raised some great points, Random. Walton used a good word to describe the guards' play last night - "cerebral." However, it was very uncharacteristic of the way they normally play, and frankly, I don't buy that they can play with that level of intelligence with consistency. Unfortunately, we can only succeed if they do or if we can acquire guys that will. I said this before the trade rumors, but I really feel that the perfect backcourt for this team would be Ray Allen and Mike Bibby...these guys can fill it up, play a team game, and most importantly, can execute a game plan.
Wrong. We're 2-3 games ahead of where we were. And the teams behind us are 2-3 games worse than where they were. Instead of fighting it out with the lakers and the improving Suns, we are fighting it out with a rapidly declining Utah and a lackluster Sonics and Blazers teams-- all of which are struggling to get above .500. Big difference. Oh yeah, and in case you hadn't noticed, we're freaking better than last year too, if only because of the defense that we play. You know, theres other parades for you guys to piss on, why do it after a big win? It just makes no sense.
Who's arguing that the Rockets are not going to make the playoffs. Certainly not me. I'm just keeping things in perspective.....saying that last night's win is an aberration not a sign of things to come. When 8 teams make the playoffs in a 14 or 15 team conference, making the playoffs doesn't necessarily make you a good team. My post was written to say hell no to those that would take last night's game and read from it that the Rockets have now reach contender status which is what I'm hearing from a lot of posters this morning.
We're no contender other than the fact that anything can happen in the playoffs. However, we are on target for acheiving what appeared to be the most realistic goal for this season: making the playoffs and making a run at 50 wins. I'd be happy with that and a first round exit.
NO kidding, me too. Can't some people be happy after a good win? I mean come on. We know you aren't happy with the rockets since they are not number 1...well get used to it. Stop you b****ing. Playoffs are all that matters this season, heck anything can happen in the playoffs. Like SamFisher said, I would be happy with a first round exit, as long as we end this drought.
Lest ye forget, we beat them twice. First time in Staples - where they've only lost a league leading 4 games this year. That was the best win all year, followed by the Twolf victory and then maybe this game. However, I think this was Yao's best game this year. As for having a point guard that can score and generates some assists well I agree with you there. Steve's 'great games' are just too rare an occurance. A more consistance point guard would be nice with a high jump shot shooting percentage.
some people might not ever be happy...but that doesn't make the psot untrue. The Rockets need a steady point guard that will make his teammates better not a sometimes fantastic, often erractic and always frusterating point guard
I have to disagree with you Random and agree with BIG RED. Last nights game might be the turning point. YAO is finally here! He is ready!
TRUE. MY END OF THE STORY IS THAT IT IS A GREAT WIN, WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE REST OF THE SEASON, WE’LL SEE. IF THEY USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD, AWESOME, IF NOT THEN THE WIN IS MEANINGLESS. THE DIE HARD PART OF ME WANTS TO BELIEVE THEY WILL PULL IT TOGETHER BUT THE REALIST IS A LITTLE WEARY.
Hopefully it had an affect on Steve & Cuttino on smart team basketball Wins... and selfish iso ball loses.
Hey Random! Don't let the other posers (I mean posters) sway you. My first reaction to last night's game was: good win; my second reaction was: we shot well over 50% and that ain't going to continue. Let's face it posters, besides the win last night, the only good thing that came away from the game is that YAO was much more agressive in establishing himself.
quit complaining and at least let yourself and others enjoy the wins while they are here. Some people will keep complaining even if we trade the whole damn team, they will just find faults in the new players.
People enjoy wins, and games for that matter, differently. Such is life. You just need to live with it and stop thinking of it as complaining. This thread was pointing out the fact that the win was great but the Rockets still have areas of improvement (e.g. consistency). The thread also pointed out that maybe the unusually high FG% disguised problem areas or areas of improvement. I for one would rather this team play consistent and show improvement than get on Sport Center every 4-5 games because of a big win. Let's all remember the objective this year is getting into the Playoffs (and ultimately an NBA Championship). One quality win (in the regualr season no less) does not a Champion make (or for that matter, a playoff team make). Let's get real once and for all...
This is going to sound stupid and naive.. but I have a funny feeling this team will make alot of noise in the playoffs. Im hoping once they get into the playoffs they will suprise everyone and win the championship. what do we lack? Talent? we have loads of it in almost every position Speed? quickest backcourt duo in the nba Veterans? hey we have those old guys too what we lack is discipline, leadership and decision making. I think those can be taught or acquired... SF3 is the type of player to flourish in the playoffs and I think his big games in the spotlight are a reflection of that. Yao has been steadily getting better.. People have been saying for quite sometime.. what happens when Yao? SF3 and Cat finally get out of their slump? We have one crazy tough ass team! Could we win the title? who knows? but im sure we will have some teams crapping in their pants while we try. J
couldnt agree more, all of out problems are 'mental' problems and have nothing to do with skill or talent.
I think the problems are more about intensity than stupidity. On those nights where Steve and Cat are doing stupid things and Yao is pu$$ying up the court, it's not that they don't know HOW to play better. They just haven't learned to bring their A-game every night. Once the playoffs roll around, that shouldn't be a problem. Although with this team, you never know.
