GT: Rockets vs. Spurs

[Nolan]

When: 8:30 PM ET, November 6, 2010
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX



VS



Its our first game this season against a very talented Rockets team thats struggling right now. The Rockets have been having alot of trouble on both ends so far this and I for one hope they continue to struggle, or at least for one more night. One of major keys to this game is going to containing the Rockets very explosive back court, we're going to have to make Brooks and Martin play some defense and we can't let hurt us from 3.

No word yet on whether Hill will play or not. I can't believe Smith didn't get suspended for that.

Go Spurs!!

[batmana]

The Rockets are having a problem trying to find the balance between offense and defense, that's where their struggles are coming from. They have a lot of guys who produce offensively but as a team they don't spend enough energy on defense. They will inevitably win some games and probably get back in the battle for a playoff spot but will obviously not live up to the potential of that incredible depth. The key for us would be defense, if we keep them under 100 points we will be in a great position. Still, it would be difficult since we play a lot faster than before (so do they) and we don't emphasize that much on defense. But my key is - stop at least one of their guards (Brooks and Martin) and don't let Scola beast on you for 30+ pts.

As for Craig Smith's foul, I don't think he deserved an additional ban to being ejected - it didn't look like he had any ill intent, he tried to foul Hill just like any player would to prevent easy points, the problem is Hill was too far ahead, moving too quickly and Smith made a poor judgment. I know Smith thought about challenging the flagrant 2 in front of the league (not sure if he actually did), he couldn't believe they ejected him but still that was a right call. To ban him from some games would mean he was trying to hurt George and I don't think that was the case.

[co_laper]

Another game I hope we don't lose. Houston is struggling and we're at home. We already drop a game at home... Hopefully not drop another one so quickly. I'm done hoping we stop guys. I just hope they don't have a huge huge game. Scola can't have 30 points. Brooks and Martin can't go off for 30s. Key for us again is our offense. Tony Parker hopefully have a huge game after a somewhat off night againts Phoenix.

I will say that this is the game I'm expecting Richard Jefferson doesn't show up. Even our big 3 have off nights. Not fair to expect RJ to show up EVERY night. 4 straight game of awesomeness. He can take this game off and I won't be mad.

[Nolan]

Injury Update:

Bonner will be out for this game and Hill is probable. Kyle Lowry won't play for the Rockets.

[co_laper]

Didn't get to see the game until the very last second... Just ended. When I turn it on, Houston was launching 3 pointers after 3 pointers in the last second trying to tie the game. They had like 3 consecutive 3 pointers from offensive rebounds but no one hit the shot. Spurs escaped in OT 124-121. Can't comment much other than what I see in the boxscore. RJ having a good night again. That's always nice to see.

[theExpert]

Great win by the Spurs... Houston is a solid team (their record does not indicate that yet).

[Donald Kaufman]

Good win, but the game shouldn't be decided by such a small margin when they are missing Yao, plus Martin and Brooks left the game with injuries.

The Rockets are better than their record indicates.

That makes 2 games from 5 where we've scored 120+ !

[batmana]

We are very similar to Houston now, spending almost our entire energy on offense, not being able to stop anyone on defense. Still, having Tim Duncan around the rim provides a couple of blocks and that's what Houston often lack. Still, with Brooks and Martin they might have had enough firepower to dismiss us so we should be happy with the win.

[Nolan]

I only caught the first half of the game and a bit of overtime. But from what I saw the big four played great and so did the bench. Our defense struggled quite a bit and like Batmana said it seemed like both teams were 100% focused on offense.

Blair struggled once again, but this time his struggles were foul related. Hopefully he breaks out of his sophmore slump soon.

I was shocked that the Rockets held Yao out of this game to save him for Minny tonight, made no sense to me at all.

Also congrats to James Anderson. He missed the game to be there for the birth of his daughter.

[co_laper]

Game thread Nolan!!!