1995 Houston Rockets = 2008 Phoenix Suns ?

[asubennett]

Lets flash back to 1995.

Houston won it all in 1994 and were defending their crown this year. They were 12 games over .500 at the all star break and kind of plodding along. Meanwhile, teams lilke the Spurs, Jazz, and Suns were posting 60 win seasons.

Houston FO decided they didnt have enough to repeat and made a big move. They traded Otis Thorpe (A Huge part of their first championship) to Portland for an old Clyde Drexler) THe trade was viewed as "curious" in Houston initially and then viewed as the trade that wrecked a championship caliber team. Houston played .500 ball the rest of the way and ended up with the 6th seed in the playoffs.

Round 1: Houston vs Utah

Utah finsihed the season 60-22. They were scoring 106.4ppg and allowing 98.4ppg. One of the best point differentials in the league. Malone was averaging 27 and 11 a game. Stockton was averaging 12 dimes a game and shooting 45% from three. Hornacek, Benoit and A. Carr led a very physical, gifted team.

Houston finished the season 47-35. They were scoring 103.5ppg and allowing 101.4 ppg. Their differential was one of the worst of all WCF playoff teams. Their perimeter defense was pourous. Olajuwon was averaging 28ppg, 11rpg, 4apg, 2spg and 3bpg. He was a monster. Outside of him the team was young and stuggling to fit in Drexler their new piece. Houston was easily the underdog based on play coming into the series.

Game 1: Utah holds home court and beats Houston 102-100. hard fought game and people were surprised by Houstons fight.
Game 2: Houston opens things up with Clyde and go off for 140 points winning 140 to 126 and stealing home court.
Game 3: Utah responds with epic defense and grabs home court back 95-82
Game 4: Houston again opens it up with Clyde scoring 126 to Utahs 106.
Game 5: A rough and tumble affair in Utah. The Rockets prevail 95-91.

Round 2: Houston vs. Phoenix

Phoenix is fresh off a 3-0 sweep, all convincing wins, of the Portland TrailBlazers and are well rested. Charles Barkley is playing fantastic basketball. The team plays 10 deep with a lineup of

KJ / Perry
Majerle / Ainge / Wes Person
Manning / Dumas
Barkley / Tisdale
AC Green / Joe Kleine

Game 1: Phoenix as expected ran all over Houston with fresh legs 130-108
Game 2: Another blow out. Phoenix 118 Houston 94. Houston looks old and tired.
Game 3: Houston holds home court with a surprising 118-85 drubbing of the Suns.
Game 4: Suns respond and steal on in Houston 114-110
Game 5: Houston slows us down and grabs a win 103-97
Game 6: Houston steam rolls us 116-103
Game 7: Houston overcomes the game of Kevin Johnsons career (46 points, 10 assists) to win 115-114 and advance to the WCF

Round 3: Houston vs #1 Seed SA Spurs

San Antonio is rolling through the regular season and the playoffs.

The average 106ppg and allow 100ppg.

Their lineup is deep:

Avery Johnson / Doc Rivers
Vinny Del Negro / Willie Anderson
Sean Elliot / Chuck Person
Dennis Rodman / Terry Cummings
David Robinson / JR Reid / Moses Malone

They steamrolled over the Nuggets 3-0 and easily handled the Lakers 4-2

Game 1: Houston is clicking on all cylinders for the first time all season. It took 82 games and two rounds of the playoffs to get there but they did. They steal game 1 in SA 94-93
Game 2: Another win in SA 106-96
Game 3. SA gets one back 107-102
Game 4: SA dominated Houston 103-81
Game 5: Houston returns the favor 111-90
Game 6: Houston advances to the finals 100-95

NBA FINALS:

Houston is in full stride now and they face the Orlando Magic who are the most exciting team in the NBA and have just eliminated Michael Jordans Bulls.

No Contest. Houston has figured it out and sweep 4-0 to repeat as NBA Champions.

Houston was written off and left for dead after the Clyde Drexler trade with everyone having them as 1st round loss to Utah and look what happened. You can never ever count out two big guys like Shaq and Amare surrounded by shooters in the playoffs. Go Suns!

[b-ball forever]

Interesting comparison

Of course I hope we can do the same, but don't forget that while Drexler was old he still put up 22/6/5 with 1.7 steals and tuff defense that year. He also made the all-NBA third team
Shaq is still good, but he isn't THAT good

Amare can match Hakeem on offense, but he's nowhere near that massive intimidating inside presence Dream was on the defensive end.

Overall our team's prolly got more talent then the 95 Rox, but for us to make a good run in the playoffs we'll need our peeps to at least come near defending the perimeter like the Glide, or lockin up the post like the Dream.
And that's where there's a big diff between the 2 teams...

[thamadkant]

A good example of superstar leadership from Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.

Also, might want to look at what Karl Malone did to Tim Duncan when the Lakers faced them back in 2004 playoffs. Karl Malone wasnt known as a defender but he just knew how to play the game and did a great job on Duncan.

My point is... players like Shaq, Nash, even Stoudemire, although he is still young.

Smarts and talents, with back to the wall desperation mentality... will usually lead to magical performances... miraculous... when it all clicks... it CLICKS.


Now... with the Suns.... there are few factors going against them... fatigue, lack of motivation and just missing defensive minded players to will sacrifice their offense to shut down their man... like Karl Malone did to Duncan back in 2004.. that type of sacrifice. The Rox of 1994-1995 had defensive players, Horry comes to mind. Cassel was fantastic off the bench, Hakeem was the MAN on the middle, him and the admiral where defensive anchor/icons.

Can Shaq be our man that will just sacrifice his body and chance to play next year, will he just put all his energy and effort grabbing every single boards he can and altering every shot.. can he be our Karl Malone 2004 or Alonzo Mourning 2006? Mourning was HUGE, sacrificed his body and all his effort on just owning the PAINT...


Or wil it be Stoudemire... his awakening? Will he have one of those games where he got the Suns the win because he put all his energy shutting down a player like Boozer or Duncan or Gasol or Bynum/Odom?
Will he have a monster game stealing performance where he gave up his points and just shut down the paint along with Shaq?

Will Nash sacrifice his body and go balls-out and just take a beating as he carries the slack in offensive output as Stoudemire and Shaq go all out on the defensive end?

We can all dream..... but the reality is... its unlikely... but again, I would love to be proven wrong...

[asubennett]

Interesting comparison

Of course I hope we can do the same, but don't forget that while Drexler was old he still put up 22/6/5 with 1.7 steals and tuff defense that year. He also made the all-NBA third team
Shaq is still good, but he isn't THAT good

Amare can match Hakeem on offense, but he's nowhere near that massive intimidating inside presence Dream was on the defensive end.

Overall our team's prolly got more talent then the 95 Rox, but for us to make a good run in the playoffs we'll need our peeps to at least come near defending the perimeter like the Glide, or lockin up the post like the Dream.
And that's where there's a big diff between the 2 teams...

1995 Houston Team:

Kenny Smith / Sam Cassel
Vernon Maxwell / Mario Elie
Clyde Drexler / Tracy Murray
Carl Herrera / Robert Horry
Hakeem Olajuwon / Pete Chilcutt

2008 Suns Team:

Nash / Barbosa
Bell / Strawbs
Hill / Giricek
STAT / Diaw
Shaq / Skinner

PG: 2008 Kenny Smith was a great three point threat but not much of a distributor. Advantage

SG: Bell and Vernon actually remind me of each other. Both are solid three point shooters. Both are fierce competitors with the potential to be slightly crazy at times. WASH

SF: Hill / Drexler (Hill in his Piston days was as close to a modern day Clyde the Glyde that there is. Hill is older now but still a bit of a replica. Advantage Houston

PF: No contest here. This was Houstons weakest position. Advantage Suns

C: Shaq is arguably better over a career but he is an old 36 compared to Hakeems 32 years of age in 1995. Advantage Houston.

The teams are very close. If Amare can off set Hakeems offense and Shaq can come close to the 4 blocks 4 assists 2 Turnovers 12 Rebounds a game in the playoffs that Hakeem did we should be good come playoffs.

[thamadkant]

Maxwell had a great playoff run then, he and Bell does have similarities, but Vernon was more dangerous on the offensive end and intimidated his man, he was a bit crazy.

Smith was a very good shooter.. Horry was one of the most versatile role man and clutch.

Cassel is bette overall than Barbosa... also played D.

[asubennett]

A good example of superstar leadership from Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.

Also, might want to look at what Karl Malone did to Tim Duncan when the Lakers faced them back in 2004 playoffs. Karl Malone wasnt known as a defender but he just knew how to play the game and did a great job on Duncan.

My point is... players like Shaq, Nash, even Stoudemire, although he is still young.

Smarts and talents, with back to the wall desperation mentality... will usually lead to magical performances... miraculous... when it all clicks... it CLICKS.


Now... with the Suns.... there are few factors going against them... fatigue, lack of motivation and just missing defensive minded players to will sacrifice their offense to shut down their man... like Karl Malone did to Duncan back in 2004.. that type of sacrifice. The Rox of 1994-1995 had defensive players, Horry comes to mind. Cassel was fantastic off the bench, Hakeem was the MAN on the middle, him and the admiral where defensive anchor/icons.

Can Shaq be our man that will just sacrifice his body and chance to play next year, will he just put all his energy and effort grabbing every single boards he can and altering every shot.. can he be our Karl Malone 2004 or Alonzo Mourning 2006? Mourning was HUGE, sacrificed his body and all his effort on just owning the PAINT...


Or wil it be Stoudemire... his awakening? Will he have one of those games where he got the Suns the win because he put all his energy shutting down a player like Boozer or Duncan or Gasol or Bynum/Odom?
Will he have a monster game stealing performance where he gave up his points and just shut down the paint along with Shaq?

Will Nash sacrifice his body and go balls-out and just take a beating as he carries the slack in offensive output as Stoudemire and Shaq go all out on the defensive end?

We can all dream..... but the reality is... its unlikely... but again, I would love to be proven wrong...

Great Post. Lets all that these guys do some of the above because they definately have that ability.

[eastsidecrossover]

Many have made this comparison already. Its a good one, and one I hope holds true for our suns.

Even tho I am not putting too much into these last 9 games, a sense of urgency is needed due to the depth of the west, which is different than it was back in 95. I am just sitting and waiting, trying not to over-react too much about this team and give it what it needs like most are not giving them even on this board................TIME!

For all those sky is falling kids on here, do what my boy SDU does, crack open a cold one or 10, and enjoy the game (only if you are over 21 of course.)

[jazzy_jeff]

Lets flash back to 1995.

Do great minds think alike?
http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic. ... highlight=

[BurningHeart]

Very interesting comparison and I like it. Let's hope it turns out the same way too!

[Never Fear 33 Is Here]

For all those sky is falling kids on here, do what my boy SDU does, crack open a cold one or 10, and enjoy the game (only if you are over 21 of course.)

Yeah............you here that all you youngsters..........if you aren't 21, don't you dare enjoy the game.
















Hmmmmmmm don't mind me, I am tired and need some sleep. Damn early games.

[myron]

yeah but they had Hakeem, a top 3 centre of all time, in his prime. Its like why the Lakers won in 01-03

[kz1m9w]

Interesting comparison

Of course I hope we can do the same, but don't forget that while Drexler was old he still put up 22/6/5 with 1.7 steals and tuff defense that year. He also made the all-NBA third team
Shaq is still good, but he isn't THAT good

Amare can match Hakeem on offense, but he's nowhere near that massive intimidating inside presence Dream was on the defensive end.

Overall our team's prolly got more talent then the 95 Rox, but for us to make a good run in the playoffs we'll need our peeps to at least come near defending the perimeter like the Glide, or lockin up the post like the Dream.
And that's where there's a big diff between the 2 teams...

1995 Houston Team:

Kenny Smith / Sam Cassel
Vernon Maxwell / Mario Elie
Clyde Drexler / Tracy Murray
Carl Herrera / Robert Horry
Hakeem Olajuwon / Pete Chilcutt

2008 Suns Team:

Nash / Barbosa
Bell / Strawbs
Hill / Giricek
STAT / Diaw
Shaq / Skinner

PG: 2008 Kenny Smith was a great three point threat but not much of a distributor. Advantage

SG: Bell and Vernon actually remind me of each other. Both are solid three point shooters. Both are fierce competitors with the potential to be slightly crazy at times. WASH

SF: Hill / Drexler (Hill in his Piston days was as close to a modern day Clyde the Glyde that there is. Hill is older now but still a bit of a replica. Advantage Houston

PF: No contest here. This was Houstons weakest position. Advantage Suns

C: Shaq is arguably better over a career but he is an old 36 compared to Hakeems 32 years of age in 1995. Advantage Houston.

The teams are very close. If Amare can off set Hakeems offense and Shaq can come close to the 4 blocks 4 assists 2 Turnovers 12 Rebounds a game in the playoffs that Hakeem did we should be good come playoffs.

Two comments:

1) I might be remembering incorrectly, but I'm pretty sure by playoff time, Vernon Maxwell had already wigged out and was no longer with the team (shortly after Drexler was acquired).

2) Power forward was definitely "different" that year as the Rockets gave up Thorpe. However, Robert Horry played a lot of 4 that year in the playoffs and was a huge reason for the Rockets success - especially in the Finals.

[dantian]

One major issue though, Rox of then used all 12 of their players. Kenny, Sam, Mario, Clyde all played big at the 1-3 positions.

Also, their main style of game plan had been always dumping it to Dream. Their adjustment need by adding Clyde wasn't as huge.

But I hope we repeat their feat!

[Never Fear 33 Is Here]

I might be remembering incorrectly, but I'm pretty sure by playoff time, Vernon Maxwell had already wigged out and was no longer with the team (shortly after Drexler was acquired).

You would be absolutely correct.

One major issue though, Rox of then used all 12 of their players.

Ummmmm not true.

Game 1 (Numbers are minutes played)

Hakeem Olajuwon 48
Clyde Drexler 48
Robert Horry 47
Kenny Smith 42
Mario Elie 39
Charles Jones 15
Chucky Brown 14
Sam Cassell 11
Pete Chilcutt 1

Game 2

Robert Horry 48
Hakeem Olajuwon 42
Mario Elie 41
Clyde Drexler 32
Kenny Smith 19
Sam Cassell 30
Charles Jones 15
Chucky Brown 12
Pete Chilcutt 1

Game 3

Robert Horry 46
Hakeem Olajuwon 45
Clyde Drexler 41
Mario Elie 38
Kenny Smith 22
Sam Cassell 26
Charles Jones 12
Chucky Brown 9
Pete Chilcutt 1

Game 4

Robert Horry 46
Hakeem Olajuwon 44
Mario Elie 43
Clyde Drexler 41
Kenny Smith 22
Sam Cassell 26
Charles Jones 15
Chucky Brown 3





Wowzers that is a shorter rotation that Coach Pringles.

[Seattlesun]

I was at the game 7 against Houston, amazing game. But, KJ had more than 10 assists didnt he? I thought he went for 46 and 20. Can anyone find the boxscore?

The mid 90s Rockets teams that beat the Suns are the closest thing to a 2nd favorite team I've had. I loved Rudy and Hakeem. If I picked a team from all players who have ever played, Hakeem is my center and Rudy is my coach.

[The Nash Era]

He only had 10.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/box ... 00PHO.html

[Seattlesun]

hmmm, guess i remembered wrong. still painful to look at that boxscore. the 1 free throw KJ missed was HUGE. the 1 three that elie hit was HUGE. and i didnt realize that hakeem missed 8 FT's because he didnt miss any at the end when it mattered.

[TASTIC]

That Hakeem was a flat out beast...and Drexler - SO underrated...

Pete Chilcutt...now there's a name from the past...cripes Horry and Cassell still contributing

[Duiz]

Quite an interesting comparison.

The question is do they have the tenacity to finish it off. ANd also, their styles of play is different. Phoenix Mercury might have won the WNBA championship, but Suns haven't proved they can do it in the NBA.