Webber's Houston ties run deep Kings forward dismantles Rockets, then professes admiration for them By BRIAN McTAGGART Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle Sacramento's Chris Webber has family who live in Houston, is a big fan of the Rockets' backcourt of Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis, and gets along well with Rudy Tomjanovich, a fellow Michigan alum. Add it up, and the Rockets figure to be a major player when the Kings forward becomes a free agent at the end of this season. And after his performance in the Kings' 84-81 victory over the Rockets on Saturday night at Compaq Center, you can bet the locals would welcome Webber. Webber reached the 30-point plateau for the 10th time this season, scoring a game-high 31 points and recording his 24th double double with 14 rebounds. He scored 11 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of dunks in the closing seconds that brought the Kings from an 80-79 deficit to an 83-80 lead. Webber talked openly about his affection for the Rockets after the game. He mentions in nearly every city he visits how he would like to play there, but his love for Houston appeared genuine. "I definitely love the coach (because) Rudy Tomjanovich is a Michigan guy," he said. "I've known Steve since college and been able to watch him develop and work with him. I just have to be patient and wait until the end of the year and think about it. I know my family here in Houston hates to hear that, because I know they want me here. It's something I just want to take my time with." It didn't hurt Houston's chances to land Webber when Francis nearly registered a triple double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and Mobley added 13 points and 11 rebounds. "That's my favorite backcourt to watch, Cuttino and Steve," Webber said. "They really have an appreciation for each other. I love watching them play. Any time those guys are out there together, it's incredible. So you definitely have to be careful." The same is true when Webber touches the ball. Especially when the game is on the line. Sacramento, which scored 31 points in the first quarter and just 32 in the second half, led by as many as 15 before the Rockets rallied to take an 80-79 lead with 43.7 seconds left. On the Kings' next possession, guard Doug Christie drove the lane and drew the defense out. Christie then found Webber along the left baseline, and Webber rebounded his own miss for a follow dunk to put the Kings on top 81-80 with 30.9 seconds left. "The play wasn't designed that way," Webber said. "Doug just read the defense, and I just tried to cut and do something off of him. I'm just happy we got something done, especially on a broken play." Webber was fouled by Kenny Thomas on the play and missed the free throw. But Vlade Divac tipped the rebound to keep the possession alive, and Christie found Webber again, this time along the right baseline for another dunk to put the Kings up 83-80 with 16.1 seconds left. "The way I was shooting tonight, I'm surprised I didn't miss the dunk," Webber said. "I'm glad we were able to play off of each other so well. Doug and I are just learning each other's game, and we're becoming more comfortable every day." The Rockets had one final possession to possibly tie the game, but Webber stole the ball from Maurice Taylor near the 3-point line to secure the win. "I was just going for the ball and didn't want to foul him," Webber said. "I just tried to make the steal or make him drive and go past the 3-point line. If he does that, he can have the shot wide-open. He couldn't do that, and I got the steal." Webber made just eight of 27 shots from the field but found his way to the free-throw line 18 times, making 15 foul shots. "I struggled from the field, but I got some good shots and rebounded a lot, so I had a lot of chances to get shots in the paint and just couldn't hit them," Webber said. "But on a night like tonight, it didn't feel like I took a lot of shots because so many were in the paint and so many went in and out. That's how it goes. I'm just glad I was able to convert from the free-throw line." ******************************** Nothing too special... but interesting. ------------------ We're going to stay together until something happens, if something happens. - Sidney Lowe on Shareef's career in Vancouver.
I saw a group of his relatives sittin courtside. One was a woman wearing a webber jersey and I'm guessing that was his Aunt or mother? I know for a fact his brother lives here though. ------------------
Even though I don't like him when he plays against us it sure would be nice to have him in a Rockets jersey. Plus he'd have better guards on his team in Franchise and The Cat. ------------------
Wow if we get Webber plus a great draft pick then we will be the team to beat in the West. ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
You forgot that I told Chris to come to Houston. ------------------ Ceo of the Walt Williams fan club. Web site coming soon atheistalliance.org
