I am just glad to note that we are in the dance and a season long dance at that. Last year we did not dance for too long and it is clear to me that this year is different if only because of the coaching change. For those who forget we made the World Champs score the lowest points they have ever scored in any game. When that happens I take notice instead of saying it is preseason. Then when we put a whopping on the Kings twice, I take notice. How many playoff team could have beaten us in the last two weeks? NJ? Spurs? Dall? Kings? The last 3 are happy they did not play us in the last two weeks. I get the sense people are treating us like the Denver Nuggets, a young team that has to go through all kinds of growing pains as they find themselves. Our team is a young veteran team with a focus and intensity that no one have seen around here. When you add the talent to that I am sure Ray Charles can see why we are going to be a top team.
It's my opinion, but under Jeff Van Gundy the Rockets are working harder on the defensive end than I have seen them in years. Cuttino and Steve are much more focused on fighting picks and giving up space on the perimeter. And Yao is much more aggressive on shot blocks. Last year he was half way doing it, kind of unsure. They are becoming a better defensive team. And they weren't bad at all last year. I could see them being nasty come playoff time. Look out West!
