As you would see in many games, Rockets often loses steam and focus around late 3rd qtr & 4th qtr (assume we have a strong first 3 qtrs). When playing with sub-par teams, this usually converts a big lead to a close win or lose (like the games vs Warriors and Magic), but with better team (like Sun), it inevitably converts a close game to a big loss. I am not sure what is the main reason behind it (lacking tenacity?), but if the mystery is not solved, the team will not go very far
Most nights I would tend to agree but tonight I think tired legs had a whole lot to do with the suns pulling away at the end. There was no shortage of good looks at the basket but the shots were just not falling in the second half
How many times could we say that this season? SO many open looks, but nothing to show for it. Work on them Js boys!!!
Not to diss the Rockets of the 90's - Present Generation, there is something I've noticed when Hakeem Olajuwon/Robert Horry/Sam Cassell played and they had big leads going into the 4th Quarter, and they almost give it up, but do you know whats different between the team of Hakeem and the team of Yao's? Poise! Determination! Heart of a Champion! We wanted to show the world that the Houston Rockets are a team to be reckon with! Also, the coach is without a doubt, different, in Jeff Van Gundy. He has no heart, no will to win, and is #1 fan of the Ryan Bowen Fan Club! I mean, heck, if Rudy Tomjanovich was still coach of this team, ALOT of changes would be made... Get rid of Bowen and his poor shooting, and get his Bowen brother from San Antonio (Bruce Bowen) of course get Rudy T. back, trade for Sam Cassell, demote Van Gundy to janitor, and implement the Heart of a Champion killer instinct in this team, because with McGrady's lack of passion for the game, and the Guards PASSING THE BALL TOO DAMN MUCH IN TONIGHTS GAME VERSUS SUNS! those are the changes I would make. I give props to Yao Ming and Juwan Howard for playing the game like they did tonight... Hello to all of the other Rockets... Wake up and smell the coffee, or just retire! We want players that want to play like champs, not chumps! We don't need another episode of Choke City because of their players not wanting to give it their all night in and night out!
