Seriously dude is playing like an All-Star. He got 21 pts tonight and 7 assists. His assist rate is phenomenal lately and he's actually finishing. When we go up against the Dallas Mavericks, I'll wager that he actually outplays Jason Kidd. Floaters falling check 3 ptrs falling check Assists check Penetrating and driving into the lane check
During the 17 winning streak, Rafer has contributed A LOT, and he is somehow under the radar (at least not as much as Carl and Scola). Rafer is great recently, and hope he continues that way.
He's just hitting shots. He's always been solid, for the most part, running the team and defending. The shots he's taking, which before fans would curse at him for taking, are now falling. Will they continue to fall at this rate? Of course not. He'll eventually come down to earth and convert at his usual 38-41% range from the field. Let's enjoy it while it lasts. You must not have followed the Rockets too closely last year. Being afraid that the coach would blame him for shooting was never an issue.
I dunno, maybe the coaches did something with him to enable him to play at such a high level. Maybe playing with a broom defender during practice made Rafer adust his shot. Maybe someone banged him good and he's feeling it. Maybe the offense opens up driving lanes or wide open shots for him. Who knows. Whatever it is..I hope he keeps it up.
I don't know man, he's been playing well all season but in the past 5 games or so he's taken it to a completely different level.
I think Adelman and his assistants may have had some kind of great effect upon Rafer. Where are the insiders - do RA and his coaches focus on correcting bad habits in individuals techniques?
He's taken on more of the offensive load without Yao. He's shooting more off the dribble rather than catch and shoot. Getting some more opportunities in transition. But the main thing is he's just hitting the shots. It's not like he went from being a scrub to an above average starting PG over night.
I agree with this sentiment; Everyone has been saying that sooner or later he will revert back to his below average play but if anything I think this system allows him to really flourish.
I notice that when Yao's not out there he appears more free to make the best decision as opposed to force feeding the ball down to Yao. Yao's absence has really freed up the offense and there is a lot more motion where there was once static. This doesn't explain the silly floaters going in though.
Rafers always been playing well. why do u think he's been our pointguard past couple of years? his shots are just falling. do i think it'll continue? well i'd hope its not just a streak, and this is actually how good he is. Rafers been the biggest suprise along with scola and landry this year. Good job Rafer.
I was so wrong about rafer, he brings that attitude, leadership, and confidence that I never thought possible. Its unbelievable what hes doing now. Was it the Rudy drills that got him the focus, that brought the confidence? its that plus alot of other things that are clicking at the right moment within the team itself. I'm almost scared to ask, how long will he go like this, or will he continue on....
i was one of the biggest rafer haters, but nobody has worked on his game and let it me known more than Rafer i know there are ppl with photoshopping skills here.....work your magic:
He's not just hitting long jumpers though, like durvasa is saying. He's slicing through the D and hitting his lay-ups and floaters. I think he continues to play at this level, or close to it, for awhile.
