Rockets are ranked third in the league in defense. This just confirms that rockets weren't just giving lip service in the preseason unlike another Texas team. Our offense will only get better with everyone playing together. If we keep this defensive intensity up, we're are going to do some damage in the playoffs. I am soooooo psyched about this season!!!!!! opponent FG% TEAM 1 Washington .346 2 San Antonio .369 3 Houston .379 4 Sacramento .388 5 Minnesota .388 6 Indiana .390 7 Milwaukee .399 8 Denver .399 9 Toronto .402 10 Detroit .408 11 Seattle .408 12 New Jersey .409 13 Phoenix .415 . 14 New York .420 15 Philadelphia .420 16 Atlanta .422 17 LA Lakers .423 18 Cleveland .424 19 Chicago .426 20 Orlando .432 21 New Orleans .436 22 Utah .443 23 LA Clippers .444 24 Golden State .451 25 Portland .481 26 Dallas .487 27 Miami .490 28 Memphis .508 29 Boston .523
There's no doubt that our defense is a *little* better. But you better give the Rockets a few more games (20) before you start using averages. One time my FT% was 1.000!!! I was 1 for 1. P.S. The stat that I like is our rebounding by Cato.
Its just that everyone has been concentrating on our offense so much. The biggest thing I've noticed this season is that we have almost eliminated the layup drills. I've seen all three games and I can probably count on my hands the number of uncontested layups we have given up. I think most of this is due to the defensive scheme that Rudy has implemented and the fact that Cato has come to play this season and is contesting almost everything. We are also top five in team blocks per game.
That's an interesting stat! Washington #1 & Rockets #3. If that keeps up, Kwami & Cato may be in the running for Most Improved Player!
i agree rockbox that too many people are looking for flaws in our offense. our team sucked at all levels last year, so we have a lot to scrutinize. 1. offense 2. defense 3. transition 4. bench play 2 and 3 are noticeably improved. 4 is definitely improved with Yao. offense will be slower. if people haven't noticed, the entire league is playing some pretty good zones. last year wasn't the year of zone as we all thought. looks like this is the year it really kicks in, and zones start smothering a lot of attempts to successfully change offenses. When you see the Rockets suck. It won't always be because they aren't trying to execute a 5-man game, it will also be because the defense is disrupting it.
Yeah, Cato used to get fouls called on him in the past when he would contest shots. He's blocking shots better than ever. It's amazing what a little "your job is at stake" motivation will do for a center!
From the game yesterday, I was particularly impressed with the defense. It started to lag a bit in the second half, and it's not like Toronto is a team that can really stretch the D, but the team was really doing a good job of attacking the ball, and playing great overall team defense. Rebounding has also been pretty good, but it's still to early to really get excited. However, thus far, I like what is going on defensively.
I don't know if I buy the "our defense is improved" statement. I remember this exact same thing happening last season. We started out 5-2 and were one of the best teams, defensively. Then everything fell apart. I will believe it when the team has sustained some defensive intensity for more than 10 games.
We'll I don't want to spoil the party for anyone...so I didn't want to say anything. But, there are two type of defense... Team/system defense (assignments)... and...individual defense (on the ball). It seems as though we are playing better team defense over-all. We aren't missing assignments and we are clogging the lane. We are also boxing out. But, one-on-one, our defense is not any better. For example. When, someone has the ball and they shoot, the Rockets really don't get up and challenge the shot (hand in face!). They kinda do, but it's half-hearted. So, the on-ball, one-on-one defense has to be better. A lot better. But, guess what? There is one player that plays excellent on-the-ball defense! Guess?
Few factors have to be considered. The addition of Hawkin, Cato shedding pounds, Eddie's determination becoming blocks leader, Yao's height...
fellas lets not go overboard here with hype. its only been 3-4 days into the start of the season. Lets wait another 2-3 months and hope that we remain 3rd best.
Its just an observation stop telling him to hold on for more games. Geez people cant even make positive observations around here without being told to stop. "Just wait maybe they will get worse."
Yeah, Hawkings was the the guy I was talking about. He's a ball-hawk! The next time he plays, watch the way he moves his FEET, man-on-man! He has a wide stance, and stays on his toes, not his heels. Also, watch how he get's around picks. He's has soild fundamentals on defense.
Gosh, if we're #3 now imagine how good we will be defensively when MoT and Glen Rice return. But seriously - the Sonics have the leagues 7th best FG% and are #1 from the arc. That will tell me something if the Rox can hold them to under their ~45% shooting average
DavidS, the team is improved in both areas. Endless shots are being challenged. Regarding waiting some more time, that is for those who are blind. It was there for everybody to see in the preseason, and we know the underlying reason for the improvement is the change (Hawk, Ming) and growth(EG, Mobes, Wink, Cato, KT) in personnel. Barring key injuries, this is going to be the case. Why not? Because we did not do it last year, when we had a bunck of rookies?! The team is taller, quicker, deeper and more experienced. The improvement is no surprise.
Jeeezzee... If they were not playin good D, you would complain.. If they play good team D, you would still complain... They cant win for winning.. I don't give a crap what you pisser-posters say.. I see better defense out of a team that was near the bottom of the league last year..and the year before that...I am gonna be happy to see what we have been seeing so far this year.. and if you dont like it...please feel free to NOT READ MY POSTS. Cause I aint gonna change my outlook on my favorite team.
It is amazing what a few wins will do. Still want to see more "MOTION" Also want to see Yao run a high post with a cutting gard to the goal. "Rudy just don't do it everytime down the court" JLB
I totally agree, Although the defense has looked improved, it's too early to say that the Rockets will be one of the top defensive teams (i hope they will be). I think three games is too litttle to be looking at stats. As fans, we tend to overreact . When the Rockets lost the first game, alot of people were saying how bad they will be( one game?) Now that they are winning, people are saying how deep offensively and great defensively this team is. I guess fans will be fans.
