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The hum of precision machinery. Rockets win Game 6 vs OKC Thunder
by Xiane on Nov 7, 2009 2:34 AM CST
1 comment
First, apologies for this recap running a bit late. I had to watch the game on DVR tonight.
This one never seemed in doubt. The Rockets were never able to stretch the lead beyond about 10, but never did I think Houston would be unable to pull away as the Thunder drew within 6 or 8 a few times.
In some respects, this was a battle of identities. Houston's identity as a disciplined, driven, unselfish and intelligent squad clashed with...with what exactly? OKC, at this point, lacks an identity as a team. They have talent, oodles of talent, of that there can be no doubt. But to what purpose? Never was an intensity of will, a drive to win on the Thunder's part, evident to me in this game.
1 comment | 0 recs
Did I miss the song??
by grungedave on Nov 6, 2009 11:10 PM CST
in Whimsical Posts
16 comments
Chase Budinger: 6-10 FG (2-4 3pt), 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block tonight.
sing it again, rookie beyotch!!!
16 comments | 0 recs |
GameThread for Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets, Nov 6, 2009 7:30 PM CST
by UofTOrange on Nov 6, 2009 6:30 PM CST
in Game Thread
133 comments
Let's go Rockets! Time to get that fourth win!
133 comments | 0 recs
Chuck Hayes is on notice - for the right reasons this time
by Tom Martin on Nov 6, 2009 1:17 PM CST
in Player Analysis
14 comments
It's been quite a whirlwind for Chuck Hayes, regardless of whether or not anyone has noticed.
This summer, I got the chance to interview Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. Among other things, he had this to say about our probable roster:
Well, either they're going to make the roster, or not at all. Once you cut a guy, you lose your rights to him. It's possible that Chuck Hayes is one of those guys to cut and then bring back.
Still think the ole Chuckwagon is cuttable? It would be Morey's last hurrah.
Now, coming off of a 14/14 game against Andrew Bynum and the Los Angeles Lakers, Hayes is starting to create quite a buzz from the league and from the media. Earlier today, TrueHoop's Henry Abbott posted an article written by Rockets.com's Jason Friedman:
Jason Friedman of Rockets.com is kicking off a campaign to get Chuck Hayes on the NBA's All-Defense team. I'll second that. Friedman writes: "I may not be top in the league in blocks but if I'm guarding, say, LaMarcus Aldridge and I make him shoot a bad percentage, then I hope they pay attention to that," says Hayes. "I just wish there was a stat for keeping your man to the lowest field goal percentage."
Not only did Abbott and Friedman have praise for Hayes, but others across the 'Net did as well.
Chuck Hayes is a 6-6 Kevin Garnett. His footwork belongs on Mt. Rushmore. His hands belong in the Smithsonian. He had two steals tonight, and caused as many jump balls. He's a center that's in the top five in steals, per game, in barely half a game. His defense is unbelievable. And now (7-9 shooting, no hesitation around the hoop) you have to pay attention to him when someone drives and dishes.
Hayes has been one of the keys to Houston's surprising start with his ability to defend bigger players at the center position. He's listed at 6-6 and even that estimate seems optimistic, but he's so good at getting leverage and pushing opposing big men away from the rim that he's a very effective interior defender regardless. And unlike most bigs who defend the post, he also can step out to the 3-point line and pick up smaller players.
We knew this already about Hayes, but what's made him a viable performer this season is that he's become more willing to shoot and finish around the basket. Last season he seemed terrified to shoot at times and finished the year averaging a meager 4.2 points per 40 minutes, along with the worst true shooting percentage in basketball at a horrifying 37.5.
He'll never be George Gervin, but this year he's accepted all the layups that have come his way, and those have been frequent given how often opponents gamble off him to double other Houston players. Hayes scored 14 points last night and is averaging 8.8 on the season; he's done it efficiently, shooting 64.7 percent from the floor.
Tom Lorenzo of FanHouse (yes, Chuck is getting fantasy basketball attention):
Chuck Hayes is eligible all over the place -- small forward, power forward, and center. That's a good thing. That means you can move him around as needed. Right now Hayes is averaging 2.4 steals per game and is one of just two center-eligible players averaging more than 1.6 steals per game -- Anderson Varejao being the other at 1.8 per. In his last two Hayes is averaging 13 points, 11.5 rebounds and shooting above 75-percent from the field -- against the Jazz and the Lakers. His defense has never been in question, so add him as a filler in the middle and you'll benefit nicely from his active hands.
Those of us who consider ourselves to be Rockets fans have been quite aware of Hayes' defensive ability ever since he joined the squad. Chuck's problems had always resonated on the offensive end, where he was nothing more than dead air last season. However, the Rockets are quickly noticing his ability to run a successful pick and roll and finish in the lane. You'll see few "big" men out there with footwork as good as Chuck's. And perhaps Luis Scola taught him a thing or two about how to finish a layup automatically.
The Chuckwagon's offensive renaissance has prompted those who weren't initially looking to finally turn their heads. He doesn't necessarily need added motivation, but an increased respect from the public can't do much but raise his spirits. He deserves every last bit of it.
Oh, and it would be nice if Chuck could keep this up without getting fouled. He's only taken one free throw this season (which he missed, of course), and if he keeps converting in the paint, "hack-a-Chuck" could suddenly make an appearance. Please, dear referees, hold your whistles.
14 comments | 0 recs |
Who is to blame for the loss to the Lakers? You may not like the answer.
by grungedave on Nov 6, 2009 12:29 PM CST
in Discussions about Badasses
8 comments
The Lakers were an overwhelming favorite heading into Wednesday's game. The Rockets, however, surprised and confused the defending champs by playing aggressively and not backing down to anything. Not even with significant height disadvantages at every position.
Yet in the end, it came down to Kobe Bryant simply being better than everyone else. And he may have had an additional edge that none of the currently healthy Rockets had...
"What is that?" you may ask. Well... it pains me to say, but we might have to lay a bit of blame on the namesake himself. Yes, Hakeem Olajuwon spent part of the summer tutoring Kobe on sophisticated post moves and footwork. Things which Kobe used to shred the Rockets' 4th Q defense on Wednesday.
It makes me happy that Kobe would seek out Hakeem's help.
But it makes me sad that these trade secrets would be used against Hakeem's hometown team.
Oh, I can't stay mad at you, Hakeem! You rule.
8 comments | 0 recs |
Friday Afternoon Rockets/NBA Links
by Only_A_Lad on Nov 6, 2009 12:24 PM CST
in Links
3 comments
An intriguing game is scheduled for tonight, featuring your Houston Rockets and the NBA's finest rising star: Kevin Durant. The Oklahoman looks into Durant's growth as a player, as well as his contributions on the court.
More after the jump.
3 comments | 0 recs
Game 6 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma Thunder 11/06/2009 7:30PM CST
by UofTOrange on Nov 6, 2009 11:02 AM CST
in Game Previews
1 comment
The Match-ups:
Point Guard
Aaron Brooks - Weak game against Lakers, with an odd propensity to turnover the ball. That's not Brooks' M.O. so I expect that to be fixed tonight. The Thunder won't be able to slap at his hands like the Lakers were, just the way it is. In theory that game should help him focus on the unforced errors he had as well.
vs.
Russell Westbrook - An 8.0 to 5.5 assists to turnover ratio is the only thing keeping Westbrook from being lauded for a great start to the season. Portland forced 9 TOs from him to only 2 assists and he was 6 TOs to 7 assists against the Lakers. Westbrook has an infinite amount of potential though and he'll get it turned around.
Edge: Even
Shooting Guard
Shane Battier - He's awesome in every possible way as an NBA player. Everyone calls him the ultimate glue guy, but he's not only glue, he's duct tape too. Whatever the Rockets seem to need he figures it out. Maybe Duct Tape should be his new nickname. Hmmm
vs.
Thabo Sefolosha - Wish I had something to say. High draft pick that hasn't panned out to date. He's still only 25 and he's with the right team to blend in and become a solid role player.
Edge: Rockets
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza - Came back down to earth against his former team. Some may say he choked, frankly it doesn't bother me at all. It was one game out of 5 and a few bad decisions less and that game looks different. Ariza will have a challenge tonight, but his floor movement should allow him to put up points close to his season numbers.
vs.
Kevin Durant - There is no one, not even Bill Simmons with more of an unhealthy man crush on Durant than I. He's phenomenal (save for three point shooting). His defense seems to be improving, granted that's based on seeing one game this season so far. His length and athleticism combined with skill are second to only Lebron James in the NBA and his numbers look eerily similar to Lebron's over his first few years. Durant is the future of the NBA
Edge: Thunder
Power Forward
Luis Scola - 3 good games with 2 lesser games. That needs to be more like 10 to 1 for an all star appearance like I predicted pre-season to happen. I believe he'll get there still, nothing has really shown me that he won't. He's still figuring out his spot in the lineup with all of the movement, and it's still coming along.
vs.
Jeff Green - Green has stepped his game up all three seasons in the league and he's poised to break out this year. It will still be a year or 2 before the Thunder can make the playoffs, but it won't be because of Green that they don't, that much is very clear.
Edge: Rockets
Center
Chuck Hayes - Chuck makes 2.14MM, and is putting up 9 and 8 for the Rockets. That's an absolute steal. When he's in the game, the Rockets are winning, that's a pretty nice statistic itself
vs.
Nenad Krstic - A great pick up last season for the Thunder. He's big and only 26 years old. He makes the MLE amount which is the perfect money for a serviceable center.
Edge: Rockets
Injuries/Suspensions
Houston Rockets
OUT -McGrady, duh. Chase Budinger is going to be a game time decision.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OUT - None
My Prediction: Rockets struggle with the athleticism of the Thunder for a few quarters. In the fourth they put the game away, win by 7-11.
1 comment | 0 recs |
Thusday Afternoon Rockets/NBA Links
by Only_A_Lad on Nov 5, 2009 2:45 PM CST
in Links
15 comments
Jerome Solomon has a column posted on the Chronicle's website, accusing Ariza of seeming "out of place" as a leader.
OK, maybe not the face-making, but Adelman wanted some attitude.
Ariza kind of brought it, but kind of didn't. He is just not that guy. Never will be.
Ariza just doesn't have the assassin's mentality that makes stars super. Prior to this season, he had never taken 21 shots in a game as he did Wednesday, and it seemed he didn't want to take some of those.
Kobe Bryant was the only other player on the court firing up shots at that rate. Bryant got off 30 attempts and scored a game-high 41 points. Unlike Ariza, Bryant is quite comfortable firing away.
If Ariza had more Aaron Brooks or Kyle Lowry in him, he might be a perennial All-Star. But he is what he is, and that's OK.
The Rockets knew what they were getting when they signed him with their mid-level exception.
There's good analysis, there's bad analysis, and then there's no analysis. And I'm having a tough time deciding if this is just bad analysis or a failure to even deal with what's happening on the court.
Look, it's fine to discuss "mentality" when we talk about players. Basketball, unlike baseball, allows players to take over the game, and so a player's thought process, emotions, etc. really do matter. But at the same time, we (as fans and as writers) need to be able to distinguish between "stuff happening in a player's head" and "stuff happening in reality."
Ariza's problem is not that he lacks some mystical "killer instinct," nor is it that he doesn't have "ice water in his veins" or whatever other cliche you want to use. Ariza's problem is that he can't create off the dribble. His ballhandling isn't pretty, and the result is turnovers and forced shots. A "mentality" is not what makes a star a star: it's pure ability, and Ariza isn't there yet.
Did his emotional desire to play well against his old team lead him to take bad shots? Maybe, but that has nothing to do with an "assassin's mentality" (whatever the fuck that's supposed to mean). Indeed, it seems to contradict that: he wanted to take those shots, and so he took them and failed. The point, however, is that the difference between the Kobe/Lebron/Wade wings of the world and the Arizas of the world is one of skill, not mentality.
The lesson to take from this game is not that Ariza has to "step up and be a leader." That's ridiculous. He, like everyone else, needs to play to his strengths and the system. And if the coaches, front office, and Ariza want him to become something more, then he needs to work on that in practice and in games against the Kings/Thunder/Nets of the league, not against the reigning champions.
As for being a "leader," I think it became fairly clear around March of 2008 who the Rockets' on-court leader is, and it isn't Brooks, Ariza, Yao, or McGrady. He's the guy running the defense and being the real "floor general." But I wouldn't want Battier to try to "take over" the game with his "assassin's mentality," either.
With that particular pile of crap dissected, let's get to some news:
15 comments | 0 recs
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Southwest Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Houston
|
4 | 2 | .666 | 0 | Won 1 |
|
Dallas
|
3 | 2 | .600 | 0.5 | Lost 1 |
|
San Antonio
|
2 | 3 | .400 | 1.5 | Lost 2 |
|
New Orleans
|
2 | 4 | .333 | 2 | Lost 1 |
|
Memphis
|
1 | 5 | .166 | 3 | Lost 4 |
(updated 11.7.2009 at 3:57 AM CST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
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