This is the reason why you dont always force players into position stereotypes. Steve Francis will likely never become a true PG in the mold of Kidd or Stockton, and I personally dont really care. Steve Francis has that special talent that very few have ie. the ability to nail huge shots and make big time plays. The elusive IT that certain teams and players have never been able to acquire. I would also make the argument that Mobley possesses many of these similar traits just probably not to the same extent. The Rockets are finding ways to work around their guards' deficiences and maximize their strengths with the new offense. The trend is slowly moving towards utilizing the frontcourt players passing abilities. It seems the staple play of the Rockets in the fourth quarter is the high pick and roll with Francis. They ran a ton of these tonight for Steve and also in the GSW game. The defense continuously tries to push Steve baseline to his left, but he is absolutely nailing the shots they give him from that area.
I guess I am blind then because Francis did not pass the ball any better this game than any of our previous games except for the pacers. I've watch every single game and a few twice. If Francis would have shot like he did the previous games, we would have never been behind in the first place. I'm not saying Francis can't improve his passing but it was not the difference in this game. Offensively, this game was so ugly that my wife fell asleep in the first half. She didn't start really watching until Francis got fouled and took over.
Someone needs to take down every single posters name in this thread and keep a running tab on the haters when Steve has his next bad game. I love all the support everyone is giving them.... Steve is the real deal and I'm looking forward to the next years with him leading the point, but I'm tired on the fans that ride jock when someone does something good and piss on them when they stink... Support these guys through thick and thin... then, I promise, we'll see greatness.
The running floater over the outstretched hand of Rasheed Wallace from Francis was a magnificent shot which I daresay reminded me of George Gervin. Only very special players can make shots like that.
what amazed me in the 4th is that portland knew he was going to shoot, sent people at him, collapsed when he penetrated and still could do nothing about it. it was unbelievable. he's so quick, and then so strong when he has to get in among the big boys and finish. and to just turn it on like that was incredible. and eddie. two blocks on a 7'3" man who is knocking you all over the place with his weight
The thing is, Francis is starting to realize when it's time to think shoot and when to think pass. He has been looking for the pass more and that is making him even more dangerous. As for complaining about spreading the ball, it was well worth it through the first couple games. Win or lose, the player and ball movement was not there. Slowly but surely though, the player and ball movement is coming, seems more like it was a chemistry problem. Besides the offense progressing and some inspired defense, the story is Francis being a legitament MVP player, he is really carrying the team, not just with stats, but with leadership also. You got to love the potential for this team and the "Franchise"
MM: Great post as always. I saw something in the 4th tonight that impressed me. They ran Mobley off a back pick for a wide open jump shot a la Reggie Miller. I would LOVE to see Mobley taking more shots like that in the flow of the offense. That is money for him so often, he could be tremendous as that type of player.
The biggest differnce, IMO is not his passing ability in the last few games, its always been there. It's his improvement on knowing when to shoot, pass, and take over as a leader is what changed. On games where he had lots of turnovers, there are many times when he would bypass open teamates and try to score himself and a turnover would result because he tries too hard...He just seems alot more patient and more efficient, and playing alot smarter now.
To quote a stupid Paula Abdul comment from American Idol this summer: "I have two words to say. Phe. Nomenal." He has become such an amazing talent. He kept his teammates involved in the 1st 3 quarters and then took over like the amazing talent he is when it counted. I am very excited by this Rockets team.
Steve has truly matured into one of the premiere players in the league. As for the number of shots he takes -- great players take lots of shots. Look at McGrady, Webber, Kobe, AI, Paul Pierce, etc. IMO, Steve is quickly establishing himself in that group, and has been one of the top 3 PGs in the league so far this season. He still isn't a defensive stud, but he's improved, and his offense is just incredible. Steve is hitting those outside shots, and driving to the basket very well. Tonight he really seemed to play well in the flow of the game, getting the ball to the right players, taking smart shots, and doing what needed to be done. On Saturday we marked the end of an era in Houston, and this season, it's plain to see that a new era has taken shape.
Steve's defensive skills will dramatically improve when he learns that he has shot blockers behind him and he doesn't have to reach. Play defense with your feet, Stevie, and if they beat you, let EG or Yao block the damn thing!
Steve played a great game tonight. He was willing to give up the ball a little earlier than the previous games, and had shown the ability to take over in crunch time. Cat needs to learn how to play a supporting role to Seve like Pipen to Jordan. If he can play more like Eric Snow type of game, the Rox will be a lot of better of. But I know it is too much to ask.
What a great game. The thing that impressed me most (besides Steve) was our DEFENSE. Especially in the fourth quarter when everyone was scrapping and helping each other out from the weak side. Even Rice got into the act defensively. Awesome!
I would assume you and your wife (or husband) probably never argued? Its through 'thick and thin' right?
Steve was unbelievable tonight! He wasn't playing too well for a little while, just content to take some shots here and there, while running the offense. Then after the hard foul and the Rockets needing to make a run, he absolutely took over. Someone mentioned in another post that he should do like Isaiah and run the team then take over when needed. I think he did that tonight and showed his growth as a player.
I was stunned that Francis could play at all after the fall he took. That he elevated his game after it happened... wow. MManal is right. Steve's special. Just stop and pop more, Steve. Listen to Murph. We want you around for a long time. Wish someone had thought to give Wallace a little elbow before the game ended. He should have caught a good one during the flow of the game from SOMEBODY.
Steve is an amazing player. He is sooo athletic it's sickening! I only wish he made better decisions. For example, as great as his last bucket was over Davis at the end of the game, it was too wild for my tastes. To me, it seemed like a prayer and should have been dished to the open man. But what do I know; I'm only an average YMCA player at best.
