Some of you might have read Attitude. No, I meant Altitude, really (although admittedly the attitude could be better too). Here is my hypothesis on why Rox couldn't play well in Salt Lake City. Very simple: The Altitude. We don't think about this much, but it really makes a big difference. Salt Lake City is at about 4,500 feet altitude. As a comparison, Denver is only slightly higher, at 5,200. As we have heard time and time again, team playing away games in Denver must adjust their rest, or they will be winded. The same applies to Salt Lake City. I am surprised no one tells JVG this fact, such that he would adjust the rest period for his starters accordingly. Case in point, for both games 3 and 4, the games were close during the 1st half, and even got close enough during the 4th quarter. But you could tell Rox players were too slow to the ball by the end. When Rox were just a 1/2 step slower, it was "easy" for the Jazz to get more rebounds, get their shots off quicker, get to defensive position faster, etc., etc., enough to not just win, but blow it wide open. With this in mind, now I can see how important this home court advantage is. I believe Rox will still win this series ... in game 7 - by holding homecourt ... at the altitude near sea level.
Altitude in Salt Lake City is a factor, no doubt. Hakeem used to have oxygen tank on the bench when in Utah (he was also anemic). However, that does not excuse the lack of effort shown by this team. It's a small factor. Not a decisive factor. And yes, the homecourt is huge in this series. Game 5 is critical. Whichever team wins game 5, wins the series. So far, Jazz have shown that they have better chance of stealing a game than we do. That's what is worrisome.
Well, even though it is a FACT that Salt Lake City is above sea level, and even Yao Ming admitted his physical strength and stamina were almost halfed in the high altitude of Salt Lake City, yet he did not want to use it as an excuse. He blamed it on their own ATTITUDE and NOT SLC's ALTITUDE. We have to admit sadly that the Rockets just lacked the heart, passion, energy, intensity and urgency on that 2 games in Utah.
5000ft up is considered high altitude. that's when people start experiencing sickness or lag. anything below doesn't do jack. so it's not an excuse.
Then explain to me how the Rockets won twice in Denver this season, both times without Yao I might add.
I think altitude is a big factor. But I don't think it is an excuse, actually, I blame and hate JVG. They should reach Lake City one day earlier, and be perpared. Instead, they took one day off in Houston. How come?
It doesn't means you will always lose. It is a factor, maybe a big factor. And it means that Yao have a bigger problem playing in high altitude.
I noticed that Yao was very very tired in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. I know he always has stamina problem, but this is different. And our COY JVG just want his players play hard? No way.
Altitude is a factor but for highly trained athletes they should be able to cope with it. NBA basketball has been played for years in SLC and Denver so its not like this is something that is new.
The altitude will be a factor every time they play up there but not an excuse. They should play harder and more determination in their mind. Because those moron oops mormon are crying like their baby AK on every calls.
Altitude is a big factor but that doesn't seem to affect the San Antonio Spurs playing in Denver. In fact they have lost one of their home games and won one in Denver. So it's not like it can't be overcome. I would however agree that having oxygen for the players at elevation is a good idea.
