Without question, the reason the Rockets lost, was, once again, defense. Only a game after Rudy T. crazily throws out the idea of KT getting some props for the all-defensive team, we manage to make Marcus Fizer look like the player Chicago thought he was going to be. Jalen Rose was unstoppable, but that has been the case against the Rockets far too many times this season (Iverson, Carter, etc). How did our defense perform without Francis in the game? Better, worse? Offensively, that question is easier to answer. I remember participating in a number of threads where people criticized Steve for never running the break, holding the ball too much causing everyone else to stand around. I just saw last night more of what I've seen in all the games where Steve wasn't there. It isn't Francis who stagnates the offense. And Mobley and Moochie both put up solid stat lines, as did KT and even Cato. But the offense just didn't flow as you would like. At least at the game (and I know TV sometimes gives a better perspective), I saw fewer fast breaks last night and more standing around, and by the overtimes it was just pathetic to watch. It is hard to imagine how they consistently manage to run into shot clock violations following time outs. It just doesnt seem to be as easy as judging this teams offensive performance on how many assists they (or Francis) get versus their turnovers. Last night's 28 assists (with 17 by Moochie alone) and only 10 turnover performance produced neither enjoyable offense, in my mind, or a win, versus the worst team in the game. just my thoughts.
