and hit some huge buckets tonight. I know this could have gone in the game thread, but I didn't see the Cat getting much attention and I think he deserves some. Nice job Cuttino!
Cat's 10 consecutive free throw shots -- especially those at the end of the game -- were crucial. I fear the Cat will be known as a Manx because he worked his tail off on defense as well. Yes, he deserves his share of the praise.
Cat's 10 consecutive free throw shots -- especially those at the end of the game -- were crucial as were his timely field goals and three pointers. I fear the Cat will be known in the future as "The Manx" because he worked his tail off on defense as well. Yes, he deserves his share of the praise.
I will be honest and say that I have ripped the Cat pretty hard over the last 1 or so. But during the last month or so, I have to say he is doing just about everything he needs to do. He isn't forcing his shot as much and just letting the offense come to him, and like thumbs said his D is getting ALOT better. If Mobley and SF can continue to play within the team concept we are going to win alot of games, because whenthey are playing within the Offense and not shooting ridiculous shots, they are the best backcourt in the NBA. Keep up the good work CAT!!!
Cat let the game come to him bar 1 or 2 times. It's good to see it. And he actually played really well for the last 4-5 straight games. Hope he keeps it up.
i was wondering who D'ed up on Kobe (waiting for a tape of the game). i was guessing either cat or posey. on looking at kobes score line (5-21), i'm wondering if he was rushing shots, putting up bricks, or just didn't have the space to get his shot off? and what kind of D was played on him? jimmy jax had a great game against kobe by playing a step off him & not moving until kobe had taken a step/ made a move. did cat take the same approach? if anyone could tell me, i'd be very thankful. knowing how much the refs love kobe, it's hard to play on him "honestly" with a hand in his face or bodying up... btw you should've mentioned cat's entire score line. 4 rbds, 4asts & 3 steals is a damn good effort (along with the perfect FT shooting). He has been playing a lot of games recently where he gets both ~5 rbds & 5asts. a sign of "maturing" and having a little more faith in the others on the team?
The Cat cover Kobe pretty much the whole game. The shots Kobe made where the long range 3 point variety. Nobody is going to cover Kobe 26 feet out. Mobley did a great job getting up in his face and Yao and Griffin did a great job with the help defense. I don't remember Kobe scoring any points in the paint. He was really hesitant about gettin into the lane. I guess watching Shaq get blocked 3 times in a row will do that to ya.
I payed particular attention to the CAT/KOBE matchup. Cat's defense was phenomenal. He must have stripped Kobe clean 3-4 times during the game, particularly in the second quarter
I thought I would see Posey guarding Kobe, but was surprised to see Cat on him. Refreshingly, I really think the Cat did a good job - stayed on him all the time.
The Cat is a good player. So is Steve Francis. They combined for 73 points. That's pretty good. Their defense was excellent. James Posey guarded Kobe a couple of times, but he was a little slower. The Cat did a great job. He's done this many times already against elite players.
The Cat was simply on fire all night, with great ball handling, Rush just could'nt tell where the cat will move and got him 2 quick foul. But Mobley has the great touch for a shooting guard and not to mention his defensive play against Bryant was just amazing. Mobley was there when you needed him and there where several time you saw him pick pocketing Lakers. Cat you are the man!
The guy played excellent defense and was money at the end of the game. Tom Tolbert said that The Cat reminds Rudy of Sam Cassell. Ice water in the veins. But he did take many ill-advised shots throughout the game including key stretches of the game.
It's funny how Bill Walton was saying for KELVIN CATO TO GET JUST ONE REBOUND. I guess he doesn't know Kelvin Cato is #2 in the league in rebounds per 48 minutes only behind BEN WALLACE. ESPN guys don't even know the names of our players. They mixed them all up. ANYWAYS. Cuttino Mobley wasn't just on fire YESTERDAY NIGHT. He has been doing great the whole entire week. Let's hope he can keep it up. The good thing about the Cat is he isn't afraid of anything. He isn't intimidated by KOBE. He was boxing out Shaq for a rebound.
I never did. I want to add Brent Barry in addition to the Cat. When Mobley shoots well he is very dangerous. Excellent defense and clutch free throws but like BBM said he needs to cut down on taking some ill adviced shots and if he and Steve can do that and involve other players with their passing then there is no stopping this team.
