I think the biggest difference in the game last night was when the Blazers were pushing the ball even after made shots. You could tell Yao was getting completely gassed and we caught the Rockets in mismatches when we pushed the ball. As soon as we started grinding it out, the Rockets made their move and the game became tight again. I'm hoping McMillan keeps the Blazers pushing the tempo for game 6. We have a really good opportunity to burn Yao out and take over the game with only a day in between games.
With Rudy in the game, he's always forcing tempo so it's going to be up to Houston to make their adjustment to now to our new rotation without Nicolas.
The tempo definitely moves more with Rudy in the game. He does little things like throw the outlet pass ahead of the point guard, so it catches him mid-stride. He throws that pass where the point guard should be. Batum and Outlaw throw it where the point guard is. That little thing can be the difference between Yao sprinting and trotting down the court.
You guys make a great point about Rudy initiating a lot of the breaks. He does thrive on the uptempo style where he can freelance and get open looks. I think we need to make it as chaotic as possible to get easier buckets. I did notice Nate telling the guys to push the ball all the time. It was nice to see Nate get out of his comfort zone for the good of the team. We cannot survive a grind-it-out game down in Houston.
I'm surprised Batum doesn't do that, because that's a "soccer" (i.e. real football) thing - pass the ball into space so the man can run on to it. I do that in pickup games sometimes and it often surprises the recipient (and not just because I'm a crappy passer).
something i was always curious about was why we only ran at home. i know many commentators have mentioned how we run much better at home too. it doesn't make sense, if we can run at home, why not run on the road as well. nate should be hammering that in to our players, run until the other team passes out.
What's the deal with Sergio? He played for like, 1 minute at the start of the second half? He initiates running the most of course.
Read this thread: http://sportstwo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140828 I liked how he ran the offense in that short spurt, but man is the defense in that video appalling. We've got enough offensive weapons out there that we don't need to put up with that kind of liability in this series.
I have come to the realization that Blake will be a good back up PG. He can not push the ball, lead a fast break and rarely takes the ball to the hole. Sergio can take the ball to the hole, but I would rather he not as he is not a good finisher. He does a good job pushing the ball though. Our best PG at taking the ball to the hole is Bayless. I understand why Nate does not trust him but I think Nate may be able to catch lightning in a bottle with him in the next game. Houston has not really game planned for him. He is fearless going to the hole, which we need. He is generally regarded our as the better defender of our PG crew. I understand Blake has been shooting better, but I think that Bayless should be in with Roy and Rudy. Bayless should attack the basket and jump into Yao's body just like Houstons players do to Joel and Oden.
McMillan likes his motivational videos. Maybe he ought to go with: [video=youtube;B0MNfMUa9pc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0MNfMUa9pc&feature=player_embedded[/video] (song starts around 40 seconds in) Run children, run for your life!
The team is more tenative on the road. It's all psychological. Blake and Roy aren't comfortable running, but Blake does break out of his shell every once in awhile at home. Whenever we run, and play aggressive we win, when we sit back and play tenatively we lose.
Huh? I've seen him push the ball upcourt a million times. He's actually pretty fast when he's got the ball in his hands. Not super-fast, but no slouch, either. He put a great fake on Yao Ming last night and drove right by him for a layup. He did the same thing in the previous game, when he faked a timeout and then drove for a layup. Blake has made his share of mistakes, at key moments, but I think he's a little underrated overall. He's hit a ton of big shots for us, many of them 3-pointers. And last night he pulled down 7 rebounds, for Pete's sake! That's great for a 6'3 guard.
