2004 NBA Playoffs: **Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers** Series Thread

We have proven that we can play and beat best teams in the playoffs when it mattered. This will give us a huge emotional boost for next season and make us thirsty for the things we can do next season.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">If I'm not wrong, you were big on trading him before. :</div>

True, i wont even lie...i did want Francis gone mid-season because I thought he was too egotistical and stubborn to change his game in sake for the team...surprisingly enough, he proved me wrong and now I cant stop praising the guy for his willingness to be a leader and alter his game to help the team.

As for the game, its as heartbreaking a loss as they come...the Rockets played wit so much intensity and were very physical, going tit for tat with a more experienced and talented veteran team...This game is a great learning experience for our young team and I love how they played and never quit...however, i will get laughed and likely shot at for this, but I'm still pickin Rockets in 7- I heard Kobe will have to miss first half of game 5 due to his court hearing, so I think the Rockets will actually win that one...then they'll win game 6, due to LA being demoralized and frustrated that they couldnt close out the series in LA...then, anything can happen in game 7...I think JVG has a genius defensive game plan, I just hope the outside shooting is more consistent than what we've seen...

 

Jim Jackson will have to step up in game 5 and the other players will have to play with the same grit and determination they have been playing with all series. Most importantly, Yao Ming has to start getting involved and making his shots. If Yao gets 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and a few blocks, I think we'd be fine. Francis will need to have a good field night, and the outside shooting has to be consistent throughout the rest of the series to win the series.

 

One thing I'm noticing is that because Yao hasn't been able to consistently outplay Shaq in this series like he was in the regular season, the better offensive strategy for Houston would be to pick n roll with Shaq EVERY SINGLE TIME...he can't defend it to save his life. Francis/Yao, Mobley/Yao--doesn't matter, just use it and exploit it. As a Laker fan it's embarassing to watch every time, but apparently it's far more effective than having Yao create from the post. This may be the one opponent where that rings true. JVG's gotta be flexible here.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ANiMuS:</div><div class="quote_post">One thing I'm noticing is that because Yao hasn't been able to consistently outplay Shaq in this series like he was in the regular season, the better offensive strategy for Houston would be to pick n roll with Shaq EVERY SINGLE TIME...he can't defend it to save his life. Francis/Yao, Mobley/Yao--doesn't matter, just use it and exploit it. As a Laker fan it's embarassing to watch every time, but apparently it's far more effective than having Yao create from the post. This may be the one opponent where that rings true. JVG's gotta be flexible here.</div>
True, we can try to do that in the next game. Yao can and most likely will hit the outside shot, and Francis/Mobley can all drive to the basket off the pick.

 

Pick and roll is what got us back into game 4. Our defensive plan is sound -- keep Kobe and Shaq from having big nights. But we need to have more energy in closing in on Malone.

The Rockets need to stay disciplined, and shouldn't let their emotions get the better of them. In game 4, after working so hard to get back in the game, I think they really started forcing stuff offensively and we got out of sync. Energy is good, but it needs to be controlled and focused.

 

I think rockets win tonight cause Kobe might Not be coming cause in a trail case in denver

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting T-Mac Da Playa:</div><div class="quote_post">I think rockets win tonight cause Kobe might Not be coming cause in a trail case in denver</div>

You were saying?

Lakers win 4-1.

 

Oh well, disappointing game but a very good series for the Rockets...they can take a lot away and learn from this series...the lakers needed every one of their four future HOFamers in order to pull out a series victory...The Rockets are a legit PF and backup scoring guard away from being title contenders...Yao needs to be more aggressive, because altho he played Shaq to a standstill in the series, he had many opportunities to better his output...Francis had an outstanding series and deserves to stay at PG...he's the exact PG we need in order to have an advantage in the backcourt....our bench needs a lot more stability...but otherwise, the Rockets competed hard and could've easily been up 3-1 this series had it not been for inexperience and bad breaks...but they played a great series, now its just a matter of adding the necessary pieces to become perennial contenders...

 

HoustonHoopa, I don't know what you're talking about Francis deserving to stay at PG man, I really don't. So what if the guy averaged 19ppg when he himself averages 4+ TOs? Not to mention the Rockets as a team had 84 god damn turnovers in the series to LA's 62. What does that tell anyone with any basketball knowledge? The team does not have a good PG to distribute the ball or to control the tempo of the game. Francis is NOT a PG. Open your eyes.

I agree Yao could've and should've converted on some occasions, but I'm not going to criticize him because as a 2nd year, he's improved alot from last year.

 

You dont just ask someone who's been playing that position to just switch...its not as easy as you might think...steve had countless opportunities this series where he passed up open shots to give his teammates shots...the fact is that he has shown growth and potential into accomodating into his PG role...whenever you have a PG who can 1)break down a defense, 2) create off the dribble, and 3) still create for others as well, it is a plus...he is likely the best rebounding PG (aside from J. Kidd) in the league, and among the most versatile guards period...he's too short to be a 2-guard (and dont say AI, cuz Steve does not have AI's scoring ability), and is also a defensive liability at 2...

bottom line, trading steve francis is not the answer...

 

All of you people blame Francis for his turnovers, but it is baffling as to why guards like AI and Jason Kidd also commit 3+ turnovers a game, but never get criticized. You guys need to lighten up and take a look around the league before pointing fingers.

 

1. Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers) 4.35
2. Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards) 4.11
3. Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) 3.79
4. Steve Francis (Houston Rockets) 3.72
5. LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) 3.46
6. Baron Davis (New Orleans Hornets) 3.21
7. Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets) 3.19
8. Jalen Rose (Toronto Raptors) 3.15
9. Stephon Marbury (New York Knicks) 3.07


Kidd, Marbury, B Diddy, francis...all seperated by TENTHS of a point when it comes to TOs/game...my point? every great player , particuarly at a position which controls the ball a great amount of the time, commit turnovers...its just a part of the game...Yao averages 3 fouls a game...how about we talk about that? Yeah, and also, no one is saying switch JK to SG, or Marbury to SG just cuz they average a lotta TOs...thats just a part of the position...point guards are gonna commit turnovers, simple as that, especiall a PG (in this case, Francis) who plays 42 minutes a night...

 

I guess the finger is pointed out at him so much because the whole team turnovers the ball alot and it just makes it look alot worst then it really is. But he does dribble the hell outta the ball and still really isn't that good of a decision maker. Anyways, I didn't know that AI had avg that many to's this season. He almost avgs as much to's as he does assists.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting HoustonHoopa33:</div><div class="quote_post">1. Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers) 4.35
2. Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards) 4.11
3. Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) 3.79
4. Steve Francis (Houston Rockets) 3.72
5. LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) 3.46
6. Baron Davis (New Orleans Hornets) 3.21
7. Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets) 3.19
8. Jalen Rose (Toronto Raptors) 3.15
9. Stephon Marbury (New York Knicks) 3.07


Kidd, Marbury, B Diddy, francis...all seperated by TENTHS of a point when it comes to TOs/game...my point? every great player , particuarly at a position which controls the ball a great amount of the time, commit turnovers...its just a part of the game...Yao averages 3 fouls a game...how about we talk about that? Yeah, and also, no one is saying switch JK to SG, or Marbury to SG just cuz they average a lotta TOs...thats just a part of the position...point guards are gonna commit turnovers, simple as that, especiall a PG (in this case, Francis) who plays 42 minutes a night...</div>
That was exactly what I was trying to get at. Why not say shit about those 'elite' PG's as well? Francis handles the ball a lot of the game, so the turnovers are guaranteed to come.

 

Anyways, not trying to revive a flamewar, I just missed this thread previously.

It's not so much of Steve Francis producing TOs on the paper, it's the way he plays. Come on now, when Francis dribbles the ball around, does he look anything remotely like a good floor general to you? You can tell by the way someone plays whether he's a PG or not. Sure he can handle the ball, but he's nowhere near those 'elite' pgs. He'll be an even better SG than PG. That's why I propose for him to move to SG.