Since February 22 (Hawks game and the game that made Yao the leading scorer on the Rockets) the Rockets are 8-3. Yao is averaging 22.5 points a game in these 11 games. Yao's season average is 17.5 points per game. Francis is averaging 16.8 points and 6.7 assists and 3.36 turnovers per game in this same stretch. Steve averages 16.6, 6.0 and 3.6 turnovers a game for the season. The wins for the Rockets were: Atlanta, Cleveland, Portland, Minnesota, Dallas, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans and Memphis. The losses were: San Antonio, Seattle and Los Angeles Lakers. Pretty impressive...is Yao's emergence or Francis' newfound maturity the reason for the Rockets recent success...or both?
It pretty much has to be both, doesn't it? Playing inside-out doesn't work unless you've got a damned fine player inside. But the ball has to get there somehow - and when your recalcitrant other-star PG wants to do his own thing, it's difficult. Steve has to commit to an inside-out game and Yao has to be good enough to make it work. Lately, both have been succeeding in that.
I think the whole team is coming together, its good how different players come through and have a big game when otehrs are struggling, like JJ the other day or Cat a few days before. But of course on the whole Its the 'Yao and Steve' show, they are both playing great.
you're all wrong, its because moochie left the team. ever since that, there isnt a single player on our roster that doesnt produce a positive by helping the team out in some way, shape or form. lots of +++ and no more --- = good!
The Rockets made 47.2 percent of their shots and have made at least 45 percent in five of their six games this month. They are 26-3 this season when making at least 45 percent of their shots.
That Moochie/Spoon trade has probably gotten us 2-3 extra wins this year. Great move by the Rockets brass.
Agreed. Our defense has been VERY solid all year, we just needed some consistent offense to compliment it. When we got the 'O' to go with our 'D', we can beat anyone. Things are getting really exciting.
Another thing to point out... Steve is averaging 14.45 shots per game since February 22, but in March he is averaging only 13.5. Since February 22 Steve is shooting 39%, but in March he is shooting a whopping 49%. Yao is averaging 15 shots per game since February 22 and in that span he is shooting almost 55%. In March Yao is averaging 15.33 shots a game and is shooting 56%.
I just don't know any team unbeatable against Rockets when Steve and Yao both have good games Go Rockets!
Actually I see Steve haven't really changed anything and I think he hasen't really need to. Its more to do with Yao getting better positioning and being more aggressive. Steve shots have been falling and Cat and JJ been hitting their shots. Yao is making his move quicker. That why Steve assist numbers have went up.
So, "Steve haven't really changed anything" other than improving his shooting from 39% to 50%? Nice observation!
