I think this success has been a great success. Nearly 10 games over .500, I would have never anticipated it. There have been issues of course. Namely poor play at the 4 and a revolving door at that position. But it seems we have a lot of young talent and a lot of opportunity this summer to correct it. I think McHale has struggled a bit to use Lin to his best as indicated by his incredibly low usage rate for a starting pg, but I see a 3 steps forward 2 steps back approach with Lin and that's still a positive direction. I mean, if Lin can put up 7-10 assists on a regular basis and shoot 45%, then that is a very solid position for the future. I also think Harden minutes were a little high which can result in injuries and wearing him down, but I think he's young, light, and not a high flyer so it's not too terrible. But other than that - and these are relatively minor, I am very impressed and pleased with a season I initially thought we should be tanking. When the season started, I thought we had over-paid for a center, an overpaid pg, and picked up a very good shooting guard who wasn't a leader or a premier player, and starting a mediocre 3 & 4. I figured we'd win at best 30 games. So yes, it's a success. But I think we need to win a few. Because what I learned is that we misjudged the level of talent clearly. Or at least I did. And so while it's great to win 45 games, I think we need to avoid getting swept. It's important for a young team to win that one playoff game. It's interesting to see that over half the board feels that anything less than 2 wins is a failed season.
I've never been a big fan of the "ring or bust" mentality. Especially not with this team. If you're the Spurs, or Yankees or Patriots, sure you should expect playoffs every year and anything other than a championship could be a disappointment. Considering our recent past there hasn't been much to brag about. I was stoked when we signed Harden. Halfway through the season I started to believe we were legit playoff contenders. And during a few games when everything was clicking I started to think about what the next few years could bring. A very, very bright future. I wouldn't want to have to play us in the first round. House money, nothing to lose
would be nice to cap the season/playoffs knowing that they took it to whoever they faced last, none of that deer in the headlights look. for such a youthful and overachieving team, of course they will be filled with awe and wonder at how different the playoffs are, but I hope they can drive that into positive energy and be competitive in each and every playoff game as a building block for next season. have seen too many first time or lower seed playoff teams just lay down in the first round. whichever round they finish, finish strong.
Voted making the playoffs. Getting swept would be worse than making the playoffs. I'd be surprised if we don't get 2, nothing like home cooking.
Contrary to most people's opinions, I would not be happy with 1 or 2 wins. If so, thecrestbof the games must at least be competitive. I'd say id be happy at least going down swinging with 3 wins. Tough to please, I know. And I'd kill for a first round upset and I don't think it's outside of the realm of possibilities. Mark my words!!!
This season is already a huge success. Even getting swept in the playoffs wouldn't change that. If we make it to the playoffs, we'd just be playing with the house's money anyway. Every win would be like flopping the nuts.
Not one, not two...not three. Okay, maybe just two playoff victories and that'd be good for me. Anything better is just icing on a very fun season to watch. A lot of new guys that are easy to root for.
Success in order: Make the playoffs Make the playoffs comfortably as the 6th or 7th seed Win all of the home games in the opening series Win the opening series Win the Western Conference Finals Win the Finals Sweep the Heat
Getting to the playoffs is success. Scaring the bejeezus out of the #2 or #3 seed is a major success. So like getting two wins and making it a battle or maybe even getting a game 7 in the first round. Not expecting to get out of the first round...maybe against a hurt denver...maybe.
if rockets get to the second round by beating LA, OKC, or SAS, then consider the team legit contenders in 2014.
Man, the only problem is LBJ. People are comparing him to Jordan; Barkley already said he is a bigger, stronger, faster Jordan, and we all know Jordan didnt just stop players from getting rings, but he stopped entire franchises. So long as LBJ is LBJ, I can't ever see Rockets, or anyone else, beating the heat.
3 games minimum, especially if we are offering McHale and co another contract. Anything less and I would want a coaching change.
The season is already a success by getting to the playoffs. However, depending on match-up I feel we should at least win 1 or 2 at home. Winning a series I would only expect against the Nuggets. If it's the Grizzlies - win 1/2, against Spurs - winning 2/3 and against Thunder - winning 1/2. Getting swept would make the post-season, not the whole season, very disappointing.
Making the playoffs in a season that might've been a tank season is already huge success. Most teams have to watch losing basketball for 5 and more years to get to that point.
For this team they've gotta win at least a game. You don't want the Pau Gasol Memphis team monkey on your back. We have a chance (albeit small) to beat the Spurs though without Gino. If we can do that and get the Nuggets in the 2nd round, it would be awfully interesting to see this team sneak into the WCF, then it is really just hope Thunder fall apart or don't make it to that stage. I think that is by far the Rocket's worst matchup.
Success for the post season will be achieved if the GARM stops the infighting and just supports the team in the playoffs. If all the LOHs and LOFs stop jabbing each other with sticks in the game threads. If all the "true Rockets fans" get off their high horse. And if all those who want to improve recognition of racial discrimination become social activists and leave CF alone. If for just as long as this surprising playoff run continues we can talk basketball. Oh, and Rockets win 3 games.
