Yao is out. I'm going to cry. I'm also going to blame Sleepy for this.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 1:03 AM CDT
157 comments
Yao broke his foot. Again.
Okay, whatever. So Yao is out for the playoffs. But should he be? Everyone who watched the game on Friday saw that Yao was hurt and hobbling in the second quarter. Everyone also saw that by the fourth quarter, the Rockets simply were not going to win. Yet Yao played another 40 minutes and was not removed from the game until a minute was left. At some point he went from being "hurt" to being "injured." This should have been avoided.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but what the f--k was Rick Adelman thinking?!?
Sleepy strikes again.
Between the refusal to adjust his rotation, to the refusal to play the "hot hand," to the undying loyalty to his starters (even when that included Tracy McGrady), Adelman has steadfastly refused to pay attention to the events unfolding before his eyes. It was funny when the Rockets were winning in spite of him, but now it's indirectly caused a major injury to the franchise center. This is unacceptable.
So, now Yao joins McGrady and Mutombo on the sidelines for the rest of the playoffs. I could try and sugar-coat this news and say that Daryl Morey's genius has allowed the Rockets to maintain depth and overcome this kind of bad news. That would also be a lie. You simply do not replace Yao Ming.
I'll be at the game tomorrow. I'll be ready to see the Rockets win (and I fully believe they win tomorrow afternoon). I just don't see the Rockets winning another game after that. Landry, Scola and Hayes will do everything they can to make up for Yao's absence. But as much as I love those guys, they aren't Yao. No one is.
It would be like the Lakers losing Kobe. Or the Magic losing Dwight Howard. Or the Mavericks losing Dirk (not that they'd be any worse than 0-3 right now).
Quite simply this news sucks. God has found yet another way to mess with me. Though the "injure Yao at an inopportune time" way of messing with me stopped being funny about five years ago. It's merely piling on now. And that's just mean.
Ummmm, GO ROCKETS!! (!??!?)
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I’m sorry but we have no shot. We don’t have a center anymore….
We have 3 fowards (2 ridiculously undersized) against two 7 footers.
by VBG on May 10, 2009 1:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, go Rockets.
I also believe that Yao didn’t want to come out, and you want your star to be that way. Look at the bruise he was playing with. I don’t think Adelman broke his foot. I know you want Adelman to do certain things, and mostly I agree. But wanting him to pull his superstar for being tough and wanting to keep trying?
So anyone who doubts Yao’s toughness now? Playing with the knee and the broken foot? STFU forever, ok?
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 1:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
coach v. player
If Yao is hurt you TAKE HIM OUT. No matter what he says.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly.
if he would have come out of the game, people would have blamed Yao for the loss and called him soft. He stays in, playing tough, and you knock him. If Yao or Adelman thought he was really hurt, he would have come out. If you read the reports, it wasnt until after initial tests were done late Friday and early Saturday that they realized. Up until then, they had classified it as a sprain, not a hairline fracture.
by TheGreatWall on May 10, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if they wanted to get banned
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on May 10, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was a 6pt game w/ 4min left.
so I cannot agree w/ your statement when you say everyone saw by tha 4th quarter that tha Rockets were not gonna win, unless you meant a minute and a half left in tha 4th. Adleman cant win. if he takes Yao out early in tha 4th then everyone kills him for takin out Yao when tha game was still in reach. I cant be mad at Rick for this. its just how shit goes sometimes
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 1:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
game was still in striking distance, so i don’t blame adelman. also, unless you know exactly when the fracture happened it’s hard to assign blame. injuries don’t always come with immediate pain, it usually takes a while to feel it. don’t rag on adelman for having the same hopes that yao had by staying in the game; that is, the hope to win.
and if this is how you feel about the whole situation, then do you blame adelman for mcgrady’s fall-apart year? dude was playing major minutes all of the tail end of last year and through the playoffs on cortizone shots and and unwillingness to sit down for extended periods of time.
Wafer . . . again. (Marv Albert, HOU v. CLE Feb 2009)
-one of the FEW at Toyota Center who has the Wafer jersey
by olivarezq1 on May 10, 2009 1:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, guys. I’m so sad for all the Rockets fans.
It wasn’t fair when Manu got injured, and it sure isn’t fair now. I’ll be cheering for you today, and I hope the other players can step up and somehow win this series.
Good luck, guys.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on May 10, 2009 1:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is all I'm going to say about the matchup:
The Rockets survived last season without Yao. They played undersized and overmatched for over two months. Granted, that was with a somewhat healthy McGrady and a red-hot Rafer Alston, and with Deke drinking from the fountain of youth for a few minutes each game, but they did it. And they beat the Lakers for that 22nd win.
Is Ron Artest the offensive player that McGrady was, even last season? No, but he’s much better on defense, and I think Brooks and Lowry can outshoot and outdefend Rafer Alston.
If this is going to happen, it’ll be up to three things:
1) Artest playing great.
2) Brooks/Lowry doing their jobs.
3) Carl Landry stepping up and being the force we see glimpses of.
It’s not likely to happen, but if there’s any team in the league that could possibly survive a hit like this in the playoffs, it’s the Rockets.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 2:05 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Hear hear, OAL. Recced.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on May 10, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wrote this below
But I thought it would be worth repeating. I think our best chance is to play ultimate small-ball and hope to force the Lakers to match us. Ideally, I’d like to see Brooks, Wafer, Battier, Artest, and Scola starting, as Wafer on Ariza, Artest on Odom, and Scola on Gasol are all reasonable match-ups for us. We can then bring Lowry and Landry as the first two off the bench and try to keep the three guard look for as much of the game as possible. Hayes can match the minutes of Bynum off the bench to bring our rotation up to eight.
I think running the Lakers to death and forcing them to match our small lineups is really our only chance at this point.
by oelayat on May 10, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
Your a ten, but I'm on eleven!
by JakedaSnake on May 10, 2009 2:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
this opening in rotation should lead to another great ‘ruminations’
Wafer . . . again. (Marv Albert, HOU v. CLE Feb 2009)
-one of the FEW at Toyota Center who has the Wafer jersey
by olivarezq1 on May 10, 2009 2:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I just don't like idle-man.... been saying that for a while now.
The one good thing is that I enjoy watching our bench players more. Whats up with dorsey?
Your a ten, but I'm on eleven!
by JakedaSnake on May 10, 2009 2:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
To quote a great prophet
I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened
by jasonmicron on May 10, 2009 2:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Daryl Morey said that?
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Morey is smart
he is currently looking at coach statistics concurrently with player statistics.
McGrady, Yao & Dorsey = Let’s see what you can do healthy
Adleman = Obviously you can’t produce however we have no one to replace you with
Adleman’s days are numbered. However, I don’t see anyone replacing him let alone working with Artest. Ugh.
by jasonmicron on May 10, 2009 2:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd love that too
but he’s too good on tv. he needs to stay there.
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In game coaching is only one aspect of coaching
No one ever claimed Adelman was an excellent coach as far as in game substitutions and putting players in good situations within the game. However, our team chemistry has been as good as I’ve ever remembered it being the last 2 years. The team has won astounding numbers of games without one of the 2 stars on the team. Granted, Morey has built more of a bench, but when JVG was here, we couldn’t win squat without both TMAC and Yao on the floor. Adelman has had a case for coach of the year the last 2 years. Who would we even get rid of him for?
I think Adelman has done a great job with this team. I especially can’t blame him for Yao. If he hadn’t managed Yao’s minutes efficiently during the regular season, Yao wouldn’t have made it this far. The fact of the matter is that he has a fragile frame with one of the most demanding workloads in all of sports. You can’t blame his injuries on Adelman.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Badnews!!!
Its really sad to see that Yao is injured,now the Rockets have no chance at all,sorry Rockets fans but even if Yao is playing tonight Rockets will still loss but with a bit of fight but his gone so its going to be ugly loss.I like all your fighting spirit and support to your team but im sorry you dont have a chance anymore.better luck next year guys and hope all your players come back healthy specially TMAC and Yao play all year so that you have a chance but still next year if we meet again in playoff its the same story again.Its our time.Go Lakers!!!
by Kobe24_adrian on May 10, 2009 4:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
your time to get smoked by the Cavs if you beat the Rockets
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We will definitely beat the Rockets. No hope with or without Yao. We were winning this series anyway
The CAVS do not scare me. SMH. We’ll see. Just be sure to come over to the Silver Screen and Roll blog when you eventually get bounced so we can continue out Lakers vs. Cavs argument if both teams make it to the finals.
by Emeka on May 10, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely eh?
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sucks
This sucks. I hate this as a Laker fan (no one wants to win a series like this). But I hate it more as a basketball fan. Love Yao, always have. Hope he is back for the regular season. Maybe after Beijing China will ease up on him during the summers.
by TreeLeopard on May 10, 2009 5:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that has been my wish since 2005.
China will not ease up on him during the summers. And Yao needs to tell them to shove it.
by airchina23 on May 10, 2009 6:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
do no1 see tha olympics?
he said he was done after that. he’s gonna have a free offseason
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
8 to 12 weeks.....
is the whole summer, doesn’t look like he’ll be doing anything for China but visiting.
by kmbrly429 on May 10, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ditto
I already felt the Lakers were better than Houston, although Houston definately had the potential to win this series if things kept getting ugly, as the rest of the Lakers’ core doesn’t have Kobe’s testicular fortitude… and of course, if Houston did beat LA, they were the only ones capable of beating the Cavs in the Finals (and I would imagine, rather easily).
But I take no glee in Yao being injured, as it only makes what I felt was a foregone conclusion into a 99.9% sure ending to the Rockets season. As most true Lakers fans will note, we don’t like being told that Bynum and Ariza’s injuries last season meant nothing in the Finals, but all we have to do is look across the court to see how a major injury can screw up, or even end, a team’s season.
Sorry Houston. And yes, next year, Lakers fans will tout how they beat Houston in 5 (or 6), even though Yao went down, but let’s remember, through 3 games in the postseason, the Lakers were 2-1, including a win on your homecourt as well, and 4 straight games in the regular season. Through 7 games, the Lakers are 6-1 against you.
Defense is great…but you still have to score points to win. Games are not going to end with the score in the low 50’s, this isn’t college basketball. Don’t become the Baltimore Ravens of the NBA. Trade McGrady to a on the cusp contender for some young talent to deepen the roster.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
This is horrible, I’m so sorry to hear this, I’ve been telling everybody that Houston was the dark horse to watch for. Wish it didn’t have to be Yao going out like this…
I am no longer able to participate in this discussion due to a moderators request...
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018
by Screen Name on May 10, 2009 6:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
obviously yes!
Rockets is a dark horse surely,no doubt. Even maybe they would be beated by LA.No matter what the result is, the process in this series and the regular season has proved that .
by kalons on May 10, 2009 7:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, except we don't know that,
and as much as you might like to think you do, you don’t. With out Yao, the assumption is of course, much easier and safer then before, but the fact remains, the games would need to be played before the best team was decided, regardless of how it looked after three games, cause it’s a seven game series.
I am no longer able to participate in this discussion due to a moderators request...
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018
by Screen Name on May 10, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even with yao...
i think this series was over, the rockets could have extended it but i think the lakers pretty much had the series by the throat…
it’s just sad that injuries have to screw up good series’
by rshinsec on May 10, 2009 6:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lakers Fan
I’m not a Rockets fan but I have to agree with this article, watching the game on friday none of us could understand why Yao was still on the floor. I like Yao, feel bad bad that he can’t finish the series. He has alot of heart but if I were the rockets ownership, i would have kicked ricks @55 by now.
by lakersin on May 10, 2009 7:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m sorry Yao got hurt as I rather like him as a player and a person. The series against LA gets less interesting now, and the final outcome, though always predictable, has now lost all intrigue. For those who are suggesting that somehow, even with Yao, the Rockets were going to beat LA, consider this, the Lakers have won 6 of 7 against the Rockets this year (the only Houston win squeaked out against a flat LA). Does any rational person really think that Houston was suddenly going to win a series against a team with an 86% win record against them? If you can make that argument with a straight face I’ll urge you to continue smoking that weed while playing me some high-stakes poker.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
just because you keep repeating something over and over again
does not make it a compelling argument.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll give you that I didn't necessarily believe they would win but...
The team now is totally different than the team that played you four times this year. Different point guards, different rotations, no TMAC, plus we were hot coming into this series. Granted, I still think the Lakers are better, but the Rockets easily have 5 times the heart of the Lakers. Kobe is the only one on that team that seems to ever give a shit. That is why they will fall short in the finals once again. Furthermore, Kobe probably only has a couple more spectacular years in him, and I’d be willing to bet it will be the same story over and over. Lakers dominate up until the finals when they fall short every year to a hungrier team with more heart.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heart.....
The Rockets definately have more HEART than the Lakers, so do a lot of other teams!! They will get to the finals , maybe, but won’t go further, heart wins over media pump up, anyday!!
by kmbrly429 on May 10, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how about class?
Granted, this is kinda moot considering Fisher’s decleating of Luis “The Flopper” Scola… but the Lakers have shown more class against most opponents than say… the Celtics or Cavs. You don’t see Lakers showboating after fast break dunks (well…. maybe Odom.. but he needs the self confidence)… or jumping up from the bench to scream at shooters in the corner trying a 3 (watch a tight Cavs or Celtics game… they’re notorious for this).
My favorite teams to watch have been the Lakers, Spurs, and Rockets, and that’s because they play with dignity and class. There’s no better franchises around.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Before game 2 the Rockets had won 100% of their 2009 playoff games in LA. Small sample sizes don’t mean shit.
by seanbergmanrules on May 10, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell that to the last Texan in the White House.
Just because you chose to believe something against compelling contrary evidence doesn’t mean it will happen either.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and the evidence
is neither compelling nor entirely contrary. We’ve adressed this many more times here, and I suggest you look at those responses. Suffice it to say that only two of the reg. season losses were blowouts, and the other two were decided by two possessions. One blowout was while McGrady was playing hurt.
To simply say, “The Rockets lost during the regular season, there is no way they can win now” is foolish.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so why play the regular season?
if it’s all meaningless, and means nothing, why try? Why play the game? Why KEEP SCORE?
Come on, use some common sense. You guys say this is a completely different team, but from what I see, I see three (now four) players missing from those regular season teams, yet what about all of the bench players, the role players. Last time I checked, Yao, Scola, Artest, Battier, Brooks, Landry, Hayes, and so on were all there earlier in the season. They remember those games. They know what’s going on. To suggest they think differently is the view of someone who has no experience in competitive events. When someone constantly beats you, it’s on your mind. You think up ways to try to beat them the next time. And when you fail, it irks you. You want a rematch.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you play the regular season
to establish which are the best 8 teams in each conference. Duh.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still believe
I still believe the rockets can win today’s game. Yes, it will be a tough fight against the Lakers, but the Rockets will not throw in the towel after Yao’s injury. The Rockets just need someone to step up as the leader (maybe Artest). Hopefully, the Rockets bring their intensity tonight.
by DefenseGal on May 10, 2009 9:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am soooooo sorry Rocket fans.
This is beyond sucks. Time to let Crazy Pills just go off.
My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.
by OCBlazerFan1 on May 10, 2009 9:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're wrong
Why does there always have to be someone to blame?
by Enfuego142000 on May 10, 2009 9:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm wrong... why
Usually people give reasons when they offer opinions. So, why am I wrong?
Yao has a history of injuries. This history has shown that minor injuries become MAJOR injuries quickly if he’s not handled with care. Adelman knew this. He also knew that Yao sprained his ankle/foot in the second quarter. He also saw (I presume) that Yao was limping badly in the 4th quarter when the Rockets were trailing by double digits.
Yes, it would have been nice to win Game 3, but not at the expense of losing Yao for 12 weeks.
This is not the first time Adelman has failed to protect his own players from themselves (McGrady, etc.). So, yes, I blame Adelman for continuing to just sit there and do nothing.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see where you are coming from.
I’ll agree to the idea that Adelman hasn’t been ideal in some respects. Id also ask who you think would be a better replacement.
I think the staff was caught in an impossible position on Yao. Was there ANY knowledge to suggest he had more than a slight sprain? Do you sit him then? We really needed that game, you’re at a point where there aren’t many tomorrows and there is no guarantee that sitting him gets you anything later. That you won’t just lose him the next game anyway. I think if they had any evidence caution would help, they would be cautious. If not Adelman, then Morey.
While I see your point, I think a lot of it is simply being pissed off, like I am as well, and looking for someone to blame, or some way that this wouldn’t have happened. I just don’t think its there.
It’s just horrible luck. Again. And I have tickets too…
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not just me
The whole room was yelling at Adelman to get Yao out of the game early in the 4th.
While the Rockets did close the gap to 6, at no time did anyone think the Rockets were going to maintain any semblance of quality play and win the game. At that moment Yao should have been telling jokes on the sideline with Dorsey and the gang.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I was there. I didn't think there was a comeback in the making either.
But would it have helped? I was under the impression his foot broke earlier and he just kept playing.
So basically you’re saying pull the starters, don’t bother with “fouls & 3s” and call it a night? Even if you got it to 6?
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
Yao was hurt and when he was in the game he wasn’t exactly an impact player Friday night… let Landry and Hayes continue the comeback.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
“The Rockets lost during the regular season, there is no way they can win now” is really foolish, largely because those words came from a foolish person, namely, YOU. I never said those words or made that argument. A rational person would see that my argument is that the suggestion that Houston would suddenly buck a distinct trend is unlikely at best and ludicrous at worst. My point is, to put it slowly and simply, the frequency of LA’s wins against Houston suggest an overwhelming probability of LA winning four out of seven, not the other way around. Something tells me that making an argument using statistics is pointless with you. I guess there is truth in the claim that FAN is short for FANATIC.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
please learn to use the reply button properly. ;-)
You’re also misguided. The Rockets team that faced L.A. in the regular season is not even a close approximation to the one in the playoffs now. Rafer, T-Mac and Luther Head were still primary players for Houston in those first couple games. Artest was injured for Game 2. Landry missed the last two games. Next time, maybe do a little research?
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its just like when they say they own cleveland cuz they won 2 games in tha regular season
even tho cleveland wasnt healthy in either of those games
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
I understand what you’re saying, but if you’re going to use statistics, there’s something called SMALL SAMPLE SIZE. Any true statistician would laugh in your face for deriving conclusions bases on a sample size of 4, especially when there are significant changes in circumstances for each game (Tmac, no Tmac, Artest, no Artest, Carl Landry, no Carl Landry, Bynum, no Bynum, I think you get my point by now). There are several good to great reasons why the Lakers would win this series even before Yao went down. That the Lakers established a trend in the regular season is not one of them.
Just in case you don’t understand the concept of small sample size. Imagine if we were flipping quarters 4 times. 3 times it landed heads, 1 time it landed tails. Is the chance of it being heads the next flip 75%? Would it be bucking a previous trend if the next 4 of 7 were tails? NO. This is obviously oversimplified but it shows the dangers of using small sample sizes. PLEASE STOP USING THIS ARGUEMENT.
by Worthy J. on May 10, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with the logic that it does indicate an overwhelming probability of LA willing four out of seven, but there are a lot of factors in the regular season that may not exist in the playoffs anymore.
One could be back to back games, player maturity, chemistry, and adjustments.
Phoenix won 3-1 vs the Spurs last year in the season (winning double digits in the last two games with Shaq) but they clearly lost 4-1 to the Spurs in the playoffs. I’d say that’s a good example of the difference between the regular season and the playoffs.
One, because I think your framework comes in removing other factors in making predictions, while very useful, it might not be accurate all the time.
Rest is a very important factor. Take the Suns this year, they really really suck in back to back games because of a lot of them are old, but when they get enough rest, they’ve beaten good playoff teams (denver, utah, houstan, la, magic). So the point being is that it’s hard to account for the smaller factors involved that may change the outcome overall if you’re just looking at numbers.
Just my two cents. Thanks.
by Azrael on May 10, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LA is more talented, deeper, better coached, and better physically prepared. Clearly you are incapable of making the simple distinction between ‘competitive’ and ‘dominating’, but that might be just because you’re only a lad.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 9:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And still, they lost game 1
Dude, we get your point. But they still have to play the games !
by Chuck DeBruce on May 10, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
again
please learn to use the “reply” button before I start deleting your posts.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LA had a 100% win record during the regular season, and a 67% win record so far in the playoffs. The combined regular season – playoff record is 86%, and both teams have dealt with injuries, admittedly Houston with more and involving key players, but at the end of the day basketball games are won or lost with the teams you have, not the team you wish you had; this is why I never bought into the argument that LA lost to Boston because of Bynum’s injury. Be a fan, support you team at all cost, but when you love for your team devolves into irrationality, I have a right to call you out, just like you have the right to make your incomprehensible argument.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 9:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Your mistake is thinking you're making a good argument.
You have the right to do that too. But since you have decided your position and then found an argument to fit it, it’s useless to continue.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Where was this guy when the Lakers were down 0-1 in this series?
“LA had a 100% win record during the regular season”, so what?
by Chuck DeBruce on May 10, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where was this guy when the Lakers were down 0-1 in this series?
I was right here thanking Houston for waking up LA, and shaking my head at a whole bunch of Texas suckers.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of brave talk now that Yao and McGrady are out.
I imagine LA losing Kobe and Gasol would make me confident too.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of brave talk now that Yao and McGrady are out.
I am not saying anything now that I did not say before, only on different blogs. I only this week stumbled upon yours, that’s why you’re only hearing from me now. I have been telling anyone who would listen than the NBA finals will be played between LA and Cleveland, strictly based on the dominance both teams have shown, but I have shied away from making predictions from the finals. At the end of the day, you win or lose games with the team you have, not the team you wish you had. Injuries are a part of the game, so the argument that “we lost because so and so was not able to play” is foolishness. You lost with the team you had, we won with the team we had, just like Boston beat an LA team without Bynum, but making that case did not change the outcome of the series. Go back to the drawing board. Get your players healthy and let’s enjoy watching them head to head next year.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
“I have been telling anyone who would listen than the NBA finals will be played between LA and Cleveland”
way to go out on a limb there, buddy.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow "I have been telling anyone who would listen than the NBA finals will be played between
Rooting for ANY team means going out on a limb.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
only this week stumbled upon yours, that’s why you’re only hearing from me now.
As if anyone here gives a shit what he thinks.
I have been telling anyone who would listen than the NBA finals will be played between LA and Cleveland
I imagine americaneyedoll sitting at an LA bus stop, telling his new-found “friends” (read: homeless people and the elderly) all about his daring prediction for the NBA Finals as they try not to make eye contact.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your imagination is very fertile, an indication of the presence of deposits of mental manure. I’m actually sitting in an exclusive sub-division in Atlanta. I love our Hawks, but I will not delude myself into thinking they would beat either LA or Cleveland in a 7-game series. Any team can win one game on any one occasion, but it takes more than a competitive team to win four out of seven.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oooh
an “exclusive sub-division!”
You’re a fucking joke.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oooh
No, I only mentioned that because of your silly statement about imagining me sitting at an LA bus stop talking to the homeless. I am in the Atl. and have absolutely no reason to flaunt my financial success. You, however, have displayed no reluctance to display your ignorance and utter stupidity. Unable to make a compelling argument you resort to personal insults, but that’s cool, your heartbreak over the beatdown LA is about to administer is reward enough for me. I’m off…suckers…get a suppository for pain in your collective asses after you get buggered by LA today. Ha ha ha ha ha! Bye, bitches!!!!
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we all gave arguments
and you just kept repeating what you’d already said.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we all gave arguments
I told you, I’m done, but if you feel compelled to continue this, after this afternoon’s game, e-mail me at crymeamotherfuckingriver@Idon’tgive a shit.com.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're priceless
such a good little lulzcow
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
come on
we all know you can’t have apostrophes in domain names!!
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, something doesn't seem right about that address
no, no! Nothing about this makes sense at all!
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, something doesn't seem right about that address
Nice going, Einstein. It’s a joke buddy, don’t take this whole thing so seriously.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I rarely say this, but...
Good god you are an oblivious moron.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm conflicted
I feel the urge to ban him for being so painfully stupid and polluting the internets, but his nonsense is just too funny.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel the urge to ban him for being so painfully stupid and polluting the internets, but his nonsense is just too funny.
Feel free to ban me buddy, but I doubt you’ll feel any better about what’s about to happen to your team. Your attempt to sound rational is even funnier than my “polluting the internets”. That kind of ignorance should be considered a crime against humanity.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
you’re just too much. Never change.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm conflicted
I loved the Damon Wayans character, Handyboy, before PC made it uncool to mock the challenged, so I guess I have no reservations about laughing at your mental handicap. You are doing a real disservice to the Rockets team and many of their fans for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration. Banning me because you don’t disagree with and can’t follow my logic only reinforces my point.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) You gave us your big “I’m out, bitches!” speech a while back. What happened, friendo?
2) Your “logic” is just the same point repeated over and over again (the Rockets lost to the Lakers in the reg. season) long after we’ve all addressed it.
3) I’m not going to ban you. You’ve done little to deserve it, really, and you really liven up the place with the inanity. Beyond that, the thought of you pounding your tiny fists against your keyboard in a vain attempt to come up with something beyond “LAKERS BEAT ROEKETZ LOL” amuses me.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What happened, friendo?
If you must know, I’m working, friendo. I work on my laptop, so I was trying to disengage from your nonsense because I’ve got more important things to do, but clearly that is not the case with you, and because every once in a while I can take a peek at your board, I’m reluctant to let an “oblivious moron” (not my words) have the last word. I consider it my duty to humanity to keep you amused, otherise you might be somewhere else annoying someone else, so if I can keep you engaged, my duty to society for today would have been done. So keep replying, every once in a while I’ll follow up when I need some comic relief. You may actually have a promising career doing stand up in a retirement community somewhere.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm so far into your head
that you can’t stop replying. Best lulzcow evar. Never change.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What happened, friendo?
If there is a therapist on the board, please answer – What is the clinical name for the pathetic cluelessness shared by Anna Nicole Smith and Only_A_Lad that they are the butt of a running joke? If this unfortunate affliction has no name, might I propose compulsive, relexive, assinine provocation syndrome? It would be easy to refer to it by its acronym, CRAP syndrome. Is this ailment widespread or is it localized to Texas? To what degree does CRAP afflict Rockets fans? Is a good, stiff laxative indicated in this case, or is the typical sufferer too full of his own shit?
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
keep it up
your pathetic replies only feed me. And the only joke here is you
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
keep it up
It appears your constipation is both oral and anal, but then again, they may be no difference between your mouth and your ass. I can understand how you’d be conflicted by a good hard on.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly, the sexual stuff forces my hand
but you were fun while you lasted.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly, the sexual stuff forces my hand
Clearly I hit a nerve, you little faggot. Even though you disagreed with my valid arguments on the merits of basketball you did not go through on your threat to ban me, but the moment I mention “hard on, ass, and mouth” you get your sissy-boy panties in a lacy knot. Call me a homophobe, you pillow-biting fag, but I’m glad I outed you. Now call your boyfriend around 5:00 p.m. ET after the beatdown by LA and ask for a sympathy fuck, preferably ass and mouth. Ban me again, I will become your worse nightmare, I’ll do what you can only wish the Rockets would do, come back against every adversity. Now I’m really out, it’s time to watch the slaughter. By byatch.
by american_eyedoll on May 10, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh
and it’s hard for you to "become [my] worst nightmare when you post from a static IP, dumbfuck.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you = embarassment
Can’t you go and like some other team? Like the Clippers?
by tandur on May 10, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait...
You’re a Hawks fan who has jumped on the Laker bandwagon?
Are you by chance related to TrentEdwardsHOF2018?
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re a Hawks fan who has jumped on the Laker bandwagon?
No, I moved to the ATL 5 years ago, and I love the Hawks, always like the play of Dominique Wilkins, but I’ve been a Laker supporter since the days of Worthy, Magic, and Kareem. Enjoy the games, but please don’t take this too seriously. No, I don’t know TrentEdwardsHOF2018.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think the NBA would do everything it could to get a super marquee matchup?
In the finals? Really? Are you sure? Amazing! You should go to Vegas, and make your fortune.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland....
has not played a match up team yet, they have played Detroit who was below .500 and Atlanta who is barely over .500 at .523 and both teams records were below the 7th and 8th place teams in the West, this a no brainer and a bore to the East playoffs thus far. Win they play their match up, then we will see what they are all about.
But, yes the NBA has set up the path for LA and Clev to play the Championship, it makes them money, how does that make you feel as a team in the NBA??
by kmbrly429 on May 10, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only game......
that was worth watching in the East was Chicago and Boston, that was a series, look out next year East here comes Chicago!!
by kmbrly429 on May 10, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't know
about next year, i think they still have a ways to go as in at least 2 more years
by big jay on May 10, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nope
Chicago is going to have a tough time re-signing Ben Gordon. It could make a big difference.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what's their cap situation look like?
And don’t they have his Bird rights? I’d guess that the Bulls aren’t all that concerned about paying the luxury tax.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well...
They have Bird rights, but he wants Luol Deng money.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
not even Luol Deng deserves Luol Deng money.
by Worthy J. on May 10, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
eh
Deng would probably be worth it if he were healthy.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thinking they'll still win w/o yao might be irrational
but there is nothin wrong in thinkin they could win w/ him
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how is it irrational?
The freaking Bobcats beat LA this season. This is the NBA, and any team can beat any other team.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
twice
crown em champs! regular season meeting decide everything!
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on May 10, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
crown em champs! regular season meeting decide everything!
When the regular season meetings overwhelmingly favor one side, it is a good statistical predictor of the outcome of a 7-game playoff series. If you don’t believe that, put all your money on Houston against every other team.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they didn't "overwhelmingly favor one side"
we’ve been through this. Two possessions do not a blowout make.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
Laughing at the small sample size being a “good statistical predictor”
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing better.
For one glorious day Tuffy Rhodes was the greatest player in baseball. Unfortunately he didn’t go on to hit 300 HR that year as his first day clearly predicted.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's called matchups
The Bobcats match up very well with the Lakers at several positions, have a good defensive philosophy, and a great coach. The problem is… the Bobcats don’t match up well with many other teams… and of course it’s hard for younger teams to get as psyched for a game against the Thunder or Grizzlies as it is against the Lakers. (This also goes for the Pacers, who played VERY well against every division champion this season, but the rest of the NBA – not so great.)
The Lakers 4-0 record versus the Rockets did not guarantee the series (that’s why they play the games), but i’s a indicator of what to expect in this series. Although the Rockets appear to match up well with the Lakers, this is purely a defensive point of view. The Rockets have many people who can slow down the Lakers high-octane offense… but now look at it from the flip side. Many of the Rockets key players are unable to generate offense against good defenses, and the Lakers, although not GREAT, are no slouches. Battier might slow down Kobe, but Kobe will SHUT DOWN Battier. Scola might limit Lamar Odom, but Odom can take him completely out of the game. Etc. etc.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody has said that the Lakers' record against Houston this season is meaningless
just that it’s not the guarantee of victory that so many of y’all seem to think it is.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
predictions
I’ve yet to hear a single Lakers fan predict this series as a sweep. Vast majority was 6 (most likely expecting Houston to win Games 3 & 4 at home), some got a little ballsy and said 5, others gave Houston alot of credit and said 7.
It depends on how it’s said. If I say “This series is over in 5 (or 6)” then it’s considered a guarantee.
But if I say “I think Lakers win Game 5, no matter who wins Game 4, and if Houston is the one to win Game 4, Lakers should come in and finish it back in Houston for Game 6.” That’s seen more as a prediction… how I FEEL the games will play out. But it’s no different than what I said before, I just proclaimed it with more conviction.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The freaking Bobcats beat LA this season. This is the NBA, and any team can beat any other team.
Would you put money on the Bobcats in a 7-game series against the Rockets because they won one game against LA?
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
there’s no transitive property in sports.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just like nobody will put their money on Cleveland
because they lost to the Lakers in the regular season (assuming they meet in the Finals)
That makes so much sense.
by Chuck DeBruce on May 10, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s useless to continue because your position makes no sense in light of the evidence. I have presented some, what have you presented? If you tell me that Houston’s losses should be blamed on injured or missing players, I could, using that logic, point out that we lost game 1 because we did not have Kareem, Magic, and Worthy, but that would be useless, because that’s YOUR argument. A better argument would be because were were flat after a layoff and Houston was more energized after coming off a recent victory. You know what happend next, stop deluding yourself. I never worried when LA lost game 1, I actually felt sorry for Rockets fans, because I knew the day would soon come when you’d be tearing your hair out, and the reason for that is simple, KOBE! I never said there is anything wrong with your right to think what ever it is you think, but there is a point at which common sense has to kick in; if I THINK the world is flat would that change the reality? Be a fan, not a fool.
by americaneyedoll on May 10, 2009 9:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ok we all know you are Standard Annoying Laker Fan #3
We know everything you have said or will say.
No need to keep writing. Seriously, none.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
last warning, dude
use the reply button unless you are beginning a new train of thought.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I've said before I'm visiting this site. I live in LA and hate Lakers fans. You actually
have one that knows how to type and look at the drivel he still posts. It really sucks here, lakers fans are classless.
It’s a shame Yao was hurt. I don’t know why the coach didn’t pull him either, what’s up with that? It does dampen the series but let’s see how you guys pull through. I’m still pulling for you, can’t Scola play center?
by eastie Rich on May 10, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we all feel very sorry about this at blazer's edge
"shaq and zach randolph have the same trainer... "
best one liner i ever heard.
by bowdown on May 10, 2009 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It isn’t over yet fellas, have confidence.
by Linix129 on May 10, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to Hear About Yao
Laker fan here who’s also a huge fan of Yao. Nobody wanted the series to be decided like this. As chippy as things got, there was still some great basketball being played. If you could have kept Yao, McGrady and Deke healthy (big IF, I know), you would have been as good as anyone. Morey knows his stuff — you guys and Portland are going to be challenges for us for years to come.
by Felix94105 on May 10, 2009 11:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Aw fooey!
Blazers fan here. This really stinks. I had all of my beat LA juices revved up for Houston. Now things are looking bleak. I’m sorry you guys have seen this happen. Fist Deke and now this. What a drag. I was really pulling for the Rockets. I still will mind you, but it’s going to be an uphill battle.
by pxilpooshr on May 10, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
BS about Yao playing "too much" for China
I’m sorry but all of you who think Yao should quit playing for China because its pointless don’t understand patriotism then… Get this straight – you can do whatever you want, but in the end the NBA is a franchise league… Comparing that with representing your country (especially as their best player) is a no-brainer… Only in the USA do such thoughts existed… I’m from India and have been following the NBA for a while and it always disturbs me… The Olympics in Athens was a rude shock that the USA needed (winning bronze)… Everywhere in the world representing your country trumps all else… Understand that… Yao is the best player out of China, plus he’s one of the most well-known figures in Chinese sport… He cannot let down his country even if he has to let down a franchise in the process
by Thejazzz on May 10, 2009 12:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
also
Look at the number of Olympiads that were in this years playoffs:
Team USA: Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Melo, CP3, DWill, Boozer, Tayshaun Prince, Jason Kidd, and Howard.
Team Spain: Pau Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Rodriguez
Team China: Yao Ming
Team Germany: Dirk Nowitzki
(there could be maybe a couple more, some role players for teams like Russia, I know there was an American on that team.)
As of the second round, there is still 8 major Olympic players (now 7 w/o Yao) in the Playoffs. And the majority of them are showing no ill signs of long play. Even the elder statesman, Kidd, is having one of his better seasons in a few years. Where’s the complaints about wear and tear? I know big men are more injury prone… but what about Gasol (who is the same age as Yao). Gasol has been playing non-stop basketball for 6 years now, and like Yao, is a nationwide hero in Spain as a basketball player.
So bringing up the Olympics as blame for Yao’s injuries, although possibly valid, is also uninformed bitching when you take a look at how many other players are still in these playoffs.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many of those guys are 7’6" and over 300 pounds? Which one? None. And how many have broken their foot before because of extended play and then came back and played again ALL YEAR LONG. None. It’s not a valid comparison.
by erod on May 10, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you can't do your job year round...
then maybe you should find a new job.
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Though they were all olympians… None of them (the American players – unsure of Dirk) logged more than 25 mins a game… Wherea Yao would have been carrying the Chinese team on his back… Plus his height is a disabling factor when it comes to fitness because lets face it, in terms of body strength he’s no Shaq… But expecting him to stop playing for China just so that he can play in the NBA completely is just plain stupid…
by Thejazzz on May 10, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot a few
Team Argentina: Ginobili, Scola (Can’t believe you forgot him), Oberto
Team Lithuania: Kleiza, Big Z
Team Russia: Kirilenko
I do not think you can change the players wanting to/ feeling obligated to play for their countries. But, it does take a toll. And for some bodies/ positions it takes a bigger toll than others. It is so unfortunate, but hard to change. The fans of a particular country would feel just as big of a blow to have their star sit out the Olympics —as we feel a huge blow to lose our star in the playoffs.
by Sour_Patch on May 10, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bummer
Yao injured again. He broke his foot last year, but then played in the Olympics plus a full NBA season AND then the playoffs. We knew he was going to have to play big minutes if we were to advance anywhere in the playoffs. I don’t know that this was preventable at all. Even if Deke hadn’t of gotten injured. Deke would take up a few minutes, but honestly against a team like the Lakers, can we afford to have our best player on the bench for an extended period of time? Not in my opinion.
I don’t blame Adleman for this. It’s really nobody’s fault, I guess. Yao is just too big to be playing basketball at such a competitive level for so long(overseas and NBA). His body simply cannot take it. It’s not like taking him out when he started limping would have prevented this injury. Stress fractures are caused by repeated stress. For example, a 7’ 6’’ 300 lb guy trying to play competitive basketball all year long, right after breaking his foot the previous year.
If it didn’t happen this game, it would have happened the next game.
Oh well, at least we got out of the 2nd round. Darly Morey is a great GM and I have faith he will continue to make this team even better.
by erod on May 10, 2009 12:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tandur i don't agree with your points
Though they were all olympians… None of them (the American players – unsure of Dirk) logged more than 25 mins a game… Wherea Yao would have been carrying the Chinese team on his back… Plus his height is a disabling factor when it comes to fitness because lets face it, in terms of body strength he’s no Shaq… But expecting him to stop playing for China just so that he can play in the NBA completely is just plain stupid…
by Thejazzz on May 10, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
HIGH HOPES FOR THE ROCKETS!
Its really a big letdown if YAO is out for the season.. its a ta11 order for our team to survived lakers.. .but we still have a chance to do it ,provided if everybody in the roster will step up their games 11 notch higher..they should know their roles, and they should have a MJ TYPE OF ATTITUDE in a game.. i think chemistry is much needed and rotate the ball, and Look for the opening, AVOID too much dribbling, (BROOKS) it never add points in the scoreboard anyway,.I assured we can win if theres a team play, team work, not a gang-ho selfish style do it yourself attitude..Adelman should use more of his bench to the fullest esp. like brent barry, brooks, and von wafer, they can shoot the lights out! Then we will have a chance to bring down the lakers deep on the ground!
by cageben on May 10, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
best chances are...
Lakers are notorious for several things in the playoffs:
A) Not finishing of a team in an elimination game
B) Being rusty in Game 1s after extended layoffs
C) Assuming victory is a sure thing
Item B has already happened, hopefully won’t see that again. As for Item A, so far over the past two seasons, the Lakers have had that killer instinct, as Phil likes to call it, and finished off teams after going up 3-0, 3-1, or 3-2. But this was a problem for the Kobe-Shaq Lakers. And finally, Item C. If the Lakers come out and pull a Philadelphia 76ers, but while on the road (!!), I fully expect the Lakers core to come out flat. I know Kobe will want to finish off Houston, not give them a chance to give themselves confidence that they can still win without Yao, but the rest of the team doesn’t have Kobe’s drive. Only 1 more hour to find out!
by tandur on May 10, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont agree with you Dave, sorry.
It was a 6 pt game midway through the 4th. If Sleepy took Yao out and he wasnt injured, but the rockets lost a close game, then Adelman would be blamed for the loss. Leaving Yao in gave us the best chance to win game 3. I think you are fishing for someone blame, when there really is no one to blame.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Series Tied 1-1
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That blows
I am sorry to hear that, especially after this has been such a tough and theatrical series to watch with Yao Ming. I think this might bring out some ferocity unseen in the Rockets before.
Life is hilarious.
by SolGoode on May 10, 2009 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lets hope so
or it could bring out nothing in them. I think it will be ferocity though, atleast for the 1st half.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
lakers lead 2-1
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's really hard to place blame on Adelman
Coaching against the Lakers in the conference semi-finals is difficult enough without also having to play team trainer. Yao and the team medical stuff ALL believed it was simply a sprained ankle- that diagnosis remained until yesterday when the hairline fracture was found. How was Adelman supposed to know it was a more serious injury when the Rockets’ own medical stuff had no idea?
I know it’s absolutely gutting to have Yao go down again, but putting blame on Adelman to somehow alleviate that pain isn’t too useful. He’s been fantastic this year, guiding the team through so much adversity already…and really got us ready to play toe-to-toe with the best team in the NBA.
I don’t think the series is ABSOLUTELY over, but our chances have been reduced dramatically. Adelman needs to go small-ball and force the Lakers to adjust. A starting lineup of Brooks, Wafer, Battier, Artest, and Scola would be ideal, with Hayes matching the minutes of Bynum off the bench. Ron-Ron needs to show up and not to try to win the game on his own. At the same time, we need BIG games from Scola and Brooks.
by oelayat on May 10, 2009 1:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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