This probably didn't get much discussion at the time because it was the end of the season, I don't remember, but there were a couple of interesting things happening in the last 3 games. First, the Rockets won all 3, winning at Portland, at Vancouver, and of course at home against Minnesota. Next, Shandon Anderson was very productive offensively in the last 3 games, averaging 18 points on 50% shooting. The last thing is that Rudy had Larry Smith calling all the plays. During these games, Mobley's scoring output was down, but his efficiency was up -- 15.7 ppg, 50% shooting. During these games, we had 6 players score in double figures twice, and 5 guys in double figures the other time. Once again, we won all 3 of these games. Admittedly, I don't know the stats, but it seems like more people were involved in the offense the last 3 games of the season, and it seems the only major aspect that was different about the last 3 games was Larry Smith calling the plays. Everyone, what (if anything) does this say about our team? What does this say about running the iso offense? Was it just meaningless because it was the end of the year, and everyone was goofing off? What do you think? ------------------ "I guess that's YOUR theory"
This is an interesting theory, Freak. I think this might have been a little bit of experimenting on the Rockets part, and possibly just having a little fun in their last 3 games. However, even though these games were completely meaningless to us, they were very important games for the opposing teams. The Portland game was very important for them, that loss was a big factor in Portland having to play the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. The Vancouver game was the last ever game the Grizzlies would play in Vancouver, so the team really wanted to win for the fans. The final game wasn't that important for Minnesota, and Garnett was rested most of the game to prepare for the game that would follow the next night, and the series with San Antonio. Nevertheless, it was still a very impressive performance by the Rockets against the Wolves. Another thought is that the Rockets could have been practicing new plays they could try against zone-defenses for the next season...?
It is an interesting question, Freak. Truthfully though, I can't convince myself that it meant anything, under the circumstances. At that point, the Rockets were definitely out of the playoffs, and were playing a little more carefree. Larry's play calling certainly could have been the reason for the increased efficiency and spread of scoring, but it would be impossible to know without a bigger sample size. ------------------ Rockets need power forward. Mo near now. Go near Mo. You can Run from the bet, you can Rave at the bet...but you just can't hide.
Minn and Portland were concerned with going to the playoffs, and werent going to go full strength and 2nd of all vancouver sucks. ------------------ I do not believe in god. And it is nice to know that I am going to hell with Hitler, and McVeigh. Although I do not know why.
That game was HUGE for Portland! It bumped them down from the 6th to the 7th seed. Had they won they would've played Sacramento in the first round instead of the Lakers.
Good question Freak. First off, I've always thought that Smith was the brains of the operation. IMO, he's the one responsible for some of the more advanced motion plays ie: Shandon catching the ball up top for the easy layup coming off a double pick. Then again, the playoffs were an impossibility at that point, and players were just free stroking, like you mentioned, similar to the end of the 99-00 season. I don't think this says anything about the ISO/2 man game that the Rockets usually use, because the fact is, the Rockets have the personnel to run that kind of offense effectively. Other teams can't run it, which is why you don't see it used more often. Mike Dunleavy was even quoted as saying "Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis are 2 of the top 5 one on one players in the league." Add in Moochie, another good creator, and you can see why Rudy ran the offense he did. The shots Shandon was hitting ,during those games, were shots he was normally missing during the rest of the regular season ie: 3's from the corner, and he was FINALLY attacking the rim when he got the ball on the perimeter. If Shandon was a better dribbler, he wouldn't have had the offensive problems he did. ------------------ You are all bàilisdeires and ainmhides who are allowed to witness my dailgneachd. [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited July 15, 2001).]
Freak, interesting observations. Also noticed Mobley's assists were way up over those games. Not sure if coaching had impact...but it does make one think!!
Somebody was informed that they were playing for a contract.... ------------------ __ Ñ _ _ _ /_ ______ _ \ ÝÝÝÝl____| * |___ lÝÝÝÝ ¡,.-ñý¯Çi ¡,.-ñ~ñ~ñ-.,¡ `¯ýñ-.,
