http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Rockets_lo...-205166-34.html<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>DALLAS -- The Rockets have managed to become one of the NBA's hottest teams over the past three weeks without Yao Ming.Now, they'll find out just how hot they really are.The Rockets will get their latest opportunity to prove they belong among the Western Conference's elite teams when they visit the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night at American Airlines Center.The defending Western Conference champions have won 17 of their last 18 games and have been dominating the NBA for the past two months. Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 32.5 points in his last four games and Josh Howard has been building his case for All-Star consideration. Unsurprisingly, the Mavs (31-8) own the NBA's best record.The Rockets, meanwhile, aren't exactly searching for answers without their star center heading into the matchup. Since Yao fractured his right tibia, Houston has reeled off nine wins in their past 11 games and have matched the Los Angeles Lakers for the fourth best record in the West.The big question now is how will the Rockets stack up against arguably the league's best team."We've been playing good basketball without Yao, but the Mavs will be a challenge for us," Rockets forward Shane Battier said. "We know what's coming, but stopping it is another thing."Battier and Co. didn't have much trouble stopping the Mavs back in November in the only meeting between the two teams this season.The Rockets cruised to a 107-76 victory over Dallas in their home opener after beginning the game on a 12-0 run. Houston was never actually threatened after that initial spurt as Yao overpowered Erick Dampier and DeSagana Diop in the paint. Houston's big man finished with 36 points in the blowout.Things, however, have significantly changed since that meeting for Houston.Yao is out and the Mavs are out of the early-season funk that caused them to open the season with an 0-4 start."They're playing a lot better right now," Battier said. "It was still early in the season and they were figuring out who they were with some of their new additions. They've figured it out now."The Rockets have found their own answers without Yao.Tracy McGrady has been igniting the offense in Yao's absence, averaging 28 points and 6.3 assists over the past 10 games. And he's getting plenty of help.Dikembe Mutombo and Juwan Howard have provided a veteran boost, Luther Head has continued his clutch shooting and Battier is doing everything from drawing a key charge to knocking down open shots when the offense is struggling.The Rockets are playing as well as they have all season."We've had pretty good mental strength since Yao went down," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "We've had good, unselfish play, max-offensive energy and low turnovers. That's what has really helped us."Will it all help them against the Mavs? The Rockets are about to find out."They started off 0-4 and now they're 31-4 over their last 35 games," Van Gundy said. "They're well-balanced, they're a good free throw shooting team and they're probably one of the premeire rebounding teams with Utah and Cleveland. They're just a good team</div>."Records: Houston (25-13), Dallas (31-8) Day/Time: Tuesday, 7:30 PM CST<u>Projected Starting Lineups</u><span style="color:#FF0000"><u>Houston Rockets</u></span>PG: <span style="color:#FF0000">Rafer Alston</span>SG: <span style="color:#FF0000">Tracy McGrady</span>SF: <span style="color:#FF0000">Shane Battier</span>PF: <span style="color:#FF0000">Juwan Howard</span>C: <span style="color:#FF0000">Dikembe Mutombo</span><u>Injury Update</u>Yao Ming (fractured tibia), Bonzi Wells (sore back), Kirk Snyder (broken hand) and Bob Sura (knee/back) are out for the Rockets.<span style="color:#4169E1"><u>Dallas Mavericks</u></span>PG: <span style="color:#4169E1">Jason Terry</span>SG: <span style="color:#4169E1">Devin Harris</span>SF: <span style="color:#4169E1">Josh Howard</span>PF: <span style="color:#4169E1">Dirk Nowitzki</span>C: <span style="color:#4169E1">Erick Dampier</span><u>Injury Update</u>No injuries for the Mavs.
This game will be the toughest game for Houston so far. This will show whether they are a legitimate power, and whether if they are able to go all the way to the finals. Also thsi may further proof my point that Houston is a better team without Yao. Since I truly believe that the teams plays with more passion and with more athleticism when Yao is not in the line-up
Imagine that if T-mac drops 81 or even above 70 against the mavs tonigh.. defense will have some explainin to do.
TMac with 29 at the Half. 53-47 Rockets. TMac's on fire. Too bad I can't watch this game, The computer with Sopcast(The one I usually go on) internet is slow as hell.
Heh, I have been bit*hing the past few weeks that the only 2 games I saw in T-Mac's recent run were his 2 worst (vs Nets and Nuggets). I get computer back today, get sopcast, turn this game on, and he is shooting the LIGHTS OUT!!!!! He is the hottest I have EVER seen him, including his Magic days!They'll need a big second half from him to put away this Mavs team, though.
T-Mac is cooling off a bit. Threw up an airball and just bricked another 3. He needs to keep attacking the rim and posting up Harris from 15ft and in.
Houston will be scary once they get back Yao Ming. Devean George destroyed Mutombo on the offensive end along with Mutombo not being able to score on Dirk on the other end.
Yeah T-Mac had a great one on one game but failed to get other players involved. Not much talent on offense without Yao.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mavsfan1000 @ Jan 16 2007, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah T-Mac had a great one on one game but failed to get other players involved. Not much talent on offense without Yao.</div>You know T-Mac had 7 assists, right?Great game by T-Mac, although he settled way too much in the last quarter and a half. What got him so hot was his midrange game and driving to the basket, but in 2nd half everything was 18ft and out. As I said earlier, he was hotter than I have EVER seen him in the 1st quarter.
That was an entertaining game nonetheless. Rocket announcers were one sided I felt on league pass though. Although, I agree Devean George was the player of the game for the Mavericks.I think one of the key reasons the Rockets loss that I don't believe was mentioned is offensive rebounding. Mavs killed them on the boards and got many 2nd chances. Two guys who would have helped that didn't play are Bonzi and Yao. Rockets are a scary team if they can get healthy. Good luck to Rockets tommorrow, pulling for a win against Suns.I wasn't going to mention it but regarding mavsfan comment about not bringing players in, he was working that pick and roll nicely with Juwan Howard hitting the elbow jumper. So I don't see how Tracy was not trying to involve his teammates.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rok @ Jan 17 2007, 04:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>That was an entertaining game nonetheless. Rocket announcers were one sided I felt on league pass though. Although, I agree Devean George was the player of the game for the Mavericks.I think one of the key reasons the Rockets loss that I don't believe was mentioned is offensive rebounding. Mavs killed them on the boards and got many 2nd chances. Two guys who would have helped that didn't play are Bonzi and Yao. Rockets are a scary team if they can get healthy. Good luck to Rockets tommorrow, pulling for a win against Suns.</div>The suns will never lose again. lol
