Its possible if Steve and Cat shpow the heart in defense as well. With Griff and Yao you will have a good post defenders (eventually) and Hawkins seems to be doing fine (almost reminded me of Elie today with his play)
This teams defense is showing signs of being really good. If they can keep it up, then they can surely make the playoffs. DaDakota
I have no problem with that. However, you'll need to let our two guards know that that is our intention.
Help out a fan unable to watch the games. What would you guys say the Rockets are doing better defensively in the three games thus far? Be specific. How's our defense inside? Outside? Whose defensive game(s) jump(s) out?
I posted this in another thread a little bit before the game yesterday... http://207.44.140.146/php3/showthre...&threadid=44508 Even though it has only been 2 games so far, we already have the best tandem in the NBA for blocked shots (well GS has one avg the same, but that team sucks ) . No other team has any two players averaging 6.5 bpg together (Cato - 3.5 and Griffin 3.0). I know I know, there is no way that this would be anything close to what the "Twin Towers" were back in the day, but the idea that we have at least 2 players in the top 10 in bpg sure makes you wonder. This is of course assuming that Cato plays like this the whole season (doubtful,) but if Cato wants to keep his starting job he just may. Anyways, I just wanted to think for at least once that we might turn into an outstanding defensive team. If anything, we will at least be higher in the blocks category. Oh and btw, we also have the best duo in scoring as well with 55.5 ppg (Steve 30.0 and Cat 25.5.) But hopefully it won't stay that way. I would rather win by defense than offense. I can't wait to see how well our team does when we get into our true starting rotation. I think Griffin coming off the bench will help, becasue he will be able to go vs the bench rather than the starters. This way we can have a farely descent team with Steve, Cat, Rice, Mo Tay, and Cato, and a very good defensive "2nd" team with Francis, Hawk, Morris, Griffin, and Ming.
Oh, there is no doubt. The improvement which will continue comes from various factors. Not only the aggressive presence of Cato, Ming and EG, down low, but there is also KT, down low. Added to that is the play of the other positions, starting with the Hawk. However, it is very refreshing to see the change in Wink and Mobley on the perimeter. The team will get even better.
Teams are not getting to the basket as easy as last year. This is due to more challenges from Cato and Griffin, and less ease getting around the perimeter guys, especially Hawkins. Also, our rotation is somewhat improved, resulting in fewer of the wide open 18-20 shots of last season. Cato's defense has been much better. Apparently, the coaches are not restricting him on defense to keep him out of foul trouble anymore. Also, he is playing hard. Hawkins has also looked very good defensively on the perimeter. Our defense isn't the train wreck it was last year, but it still has a ways to go. We don't pressure the ball at all, and while I've mentioned some improvements, those area's are still not good enough. As for Ming, unfortunately he basically has not been able to stop anyone on the defensive end. Guys are posting and driving against him with alarming ease.
I would like to see the 1,2 and 3 positions on our team play tighter man to man defense. Even if their man gets by them, we have the shot blockers to "erase mistakes". We have played great defense this year, but we still allow alot of wide open shots because our wing players are playing so far off their man.
Looks like they are playing more zone or pseudo zone which is preventing that somewhat. I also saw a lot of switching out on picks, Yao Ming had to do that a few times. They held the Dino's to 35% shooting...
You can't forget Cato who is playing excellent so far this season. He is tops in rebounds and I notice Cato swatting balls. This guy is saying he's got something to prove. Go Cato!!!!!!!!!!!
