Cue the Epic Music.
So now it seems like the Rockets are exposed, naked..
Now it seems like theres lazer wire everywhere ~ and they have to somehow contort the team to escape and get to the other side..
Lin is refusing to score...
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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN - YOUR NEXT GAME... @ HOME ... is against the UTAH JAZZ.
Code: Select all
STANDINGS W L L10 H A
2nd Northwest 9 7 7-3 6-0 3-7
3rd Southwest 7 8 5-5 5-3 2-5The Rockets will have Thursday and Friday before the game on Saturday.
Its early in the season.. anyone that didn't expect the Rockets to lose games and need extended time to gel and build chemistry.. and all that good stuff ~ is not living in reality.
Fun Facts...
Houston's 9th in the Conference - Behind the 7-8 Lakers ( yes they have the same record - and issues as 2 of their guards are injured still )
The next team above them... The Nuggets ~ 8-7..
and after that??
AT 9-7
Visiting the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas
After a forgettable night against OKC.. after flying from the Raptor game to Minneapolis for the Funeral and then back to OKC 3 1/2 hours before game time...
IT IS TIME. FOR REVENGE.
Your Back-Court.. With the most Talent and the most Youth.. That we all are waiting to fully come into their own ~ as players, as leaders, as handlers, and facilitators, and scorers. James Harden & Jeremy Lin!!
You may have seen the worst game of Harden's season - thankfully at the beginning.
Entering the 2nd half Harden was 0-9, Finishin 3-16. He just wasn't able to adjust to the pressure of the Thunder. If anything I'm glad it happened now - because he is seeing playoff Defense and he will realize he and Lin and other teammates must be more effective at helping each other and he MUST pass the ball and not keep the dribble/ball to himself. The minute he lets 2 trap him ~ the turnovers start happening.
The Jazz are going to get a dose of the Beard as he rebounds from his poor showing and learns from the OKC game.
Lin went silent and refuse to shoot. in the 3rd quarter he was 2/3 to start. 2 shots, 3 attempts.. for 4 points.. Without CHANDLER BANNGGGGG - and Harden whom missed every shot opportunity in the 1st half. It was IMPERATIVE for him to drop BOMBS like raindrops falling on my head! But this team attempted to ask Cook, Asik, and Patterson to keep up with the scoring machine that is the OKC Thunder.
* poor leadership, and way NOT to show the rookies how it was done.
* hopefully Lin learns from this and isn't forcing Harden to chuck and turnover the ball just to avoid the pressure of leading by doing.
* will never know, as Sampson very well could be ordering Lin to only facilitate.
Lets hope - that some good solid rest, will give them the chance to recover from the last 52 hours of ups and downs.
In the Front Court....
Omer Asik aka the Point-Center, aka Jeremy I will dribble it so you HAVE to score when I pass it to you
The more you watch him the more you can appreciate him - as he improves.
From Steals, to Blocks, to free throws MADE, to Assists, to Dribbling, and even dare I say it ? Rebounds & Dunking!
Asiks presence is missed EVERY second he is off the court.
* The guy is evolving... what happens next?!
Omer Asik and the Rockets starters - are this close! You can tell that his teammates really believe in him - he gets the ball constantly!
Patrick Patterson
Did a great job scoring, but defensively he still needs more work.
* He doesn't look like he's in game shape yet - and he's got to improve on contesting shots but without him the Rockets would have doing worse - scoring wise.
Daequan Cook
* Really don't think he should be a starter. Way too many missed shot attempts. Inefficient. But then again I haven't seen him play that many games this season. But what I do know is despite everything else, he still can shoot and practice everyday - the fact he was missing so much... just don't think he is or will ever be starter material at this point - or until he fixes his shot and makes it more consistently accurate.
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2nd Unit
If only it was just about smiles
Toney Douglas - with a new team, he has experienced virtually a reboot as he is back on progression toward improving as a player. We've seen some bright spots and although he flails his arms wildly it appears he is improving. I have nothing against him, his hard-work and effort is noticeable and the season just started.
Marcus Morris
* When he misses and misses, it gets painful.
* Hopefully he speeds up his game more - as I can see him taking a lot of lobs for alleyoop dunks - besides shooting and playing D.
* Defensively I think he struggles to play at the same level as the guys with more experience. Its 50/50 but I think Marcus Morris with even more dedication commitment and a lotta work ~ will turn into an all around amazing player. I think hes genetically gifted but the maturity of a professional has yet to fully develop ~ this all takes time. I think he has a permanent place on the team though and can contribute quality minutes be it 5 or 30. The guy can play.
Greg Smith
* Energy and Hustle needed and more toughness. Teams have to fight for every inch inside the arc. Toughness! Our rookies have yet to learn this ~ hell, I think most of the team outside the starters really grasp this. The ones that have played tough games - and been through battles in the NBA. Looking forward to seeing how he improves. Needs more energy still IMO. These guys have to play hungrier and tougher.
Cole ALDRICH (I mispelled this before)
Although he provides a type of aggression when he is on the floor. He has to work on reducing poor fouls, and turnovers.
Questionable - Chandler Parsons - Bone Bruise
Not sure how long it will take, but once it heals itll be stronger. The only thing I think Chandler really needs is 15-20lbs of muscle. To protect against those bumps. Come back sooon, this team misses your 20+ pts a game & rebounds!!
Questionable - Carlos Delfino - due to Groin Injury
Carlos has been playing phenomenally and brings a level of calmness with his veteran experience.
* I haven't read anywhere - how bad Delfino's groin injury is - though I do recommend more groin stretches
Who we wish we could see some more of in actual games
* Yet to play in any meaningful periods of the games he has attended.. since being called up - we can only wait. Same as the wait for Terrence Jones.
the Jazz
The only thing I can expect is them to copy the defense of OKC as it was very effective against the Rockets.
But I'm hoping that multiple days of rest and time away to emotionally come to grips with the tragedy in the McHale family.. and just forget about the OKC game will allow them to UNLEASH THEIR TRUE POWERS
Time to WHUP some ass!
Terrence Jones
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQlbO8oX7M4[/youtube]
Screw pictures - Just use this for the rest of the season.
* Sent down to the D-League to get more playing time.
Scott Machado
* Returns back to the D-League.
I thought.. I saw him play a minute!!
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2 ... -d-league/
* I was thinking of proposing a signup thread - to create Game Threads and Post Games. Anyone like this idea? I don't know if I want to do EVERY GT and PG - especially after losses, I get demotivated. haha. Plus this gives other posters a chance to create and be creative.
I figured cheerleader > jazz players -> but a request is a request! switched the cheerleader to a jazz players pic instead ~ your lucky I haven't gone to bed yet! this won't always be possible!
