Warriors @ Rockets (Tonight) Who: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets Where: Toyota Center When: January 5, 2004 Time: 7:30 CST Coaches vs. Eric Musselman/Jeff Van Gundy Probable Starters vs. Mike Dunleavy/Jim Jackson vs. Cliff Robinson/Kelvin Cato vs. Erick Dampier/Yao Ming vs. Nick Van Exel/Steve Francis vs. Jason Richardson/Cuttino Mobley Rockets Key's To Victory by Dexter 1. Yao Ming - When he get's involved we win games. He needs to shoot 15+ shots tonight. Utah has a weak front so the Rockets should capitalize on it. 2. Stop Nick Van Exel - This guy can explode at any moment especially in the 4th quarter of a game. Steve's primary goal tonight needs to be to try and contain Nick as much as possible. Everyone has seen what he can do when he gets in a "zone". Lets hope he doesn't get in a "zone" tonight. 3. Limit the turnovers - The Rockets did a good job against the Jazz of commiting only 15 turnovers. Lets try and improve on that number tonight. 4. Make open jump shots - This is crucial for every team but especially us. When we make jump shots we can play with anyone, however when we don't shoot the rock well we can get beat by anyone. Lets hope they can shoot the ball well tonight. My magic shooting percentage number for this game is 42%. 5. Rebound the basketball - Erick Dampier is a man-child down low. He will get down and dirty tonight with Yao Ming. The Rockets must make sure they box out tonight or GS will just keep getting offensive rebound after offensive rebound. Warriors Key's to Victory Dampier needs to bring his "A" game tonight. He has stepped up his game against the best centers in the league and has showed that he can play with the elite. He will need to push Yao out of the paint and not give him any easy baskets. Its no secret that Yao is the key to the Rockets success. If Dampier wins that match-up, the W's will be in good shape. The Warriors also need to hit the boards. They are one of the best rebounding teams in the league but have failed to rebound in their 5 game losing streak. <font color="Blue">Rudeezy's</font> Prediction The Warriors played the Rockets tough last time in Houston and that game could have gone either way. But of coarse, that was a different Warriors team than the one we have seen of late. Until the Warriors get more consistent on the road, I have to go with the home team. Rockets by 8
I have to say the Rockets take this one by 6. They've just been playong well lately and should take this one after a run in the third. IMO
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TimFlem:</div><div class="quote_post">I have to say the Rockets take this one by 6. They've just been playong well lately and should take this one after a run in the third. IMO</div>Yes, the Warriors have been horid in the 3rd quarter as of late. If they can hang with the Rockets until the fourth quarter, they will be in great shape. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kensaku:</div><div class="quote_post">All I got to say is: GO WARRIORS!!!</div>Thats pretty much all us Warriors fans can say about now.
I have to give the Rockets the edge here. GS just doesn't do well on the road. Yao had a big game the last time we played each other. I expect the same thing tonight. Look for Cliff Robinson to have a huge game tonight as well. Rockets 91 Warriors 84
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting The Prophecy:</div><div class="quote_post">I predict an upset. Warriors by 4.</div>Boy do I hope you are right. The W's need a W bad. But I agree with Dexter, the Rockets should win this one at home.
How come the Warriors play a lot of games on the road? I don't like the schedule the NBA made for them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting cArMeLo15:</div><div class="quote_post">How come the Warriors play a lot of games on the road? I don't like the schedule the NBA made for them.</div> Each team in the NBA plays 41 home games and 41 away games. So there shedule is well balanced. You probably asking why have they've been playing some many road games this early. If that's what you want to know I can't help you on that one.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting cArMeLo15:</div><div class="quote_post">How come the Warriors play a lot of games on the road? I don't like the schedule the NBA made for them.</div>They are currently on a 5 game road trip. The Warriors really got screwed last month...16 games in 30 days.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting The Prophecy:</div><div class="quote_post">I predict an upset. Warriors by 4.</div> Beat me to it, I will also predict an upset, I pick Warriors by 4 as well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TimFlem:</div><div class="quote_post">Each team in the NBA plays 41 home games and 41 away games. So there shedule is well balanced. </div>LOL...they played a lot of road games in December and into January, I'm pretty sure that he was just wondering why the Warriors have such a horrible schedule right now.
Warriors 4 Rockets 2 7:30 left in the 1st. Yes, very ugly game thus far with both Dampier and Yao on the bench with 2 fouls.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">LOL...they played a lot of road games in December and into January, I'm pretty sure that he was just wondering why the Warriors have such a horrible schedule right now.</div> Yeah that's was what i first thought. i just posted that to break down the way the schedules work for the NBA teams
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TimFlem:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah that's was what i first thought. i just posted that to break down the way the schedules work for the NBA teams</div>Ok...gotcha.:thumbsup:
First Quarter Rockets 16 Warriors 14 Both teams started of cold and turned the ball over left and right. The Rockets got it going first and then the Warriors picked it up. The quarter ended with Murphy making an easy lay up on NVE's assist. Yao and Dampier have not been a factor, they've been on the bench due to foul trouble. ====================================== Halftime Rockets 42 Warriors 32 Overall ugly first half. Taylor has been the difference in this one so far scoring 12 points for the Rockets. The Warriors can't buy a bucket, Brian Cardinal is the only reason why we are still somewhat in this game, sad. Interesting stat: NVE and Francis are both scoreless. ======================================== 3rd Quarter Rockets 66 Warriors 53 The Rockets are in control and the Warriors can simply not hit a shot. An ugly performance by the Warriors offense. ======================================== Final Rockets 83 Warriors 65(season low) The Warriors extend their losing streak to 6 games in embarrassing fashion. Nobody could hit a shot, ugly game to watch if you're a Warriors fan.
No offense to Warrior fans, but they got murdered. The highlights on ESPN were all francis, amazing. Francis scored 2 points. I just see this as an off night for the Warriors...oh well, some points for me in the Predictions forum...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">and at least one healthy point guard. Or maybe just play Brian Cardinal more at SF and PF. </div>I agree with this, he really elevates this team and is probably their best shooter. He gets to the line and he is almost a 90% FT shooter. He sparked that 15-0 against the Pistons; he had 15 points in 20 minutes.
