Random observations after two games vs. Lakers

username1 · Dec 16, 2006

roxfan123 said:

Lakers won both games by a huge third quarter. Actually Lakers always play excellent in the third quarter. Remember Kobe had 30 in a single quarter not so long ago? And that was in a third quarter.

On the other side, Rockets played poorly in many third quarters. The two games vs Lakers are good examples. And going back, you can count the home game vs. Spurs as well. I know we discussed about the 4th quarter meltdown a while ago but the topic here is nonrelevant as Rockets played decent (well, compared to the meltdowns...) recently.

My point is our offensive inability is becoming so obvious in the third quarter, where we normally had some lead (thanks to Yao's hard work...yes, I am talking in the absence of Tmac), that every opponent begins to exploit it. Because fatigue as well as double team normally kicks in the second half for Yao, he cools down for a while in the third (I don't have the statistics to back it up but I think the trend is clear), our offense literally stalls. It is funny that after he went to the bench, the other players actually starts to score but the lead is normally decreased, if hasn't been surpassed at all.

The poor performance in the third gives us such a hard time in the fourth, and it gives much more pressure on Yao and Yao alone. JVG knows Yao can not get it done all by himself, but he doesn't seem to have a good answer for a better second half, or a third quarter more precisely. His offensive plans need a lot to be desired. I thought he would be more flexible after the first vs Laker game, where we had a disastrous third but a feabulous fourth by the bench but I was wrong. For all the crys that we need for a better PG and a healthy Tmac, I believe deep down somewhere in our heart, we all admit we need a PJ.
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What is a PJ and why do we need one so bad???

Will a PJ improve the play of our point guard and heal T-Mac's back?

lex13 · Dec 16, 2006

Yetti said:

The answer is simple. The cause is CD and JVG as they are the ones most responsible for our player surrounding YM.
Howard, old and limited, can play back up, reasonable spot up jump shooter and rebounder.No defence
Hayes a short Power Forward who can rebound and make putbacks around the basket.Foul prone.
Mutombo Old Old and way past his prime, 10 mins. a couple of rebounds and occasionally a blocked shot. Worn out.
We need a tall and athletic Power Forward to complement Yao Ming and a decent backup Center. Too much of the onus is placed upon Yao Ming, especially when he needs careful rest management during the games. This management is seriously impaired due to inadequate support and backup players.
I hope that with the upcoming change in Management that we will move away from being overly loving and sympathetic towards players who do not fit the equasion of a championship team.
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Now that Stromile Swift is out with sprained ankle, the Grizzlies are giving rookie Alexander Johnson some playing time. The Grizz grabbed him AFTER the Rockets 2nd round pick. I still can't believe the Rockets drafted that Israeli small forward instead of Johnson. AJ could have provided the Rockets with that big PF or athletic back up center. Don't see how that Israeli player is helping the Rockets this year. So much for the "Win Now" philosopy.

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Random observations after two games vs. Lakers

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