For the past couple of days here on this bbs there has been numerous threads about what the "experts" are saying about the first round Dallas and Houston matchup. The majority of them stating that Dallas would win. Thats fine with me, it is the opinion of these people and they are entitled to it. What has been disturbing to me is the number of people here who feel the rockets arent getting any respect and shouldnt be considered a push over. Well Duh! Houston Rockets and respect has never gone hand in hand when it comes to the media in the past, even when we were on top of the basketball world, so why would things change now? rockets fans here should know better than to even pay attention to what anyone who is a so called "expert" says about a series. Chances are these people have less knowledge of the rockets this year than many of the posters here. Actually make that I'm sure they have less knowledge of the rockets. And its probably the same with Dallas too. I don't know too much about the mavericks this year outside of they are a deep talented team that is high-scoring and with a new coach have been playing better defense. This is what most "experts" know and state because its an easy generalization. Same with Houston, we as rockets fan know what are major weaknesses are (PF for example) and what are strengths are. These writers arent paid to watch all 82 games of both teams and make an assessment. They will watch a handful and make generalizations from there. so I say who cares? there is a reason why games must be played and that why many times "experts" are wrong. the 95 team sums it up best. I'd like to meet the media guy who said the 95 squad would go on to win the championship. You'd be better off winning the lotto than finding the media guy who said that. Face it we as fans know how good this team can be and how bad this team can be. We dont need Espn, TSN, SI telling us stuff. All we should do is forget what the media is saying, show up and cheer our on team on and give them our 110% wherever we may be. I believe this team can go far this year so I am going to keep believing that and make sure I cheer this saturday as loud as I can whether I am at my home or at a bar or watching outside a radio shack. go rockets!
Excellent post! I completely agree with you, and have in fact pointed this out in the past. The media talking-heads are hired to be controversial, make predictions, and vent their preheld prejudice/hatred towards certain teams/players/coaches. I put ZERO stock in what anyone says abou tthe Rockets, unles they ARE familiar with the team on day-to-day basis (which is a small group of people really). Predictions are fun, they are entertaining, but there is a reason why the games are played. Otherwise, the Pistons should have forfeited their series with the Lakers last year, and the Rockets of 1995 playoffs should have never even bothered to dress up and face their opponents. There is a reason why people watch sports, because we ALL love an underdog (unless you are a fan of the losing team). Rocks need 3 things, and only 3 things, to shock the world: heart, humility, and hunger
The ONLY one that I remember picking the Rockets to win it all at the beginning of the '95 playoffs was Chris Webber. He was a guest analyst on a pregame before the opening series in Utah & he said "No One can beat the Rockets in a playoff series." Just thought I would share that memory Anyone else remember ? Oh well....I said we would !
Excellent post. I'll just add one thing. We must earn respect! Now, lets go kick some tale (pun intended) and make history!
in all honesty what are you talking about? dallas is a great team. and frankly to pick them isn't an injustice to the rockets. if the rockets played seattle i think the overwhelming majority of 'experts' would have picked the rockets in 5-6. nowitski is a superstar. he's averaging 27/and practically 10 for god sakes. its not disrespectful for people to pick dallas in 7. at all.
Insane man, in response to the first part of your post my reply is: We will earn the respect. The 2nd part of your post...well, I don't think the analyst are picking Dallas *just because* Dirk is 27/9. That's like picking the Rockets because TMac is 26/5/6. They are picking Dallas because of a many factors. But they are overlooking Houston too. It's understandable because Dallas has been in the play-offs in the last few years. Houston has not. Thus, we prove we are better. Then, we'll really know if that "Dirk is averaging 27/and practically 10 for god sakes" really makes a difference. The best *team* will win. We'll see which team has more heart and chemistry.