Toughness was most definitely one of the key reasons the Rockets won that year, and nobody embodied that toughness more than Elie. He wasn't the only one, though. Carl Herrera, Otis Thorpe, Vernon Maxwell...all were guys who knew how to turn up the toughness and physicality when it was needed. And the Knicks series was as physical as I've ever seen a Finals get. But as hard as the Knicks pushed the Rockets, the Rockets pushed right back. I remember everyone talking about "uglyball", and it's still one of the lowest-scoring Finals series in NBA history, if memory serves. But man, what a gutsy performance by the men in red and yellow.
Anyone who clicks on that second option should get an automatic ban. Every single player on that roster played just as much of a role to the championships as Dream did. That team had more heart than most of the teams that have won in the past decade or so. Mario Elie was definitely one of the reasons why. Heck he was also crucial to the Spurs first Championship in 99. He was administered into the starting line up to bring toughness to them. Looking back at that Roster and players like him makes it so hard to watch the new NBA sometimes. These guys played in a lot more physical game for a lot less money and did not B*tc* as much. They didn't make excuses or blame others. They took it upon themselves to Man up, show upand hit Clutch shots after Clutch shots. We would not have two trophies if Mario Elie was not on that roster. There would be no kiss of death and this site would not exist. Heck the Houston Rockets might not even exist and you youngsters would be watching D-league/ the Louisville Rockets or hoping for an expansion team. The city of Houston and its people owe a lot to that team and it's players especially Mario Elie. That team put a city and state on the map again and definitely brought hope after years of heart ache.
still remember being a little kid, pacing around, and jumping like a mad man when he made his clutch corner 3s.
Should have a sticked thread named "Rockets History" with all the important moments of the team. I have so many in mind... Just lost 2 hours rewatching the ClutchCity videos as well as the 2009 playoffs. Artesssst
Yes, we don't win #1 without OT doing work and giving great effort battling the Knick thugs. What made Clutch City clutch was the possibility Rudy T had of putting 5 players on the court who were not afraid of the big shot. Most teams are lucky to have 1 or 2 and it is rare to have 3. During the run, the Rockets had Dream, Kenny, Mario, Horry, Cassell, Vernon, OT, Drexler, even Amigo and some of the lesser bench players.. All of whom made clutch plays at various times. That is toughness and is a credit to the leaders of the team: Dream and Rudy T who created the environment.
Gotta love Mario Ellie. Embraced the bench role & when we put him to start, doubled his number. One of my all time favorite Rockets, he was born to play on those championship teams.
