We had 13 road games by that point and 14 at home. We've played 10 at home so far this year in two less games. I think there's reason to be optimistic about our near future. We're doing things that really good teams do, A) figuring out a way to win close games and B) winning on the road. Once you stop, you must pop.
The Hawks' issue was that they had absolutely no bench. That team's starting unit was amazing but once they were hit with injuries, they couldn't do anything. Had they stayed healthy, they probably would have won a championship or at least made it to the Finals.
I feel this to be true. The Warriors in 14/15 were injury free for the most part (Lee & Bogut missed some regular season games...Bogut 15 gms) while Love and Irving missed playoff games. Warriors won 14/15. Cavs won 15/16 while staying more or less injury free and the Warriors had an injury during the playoffs. Warriors were up 3-1 on the Cavs before Bogut went out with an injury. After Bogut went down the Cavs made a concerted effort to attack the rim. This is one of the reasons I want another shot blocker outside of Capela & Harrell. Rockets will face a big dip in the road if Harden/Ariza/Ryno/Capela/Beverley miss any time. In the case of Beverley & Ariza, more time than they have already. Edited later: Bogut injury was in game 5 of finals last season. 3 blocks by halftime & injured in early 3rd (I believe).
I put a lot of stock into Road record. I've show this chart before in other threads. The 2015 team was 10-2 on the road, when they hit their 10th win. That's the 3rd fastest in Rockets history (by road games played). 1994 and 1997 were both 10-1. This team reached 10 wins the 2nd fastest by date.
I'll set the O/U at 57.5 and I'll take the under for a tip jar bet. Each win under 57.5 and you tip $50/win; each win over and I'll tip $60/win. Re: If they win 55 you tip $150, if they win 60 I'll tip $180. We'll count 57 or 58 as a full loss/win to ensure something gets paid to the jar. Open to the first taker. And I hope they win 75! lol
We suffered the "i" word, too, and kept chugging along and building chemistry...then outperformed ourselves in the playoffs. Please don't try to lessen what that team did to prop this one up. Why would you even do that?
None of those teams faced the greatest team ever assembled on ESPN tablet paper though. And ours did. On the road. And prevailed. After 58 grueling minutes, we have beat the unbeatable when no one thought it was possible. It was like 1995 all over again. Backs against the wall, down 3-1 and yet with heroic team basketball we were able to blow a kiss of death to Joe Klein. The whole world knew that the Warriors had us beat, but buzzer after buzzer, we survived... until .. they gave up and let us take our prize. Bunch of cheating sacks of...
Yes, I would like to separate the two seasons. Both unique in their own. Hate this conversation outside the other thread discussing that matter. 14/15 Rockets: was w/o D12 for 41 games & T Jones (who was pretty much the starting PF the year before) played in 33 games due to leg-nerve problem. Post ups were more common that year. The addition of JSmoove & Brewer sparked the Rox during the season. 16/17 Rockets: 14 out of first 20 games played on the road. Some have noted that no team in the NBA or NHL has had to do that in 62 years. On top of that learning new coaches/systems. On top of that Bev missing something like 12(?) games. I believe the Rox completed 2 five gm road trips....so at least one more 5 game road trip remains (maybe 2). Implementing new players or adding playing time (Capela/ Nene/Ryno/Gordon/Dekker/Harrell/even Tyler Ennis while Bev was out. Separate from the 14/15 season; I have no doubt what Houston has done (especially the first 20 games) has been a nice accomplishment. It was an uphill climb the first 20 games vs teams like Utah (2), Blazers (2), Spurs (2), Cavs (1), Warriors (1), Hawks (1), Raps (1),@ Pistons and @OKC; after 20 games:Boston (1), @OKC (1 again). I see the rest of the season as no longer uphill......it's even to downhill (barring injuries). I'm not saying that takes the Rockets deep into the playoffs. It's a good run; but the season is an 82 game marathon. I will assess that bridge (playoffs) when/if we get to it.
lol and there were quite a few people around here sure that without any other moves this was a .500 team at best again.
Then Grizz go to Warriors.....GSW will be looking for payback. Wonder if Gasol plays? Edited later: sorry back to back Cleveland and Grizz
Im stickin with my original 53ish,,,,,but that was a heck lot more then some bunnies. Aw hell...... Go Rockets n stuff !!!!!!!!
