If the Portland/Dallas score holds up, only the Bulls (.790) and the Lakers (.780) will have a better winning percentage since Feb. 1st than the Rockets (.700). Dallas will also have a .700 winning percentage in that time frame after the loss tonight. If you would have told me Houston would go 19-8 over the next two months back then and only gain a HALF GAME on Denver and MEMPHIS, and only ONE GAME on Portland, I wouldn't have believed it. We're not talking about ten or twelve games. That's between 27 and 30 games for each team in that time frame, or just over ONE THIRD of an NBA season. Impressive run for the Rockets. (which is likely going to make it end just as frustrating as it began with that 0-5 and 3-13 start) Not giving up yet, but man... it's been a nice two months.
No one wants to face us in the playoffs. That's why San Antonio sat their Big Three against Memphis while going 110% and playing their ass off yesterday. It's our fault we put ourselves in this situation, but with the parity of the West, it's sort of the opposite of the East. Aside from the Lakers, don't expect San Antonio, Dallas, or OKC to win a series in less than 7 games.
damn that horrible start. playoffs or not the rockets will be able to carry this momentum into next season. the players fit well together, and execute on offense pretty well. mostly thanks to lowry running the show.
That would be my hope. Also, even if you are one of those people hoping for a deal, the Rockets playing well is likely to make each of their player look more valuable.
I hope our season puts to rest any BS about coaching not having any impact on the game. Aside from the backup pg slot which was strengthened, we had the same players pre-and post trade. The only difference was that Adelman was giving PT to the wrong guys. OT I'm quite happy with how the season turned out whether we make the playoffs or not. The season went up in smoke the moment Yao injured his foot again anyway, seeing Lowry, Hayes and KM blow up has been the biggest surprise for me. Lowry in particular is playing like a superstar and would be worth building around if he can keep his play like moving forward.
Amazing how great this team began to play after AB was traded. I guess one player can really change the fortunes of a team; addition by subtraction.
If the Rockets played this well from the start, I think there's a possibility that they could've made it to the WCF. Another one of those "could've been." All those games that the Rockets let slip away...
Including the Feb. 1 games, these are the records and winning % of Houston and the teams fighting for playoff berth. Houston 19 - 9 (.679) Memphis 19 -8 ( .703) Portland 18 -10 (.642) Denver 18 - 9 (.667) New Orleans 12 - 15 (.444) Outside of the Hornets, it's really amazing how well all these teams are playing right now.
The Rockets have done this before, no big deal. And at the end, if they don't make the playoffs, all they've done is destroy their draft position.
Whether or not the Rockets make the playoffs, Morey will be extremely active over the offseason in trades. I highly doubt T-Will be here, and i expect our First Round picks to be gone for a high-caliber player. In this case, i'm hoping Orlando flops in the EC playoffs and Dwight begins to want out.. enter Houston - make the trade for him, sign him to a max deal, bring back Adelman. Lowry/Dragic Martin/Lee Budinger/Mike Harris Scola/PatPat Dwight/Hayes That's a nice looking team to me! Tough, gritty, defensive and offensive! C'mon ORLANDO! CHOKE in the PLAYOFFS!
It all depends on Phoenix. The Rockets must defeat New Orleans and then if Phoenix wins we have a shot. I expect Memphis to win. I don't expect any help from Utah. But then I expect Dallas to still be competing with OKC for 3rd and fourth seed. If that happens then we have a shot. A very slim Shot.
