From Houston's nba.com website QUOTES KEVIN MCHALE Turnovers, 22. Offensive rebounds, 18 for them. Loose balls, 50-50 balls, we didn’t come up with anything. They got every 50-50 ball and every time there was a chance to make a toughness play we didn’t make it. (on Brewer) He just got out and ran. He outhustled us up and down the floor. He got loose ball, fought hard, got things going to the basket, got to the line. He had 51 points and it’s been four or five games where we have not competed hard enough. I don’t know what to do. We tried different lineups, we tried different stuff, but guys have got to go out there and compete harder. We missed 50-50 balls and I don’t know how many shots we missed at the rim again tonight.
It's a team that lacks confidence because its anchor in the center and the person that spearheads their defense is gone. The Rockets beat you with their terrific inside-out play. Well, they don't have the inside threat to open up their outside shooters, and it's way too easy to get penetration on their defense without Beverly. They'll bring them both back for the playoffs, but this is a team with some doubt in the back of their minds.
I wouldn't exactly call our play "surging", but we're playing better than they are, that's for certain.
It's really too bad that Davis is shut down for the year, as I think with him, the Pelicans could beat this beat-up version of the Rockets.
True, and I agree with you on us not exactly surging, but we've definitely turned the corner after that disastrous March. 7-1 in our last 8 after LA returned. This game tonight won't be a gimme for HOU. It's their 8th game in 12 nights, and 4th in 5. And guys like Harden are playing HEAVY minutes (46+ last night). Granted he only plays one end of the floor, but he still has to be feeling the effects.
They NOP sure didn't show up last night...i'm hoping that its just a mental thing..."Oooh its OKC we dont stand a chance." At least with playing Houston 2x here and them limping into the playoffs, maybe NOP gets up for at least one of these games. Tonight would be the best chance i think.
NOP didn't show up because NOP is decimated by injuries. Anthony Davis - out Jrue Holiday - out Eric Gordon - out And then Tyreke Evans went down with a knee injury during the game.
Never underestimate playoff competition, it's a jinx. End of the regular season a lot of teams are gassed and resting players. I think we take Houston but it's by no means a walk over
realistically... if howard is healthy - the rockets are a team that can come out of the western conference. don't think we're there yet. hopefully he plays like he did for the lakers with a bum back
