<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yao Ming and Steve Francis combined for 52 points to lead the Houston Rockets to an impressive 112-109 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. </div> link This was a great victory for us. We got solid contributions from everyone who played and we have now proved that we can play and beat the Wolves both on the road and at home. I just hope we get to face the Lakers or Wolves in the playoffs.
I just hope that in the finals Rockets does not get eliminated by the Lakers like last time, but if Yao Ming keeps up the hard work that he is putting into the Rockets. I guess Rockets would probably kill Lakers. I doubt that they will win against the T-Wolves. T-Wolves would win if there is no big injury in their starting lineup. I think they will win the Championship and KG will be the MVP!
What a great win for the Rockets. I thought there was terrific play all night on our part. The Rockets did a good job of getting Yao the ball where he could do something with it and he in turn did a good job of putting the ball in the basket. Francis and Mobley did a good job of sharing the ball as they ended with 6 and 5 assists respectively. Steve Francis really showed his worth as he came to life in the 4th quarter scoring 12 of his 25 points. Player of the Game award has to go to Steve Francis who had 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
Yes, huge victory. We need to start beating the quality teams late so we can see where we stand as a ballclub. It goes to show you what can happen when Francis and Yao play great in the same game...I'm also pleased with how many more touches Ming is getting as of late!
It was a big confidence booster for the team, but I can't say I'm totally happy with the win. I felt we were outplayed in most of the important categories (rebounding, shot selection, passing) but were very fortunate to hit a high percentage of three point shots, which won us the game. The past few weeks (I've noticed this since the Dallas loss) the Rocket's defense has reeally not been too hot. The thing that kills us more than anything is simple screen and roll plays on the perimeter. They need to do a better job rotating quickly. In contast, I think are offense is improving. Assists seem to be up, and its no surprise that Yao happens to be getting more touches. Still, I do not believe he's getting the ball enough. It's the most frustrating thing when Yao has hit his last three shots and his teammates just ignore him and take a poor perimeter shot instead. I don't think Hakeem would have accepted that, and neither should Yao. His offensive repetoire is almost as extensive as Hakeem's, and the Rockets need to take full advantage of it.
Our defense needs to improve. If I'm not wrong, the 109 we allowed against the Wolves is the season high for us. The players, especially the perimeter defenders, do not look too focused on defense. This is where Adrian Griffin could help, Van Gundy should use him more, over Piatkowski.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">Our defense needs to improve. If I'm not wrong, the 109 we allowed against the Wolves is the season high for us. The players, especially the perimeter defenders, do not look too focused on defense. This is where Adrian Griffin could help, Van Gundy should use him more, over Piatkowski.</div> I like Piatkowski. He's a solid, consistent shooter which will grow increasingly valuable as Yao draws more and more double teams. While Griffin might be a better defender, I don't think its necessary to put him ahead of Piatkowski in the rotation. The Rockets rely on strong team defense, not individual defensive performances. A couple things I would change, though. I'd play Weatherspoon more minutes. I prefer his game to Mo Taylor's. Mo can be a spark when he's shooting well, but too often he takes bad shots or doesn't make the right pass. Clarence has been a consistent contributor for a while now, is a better defender, and is better at grabbing loose balls and rebounding. The advantage Mo really has over Clarence is height, and that's not enough in my book. I'd also give more minutes to Mark Jackson. While he's a poor shooter, he knows how to control the ball and get it to the right players.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">I like Piatkowski. He's a solid, consistent shooter which will grow increasingly valuable as Yao draws more and more double teams. While Griffin might be a better defender, I don't think its necessary to put him ahead of Piatkowski in the rotation. The Rockets rely on strong team defense, not individual defensive performances. </div> I am not going to fault Piatkowski on his shooting because he truly is a great shooter however his biggest fault is his quickness and his defensive ability. Jeff Van Gundy is a defensive minded coach and preaches hard work on the defensive end. I just cannot see Piatkowski in the long run getting any significant minutes. The only think Piatkowski can do is shoot. Thats it.
I love Yao's maturation pocess thats going on on the court. His game is really blossoming. When the gets the nba three down and his hook he will be killer. Steve Francis is just flat out "The Franchise" Good job Rockets. I can hardly wait to see this team in the playoffs and does anyone think Kobe might come here next season.
