The Houston Rockets - the most resilient team you will ever meet.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 5:42 PM CDT
in Random Commentary
107 comments
No Tracy McGrady?
No Dikembe Mutombo?
No Yao Ming?
Hey... what else is new? The Rockets steal the ball from the Lakers on the opening possession. Ron Artest (in one of the few instances he actually put the ball in the basket) converts the fast break layup.
From there... the Rockets were off and running.
Shane Battier outplayed Kobe Bryant. Even on the offensive end. Battier started out 5-5 and the Rockets took control early. Only Rick Adelman's decision to play the prevent offense throughout the fourth quarter kept the final margin of victory from being 20+. Thanks for that, Sleepy.
Aaron Brooks finished with a career high 34 points. Battier chipped in with a monster offensive game. Chuck Hayes and Luis Scola got seemingly every rebound there was to get. If you had told me before the game that Von Wafer would only play 7 minutes and score only 4 points I would have predicted doom. Fortunately, I would have been wrong. Way wrong.
Rockets coast to victory. 99-87. Series once again tied. 2-2.
The Rockets head to Los Angeles with momentum, confidence and a surprising swagger. The Laker had no real answer for the tag-team point guard duo of Brooks and Lowry. With Yao Ming out of the game, the Rockets turned the little guys loose and L.A. never could solve that riddle. On the flip side, the Rockets had an answer for Kobe Bryant every time he tried to take over and get his team back in the game. Battier, Artest and Chuck Hayes led the charge and the help defense on Kobe was phenomenal all game long.
Simply put, these Houston Rockets are the most resilient professional sports team I have ever seen. They may not win the championship, they may not even win this series, but no team faces and responds to adversity better than this group. Every time something negative happens, the team shrugs it off and just goes about winning basketball games.
Battier hurt? No problem. McGrady struggling? Yup, we know how to handle that. Artest messes up his ankle? We got ya covered, Crazy Pills. Rafer Alston gets traded? Party time! Carl Landry gets shot in the leg? Make room for more Chuck Hayes. Now they just move on without Yao. Winning one for the Great Wall.
This is a credit to Daryl Morey, Les Alexander and the entire Rockets' management. Without their collective foresight, the team would not have had the resources to overcome the continuous string of obstacles placed before them. And yet they do it without so much as a complaint or a "why me?" (for complaining to a higher power is *my* job! And I do it well.)
Call it a Mother's Day Miracle if you must, but I've never been so proud to be a fan of the Houston Rockets as I was today. Congratulations, gang.
GO ROCKETS!!
(BEAT L.A.!!)
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no suprised
not suprised at all…i posted in a diff thread that we should be able to still win bcz of the heart we have and the faster we play (of course most ppl doubted me)
anyway im not sure y von only played that little…
also i believe battier started 4-5, not 5-5, tho i could be wrong about that…
BRING BACK THOSE REFS FOR GAME 5!
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on May 10, 2009 5:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we didnt play fast
we played great team basketball
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They don't die
The rockets are like Freddy, they just keep coming. Proud of our guys and I agree, the refs in this game where great, they let the players determine the winner.
by Pippreallysuxed on May 10, 2009 6:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Aaron Brooks showed up and dressed up for mother's day
Aaron Brooks = Dwayne Wade = Farnsworth Bentley in terms of clothing taste. Via A Stern Warning
"Officiating has to be a science, not an art" - Rick Carlisle
by Norsktroll on May 10, 2009 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Almost as sweet as Joakim Noah's draft get up
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
“No Tracy McGrady?”
“No Dikembe Mutombo?”
“No Yao Ming?”
You forgot “no longer a slow lumbering team that the Lakers have always had little trouble with”. This is what I was worried about. The Lakers always have trouble with young, athletic teams with a chip on their shoulder. Think Blazers, Bobcats, 76ers, Hawks, and now Rockets. I honestly wanted to play you with Yao more than without. Not saying you are a better team without him, but a tougher matchup for us.
"Don't I know you from somewhere"?. "Nah, that ain't me, I'm from Buffalo" - Axel Foley
by pslakerfan on May 10, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know what you are saying.
No one on LA can stick Brooks or Lowry. (And I thought Hayes did well on Gasol until foul #4 (and only 2 Pau related).
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats interesting because i never thought the Rockets were young or athletic
Brooks is fast, Wafer is fast, and thats about it. Landry is athletic, Scola is not. Lowry is a strong PG, but not athletic. Hayes is big, but no way athletic. Artest and Battier are good defenders and can score, but they dont ever have amazingly athletic plays. The Rockets are not a very athletic team when you really think about it. We never have highlight reel dunks or blocks. Actually, no one on our team dunks a great amount. Landry and Wafer, sometimes Artest, but thats it.
The Rockets didnt win today because they are more athletic or younger than the Lakers, the Rockets won because they played good defense, and LA sucked Bigfoots balls on defense through the 3rd quarter. They never closed out on shots and they gave up the lane way too much, and thats exactly what the Rockets base our defense.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
careful
Don’t confuse “playing above the rim” with "athleticism.
Lowry, Artest and Scola are far more athletic than you give them credit for. Athleticism is more than just jumping high. It’s being able to control and contort your body and make shots when you are spinning, diving or being hit.
The only truly “unathletic” person on the roster is Mutombo. And he’s not going to play anymore.
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Id disagree about Mutombo. Unless you just meant his earlier athleticism was
taken away by time.
Lowry is amazingly athletic, his control and contortions to finish and get a foul are amazing. His handle isn’t quite as good as Brooks, but his passings better, and he only looks slow in comparison to ABZ. Few PGs can stay in front of him.
Scola is the Argentine Kevin McHale, he’s a great athlete, just not a gifted jumper.
Artest? I think he’s fairly fluid for being essentially a 6’7" middle linebacker.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And he must have quick hands for all those steals.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
all good points
but i still dont think we are as athletic as the “Blazers, Bobcats, 76ers, Hawks.” Contortionism is athleticism, but speed and jumping ability are bigger factors of athleticism. But yeah, Lowry, Artest, and Scola are more athletic than i originally believed now that i think about it in your terms.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's an odd thing.
I think athleticism is generally overvalued, if not over rated. The baseball analysts are way ahead of basketball (for several clear reasons not having to do with the ability of basketball analaysts) but I think their breakdown of “Tools” and “Skills” is useful. Being really athletic is great. Having the skills to use that ability is greater. Sometimes skill can make up for a lack of incredible athletic ability – case in point Larry Bird, Tim Duncan.
The whole point of Morey’s (admittedly not totally original approach) is to find what is undervalued, or to pay no more than something is worth.
So there are skills that not everyone prizes. Everyone can see that Kobe is great, everyone wants someone with those abilities. But ability like that is as rare as it is expensive. So sure, you get it when you can, either with money or picks, but everyone competes for that talent and the price is high, one way or another.
Who was competing to get Chuck Hayes? Or Carl Landry (sure after his rookie year, but before?)? How about Wafer? The guy floats around for years, and all the disparagement from his former teams is sort of funny. Does the guy have his limitations? You bet. Does he have his used? Absolutely.
It’s better to get basketball players than pure athletes.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree
My whole point about the Rockets not being that athletic was to disprove pslaker’s theory that the Rockets won because they are a “young, athletic team.” The Rockets are not that young, and are not that athletic.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 11, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unacceptable
After watching the Lakers all season, I thought that they could be in for the brutal bashing that occurred this afternoon. The Lakers, quite simply, lack concentration and heart when playing an opponent they feel is inferior. 0-2 against the Bobcats, 0-2 in Sacramento, 0-1 against the Yao-less Rockets. Phil said as much afterward, they need to feel challenged to play their best. The Rockets got their attention after game 1, and hopefully have gotten their attention yet again. The story should and probably will be entirely different on Tuesday. Either way, today was unacceptable for a team that not only has far more talent but has its eyes on a championship. Credit the Rockets though, they have a lot of heart and play with more consistent fire than the Lakers.
by dav23 on May 10, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Regardless of who wins this series
there’s no doubt the tougher team with the bigger heart is the team in red.
by goingforthecorner on May 10, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Preparing for moral victories already?
Don’t see your team so short
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*sell
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm proud, and ashamed of my pessimism after the Yao injury.
Houston isn’t going to roll over. LA is going to have to beat them.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No they aren't going to roll over
And if you feel like taking the time to look back, I actually admonished a Houston fan before the game, for waving the white flag so early, as I knew the Rockets players certainly were not giving up.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston has found the blue print
It is refreshing to see a team like Houston. No all-stars- all hustle guys with good work ethic and what d you now -they may not need either McGrady or Yao. I know call me crazy but I would try and get Curry + Harrington for McGrady’s expiring. Yao needs a post-scorer who can play 10-15 minutes and actually score. Harrington would just add more depth to PF.
by iyamwutiam on May 10, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we dont need more PF depth
See: Scola, Luis; Landry, Carl; Hayes, Chuck.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't forget
ron ron can play PF too
by clutchcitywillreturn on May 10, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't get a chance to come on here during the game. Were there any trolls?
Probably not for long, cuz normally they would be all over this post right now.
I said “trolls”, not Laker fans, the latter has intelligence, the former is despised by fans of all teams.
by airchina23 on May 10, 2009 6:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
did you sleep
honestly i thought today was gonna be the saddess ever but when i saw the stats with yao being out vs. wins against the lakers made me think of the run and gun possibilities.
chuck=underrated defender. he played great against gasol, bynum, and odom.
everyone felt this one was gonna be an easy win for the lakers.
aaron and shane went off.
the first minute of the game set the tone. they slipped up in the forth but kept the energy.
the speed team won this. overall excellent game! dont sleep on the rockets.
by miss_eve on May 10, 2009 6:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought Chuck did a great job and Scola cleaned the glass like a champ.
Ron Ron had Odom most of the game, the fact he can hold a 7footer down is amazing.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 10, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scola is alot more aggressive when Yao is out.
He isnt used to being the number 2 guy. On Argentina he is the #1 guy. On his teams before he came to the Rockets (i dont remember what country he was playing in) he was the #1 guy. Whenever Yao has been out this season, Scola has stepped his game up because he is more comfortable in the #1 post spot.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
chuck is awesome man
he really does not get enough credit. the nytimes should write an article about him too.
by big jay on May 10, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Resillience?
This team should go on Oprah…
or sign Alonzo Morning
by Bust a Bucket on May 10, 2009 6:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to have this idea
that the rockets have a Alonzo-like starting center, but who will that be? Dwight is impossible, Big Ben is never the 2004 edition, others are no compare to Alonzo. There’re just slim pickings of good centers in this league!
by Old Cat on May 10, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’re just slim pickings of good centers in this league!
There sure is. Fortunately, the Rockets have the best pure center in the league on their roster.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and unfortunately...
That center is looking more and more like Bill Walton. Hopefully he can win a title like Walton did before injuries goad him into retirement.
by Bust a Bucket on May 11, 2009 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That center is looking more and more like Bill Walton
That’s not nice. Yao isn’t that ugly.
Yao hasn’t missed nearly the amount of time Walton did. The question is how much of Yao’s problems are simply the result of poor luck and how much are the result of being a truly massive human being. In any case, a hairline fracture, while not good and a big cause for concern, is not too much of an issue.
And is there really a better investment out there for the Rockets to take?
by Only_A_Lad on May 11, 2009 1:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Yao speaks better English, too.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And how much are the insane requirements his nation puts on him?
I stand by my assertion that the year that Yao finally gets a full summer off will be the season he goes injury free
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on May 11, 2009 7:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's duty free for this one
which’s been decided long before he’s injured. If you think he shudnt have played in beijing 2008, that wud be too much to ask. And after the Olympics, many Chinese fans urged to give Yao a break thru forums and blogs, that’s fairly understanding FMO. So let’s hope an injury free and more successful 2010 for the ROX!
by Old Cat on May 12, 2009 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
big ups to the rockets. tough as nails
"Stay thirsty my friends" - the most interesting man in the world, giving the bulls a pregame peptalk
by Othella on May 10, 2009 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
behind the box score, where the rockets teach the lakers their abz’s.
thank you, thank you.
by the grawlrus on May 10, 2009 7:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They didn't "teach" the Lakers anything any more
Than the Lakers “taught” the Rockets anything by winning Game 3.
The Rockets played a good game, Battier and co. punished the Lakers for not defending open shots, Brooks and Lowry ran roughshod over the guards, Chuck Hayes played awesome post D, and the Rockets tied the series.
I wouldn’t get so puffed up about any “lessons” you think the Rockets taught the Lakers.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Lakers played basketball with half the heart of the Rockets...
then they would have won this series in 4 or maybe 5 games max…with or without Yao. The fact of the matter is that the Lakers should be a championship team on paper but they are not because they don’t take anyone seriously. This is why the Rockets teach the Lakers and not vice versa. The Lakers are supposed to win. The Rockets, however, teach the Lakers why paper matchups don’t mean a thing. This is why we didn’t just start the playoffs with a Cleveland/LA series. If I were a Lakers fan, I’d be worried that this version of the Lakers will be similiar to the early 90’s Supersonics, a great team with no championships. You don’t win by taking teams for granted.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, I'm sure the Rockets have a lot to teach the Lakers...
about winning championships. I mean, your team only just made it out of the first round, come on.
by Blizzard on May 10, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fakers won a championship the last 7 seasons? Kobe will never win again without Shaq. Kobe has never led a team to anything.
by Rocket's Red Glare on May 10, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He led a team to the Finals last year ...
That’s something.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That wudnt have happened if they hadnt stolen gasol from Memphis.
They traded kwame brown for pau gasol, and they dont care about the luxury tax, that just ended up with a runner-up, not so impressive FMO
by Old Cat on May 12, 2009 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Becaues this version of the Lakers has won so much?!
Kobe is still 0 fer 0 when he has to be the number one option. In fact, this team should be ashamed to pretend like they have anything to do with the Lakers legacy. I’ve always hated the Lakers, but I could respect Magic, Abdul-Jabar, Worthy, Shaq, and so on. Those guys never acted like they were entitled to anything. Even if the Lakers win it all, the only lesson that everyone will learn is that Kobe is good enough to carry about of heartless no-talent hacks to a championship by himself, but that will most likely never happen because you don’t win without balls and the Lakers should call themsleves Nuetereds.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just sounds like standard Kenny/Charles boilerplate
I would hope a Rockets fan wouldn’t be down with that, since the Rockets have been the target of those same shibboleths about “toughness”, blah blah blah. Those guys are the ultimate front-runners, always sucking off whoever is playing well at the moment.
by Blizzard on May 10, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i like kenny and charles
Kenny helped us win a championship and Charles played great for our team. I somehow fail to see however, why i’m being a frontrunner by pointing out the obvious. The Lakers lack testicular fortitude.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way to sell your guys short
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yawn.
lose kobe and come blow out the rockets. then write something on your own team’s sbnation page alluding to the fact that such has happened, and i’ll come find you and try to make you feel like an asshole.
by the grawlrus on May 10, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would never do anything that dumb
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so you wouldn’t write about the lakers winning, but you’ll bitch about them losing here, over and again? you’ve now written – what? – half of the replies in this thread.
and lad put it well. you’ve all missed the point. aaron brooks had a career high tonight. he is abz. if you don’t think the lakers are going to try to adjust to this hole in their defense for game 5, you’re crazy. lesson learned.
let’s see derek fisher or trevor ariza or andrew bynum do that. and the rockets are playing with, what, sixty percent of their payroll anymore? let us celebrate.
by the grawlrus on May 10, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just look at Gils profile
He is a Wizard’s fan with nothing to root for so he jumps on the Lakers bandwagon and precedes to rip true fans for supporting their team. Why don’t you check out what the Wizards did this year? They have even less heart than the Lakers.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I rip true fans for supporting their team
Hmmm…
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True..I just ripped you but isn't having an affair with another team kind of not supporting your own team?
“Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been the best player. I love being a leader, and I love being the best. I just want to get better. It’s not about being cocky or selfish or anything like that. It’s just how I am.”
But perhaps you chould change player to fan.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you could at least preface your slams with...
Wizards fan here…Just showing up to your sight to tell you how much your team sucks and how they’ll lose this series because I’m now rooting for the Lakers with my team not making the playoffs.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I'm not a Wizards fan
Kobe is my favorite player.
Gilbert Arenas is a distant second, but he make up for a lot with his personality.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please tell me you are at least from LA
or that you love Kobe’s basketball talent because as a person Kobe is lacking in every possible way. That’s why I love to watch him play but hate watching him be successful
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm from Houston
Just kidding, I live in L.A.
“Lacking in every possible way” as a person is a little bit of an exaggeration, but hey, if you want to make Kobe a villain, and ignore all the good things he’s done, by all means, go ahead.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I wouldn't write on my site that the Lakers taught their opponent a lesson after winning
And you can verify that
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to be honest man
They DID teach the Lakers a lesson that if I was you I’d be happy about. You HAVE to come out and take care of business no matter what you think about the other team. The Rockets played fantastically on both sides of the ball. But only a lackadaisical approach by the Lakers allowed it to get to 29 points.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on May 10, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that angle gets played up a bit too much
The Lakers took them seriously, they just couldn’t do anything about it today.
That’s why I’m thinking it’s selling the Rockets short to say that the Lakers took them for granted. Sure the Lakers didn’t come out with energy, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t respect their opponents. They knew the Rockets would fight, they just weren’t prepared, but I don’t think that comes from a lack of respect.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well one things for sure
kobe’s ego hurt the lakers bad thinking he didn’t need to guard battier. hopefully he takes the same approach in game 5
by big jay on May 10, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand your point
However, it can go both ways. The Rockets played well, and even a good day by the Lakers wasn’t going to get it done. That said, the Rockets weren’t solely responsible for a 29 point lead. I’d love to believe they were, but I can love my team and not be dumb about them.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on May 11, 2009 7:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And on the respect angle
I think the Rockets have earned the Lakers respect, so I don’t think it is that at all
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on May 11, 2009 7:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's face it...
Laker would not beat the Cavs even if they were able to beat Rockets and Denver.
by Rocket's Red Glare on May 10, 2009 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
OK
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
The Lakers can absolutely beat the Cavs. Come on now, the Cavs have played 2 of the worst teams in the playoffs to this point. I know they are destroying them but come on
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on May 10, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It does appear that consistently beating bad teams is a greater indicator of success than mostly beating good teams.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
taking care of business when you are supposed to shows a consistently good team. Losing to good teams is nothing to be ashamed of, they are good teams. Why do Lakers fans think the Lakers can walk all over the Cavs when they can’t even manage to win one game against a Rockets team that has no Yao and no Tmac?
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
game 5 will be really interesting
to see how the lakers adjust to the new rockets and see how the rockets respond.
by big jay on May 10, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
unfortunately...
I think game 5 will be a huge performance by Kobe. Whether the rest of the team will show up with him remains to be seen. Whether we win game 5 or not, I think we definitely win game 6. So either the Rockets close it out in 6 or we go to game 7 where anything can happen.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least they have to come back here again.
And to all those people with 500 dollar seats who bailed in the last five minutes?
Holy Shit! What’s wrong with you? We just comprehensively kicked LAs butt, didn’t you want to watch them mope their way to the tunnel? Didn’t you want to hear the cheers? Was that 5 minutes earlier you go home really worth it?
THAT IS SO WEAK
that Im actually growing speechless. Which I can assure is rare.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there should be a rule
if you give up your seat before the game is over, especially in the playoffs, you should have to give away your tickets to a fan who can’t afford them for the next game.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 11, 2009 1:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Try to see this from the rest of the Nation's biased view ;)
I would be willing to bet that a good number of the NBA’s faux-fans (those people who only know what Kenny, Chuck and ESPN have told them, those who have not watched us before defining us) believe the Rockets are one of the “worst teams in the playoffs.”
It stands to reason, when these opinionated ignoramouses see the Lakers struggle against Houston, while at the same time the Cav’s blitzing the eastern conference, they have more confidence in the Lebrons…
But I agree that the Cavs will do very well against the Lakers if it gets to that (I don’t believe it will, if we don’t beat L.A. the Nuggets will). You have to hand it to the Cavs: Even if their competition hasn’t been at the same level as the Rockets, they have 7 straight playoff wins and a margin of victory averaging 17 points, even with all the garbage time! I don’t care who you are playing, that’s NBA dominance.
I know it’s difficult to draw comparrisons using regular season stats, especially in light of all the injuries and roster changes we’ve had, but here’s how we’ve done against Detroit and Atlanta this season:
-In 8 quarters of basketball, we were only able to score 8 more points than Detroit, but we won both games.
-We split with Atlanta, losing one game by 3 and winning the other by 8.
Can the Lakers beat the Cavs? Sure, it’s possible. Just like it’s possible for the Rockets to beat the Lakers… It’s really annoying to hear idiots like Tim Legler say a team is incapable of winning (annyone know why he hates the Rockets? When he talks about it, it sounds like he’s on of those faux-fans who has an opinion about us, but who’s never seen us play). So to say the Lakers can’t beat the Cavs is kinda off-putting.
I like the Nuggets if they make it, but if the Lakers make it, advantage Cavs… If for no other reason than this- The Rockets and Nuggest will have the Lakers feeling like they’ve been through hell, while the Cavs will be Fresh and healthy (though Boston could wear them down a bit).
by 34forDreaming on May 11, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Article
I agree. I feel like we won a championship already. This team does not know the meaning of the word quit. Last year’s 22 game winning streak was one of the most fun periods of my entire life. It was a spectacle to behold.
Today, I feel proud that a team with a die hard attitude represents my town. I also wonder just how many players on our roster might be better than we know. When they do not have to carry the load, they do not look as dominant. Maybe Aaron Brooks is becoming a star point guard. I don’t know but I know that I don’t care what happens from here on out. We have already won and proven to the world what kind of team this is. Anything more is icing on this already super delicious cake.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So now you're happy with the moral victory, eh?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you a Wizards fan?!
I looked at your profile and the first blog you joined is the Wizards’ and you also have Arenas’ picture up. Funny how you can make fun of moral victories when your real team is out of the playoffs. It’s easy to concern yourself with real, and not moral victories when you just switch your allegiance to the betting favorite when your team doesn’t make the playoffs!
Will you start rooting for the Cavs if the Lakers go down? Maybe you’ll put up a Lebron quote as your signature.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which quote of Lebron's do you think I should use?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry put this quote in the wrong thread but here you go...
"Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been the best player. I love being a leader, and I love being the best. I just want to get better. It’s not about being cocky or selfish or anything like that. It’s just how I am."
But perhaps you chould change player to fan
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll make sure to remember that one
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
use the LeBron quote where he said
“Its almost like Jay-Z saying something bad about Soulja Boy. There’s no comparison, enough said”
If you remember Wizards history, you should know that that quote was from the time when DeShawn Stevenson was trying to get into a trash talking contest with Bron Bron. Obviously LeBron didnt care enough.
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
moral what?
We won the game. Or do I need to direct you to the SCOREBOARD!?
by grungedave on May 10, 2009 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No thanks
I have the address
Toyota Center
1510 Polk Street
Houston, TX 77002
I was referring to the fans who seem to think it’s enough that the Rockets won Game 4.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gils_Keloids on May 10, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's absolutely enough!
As much as I love and will root hard for my team…as much as I don’t think it’s over…the odds are heavily in the Lakers favor…and we wouldn’t even be having this conversation if the Lakers had only shown up. The point is that I absolutely love this Rockets team and will support them even if they lose, but I’m still rooting for them to win even if I don’t fully believe that they will.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
if we’re honest, all of us would say that winning a single playoff game without Yao Ming against the best team in the West is spectacular. It’s all profit.
Is it “enough?” Depends on what you mean. I’d never expect the Rockets to get this far (and, no, that’s not “selling my guys short.”) without either McGrady or Yao. So it’s enough in the sense that I wouldn’t be disappointed if this is as far as they got.
But the Rockets’ goal coming into this season was to win a championship. And so I don’t the team, organization, or fans are going to be completely satisfied unless that happens. It’s what we all want to see happen, but the odds are stacked against the Rockets. I believe that they can pull it off, though.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well now we know we can.
So while its a fantastic performance the Rockets have every right to be proud of, now you have to ask – can we do it again? How about 2 out of 3?
Personally, while I’m not thrilled with moral victories, and would much rather have official ones, how upset can we be with any outcome having Yao, McGrady and Deke sitting on the bench wearing suits?
So I think the Rockets should stay loose and we can play a game of mismatches with each other. Our “center” is 6’6". LA has three 7 foot non-stiffs. On the other hand, no one on La can slow down Brooks or Lowry it seems (Farmar is fast enough, but he often just gets obliterated by picks.
And this point we have no face to lose, and the dice may roll our way.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does ABZ have his own shoes
in China or anywhere?
by benchot on May 11, 2009 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
chuck hayes=
BEAST.
"We don't need refs, but i guess white guys need something to do."- Charles Barkley
by Rockets 4 Life on May 10, 2009 9:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
omg traed yao lol
daryl moron, plz trad eyoa minng 2 som1. Yao 4 dwade make it happin.
by Only_A_Lad on May 10, 2009 10:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I cn haz Vnce Catair?
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHAT A GAME!!!
Damn what a game. I can’t believe what I just saw. The next game will really be the test for the Rockets though. Playing at home is one thing, but if they can play with some heart and hustle in LA, I’ll be sold on them winning this series. I’m still a bit pessimistic despite this crazy victory. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still rooting for my Rockets!!!
Oh and that alley oop to AB was sick.
by erod on May 10, 2009 10:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah, i have a feeling
that the AB alley oop will be a toyota center and FSN highlight reel favorite at games and on broadcasts for years to come.
"[Lebron James] reminds me of a new and improved version of me" - Ron "Crazy Pills" Artest
by ClutchCityCrazyPills on May 10, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that pass shows us that
Artest would be a QB if he played football, but id love to see him at LB. Great Pass Ron Ron!!
Game 1 100-92 Rockets
Game 2 111-98 lakers
Game 3 108-94 lakers
Game 4 99-87 Rockets (kind of)
Series tied 2-2
by TexasHoosier on May 10, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As someone who was there cheering
I have to say it was a righteous ass kicking and very satisfying!
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post
I disagree with one minor thing. One pro sports team weathers injuries better than the Rockets and that’s the New England Patriots. And I can’t stand those guys, but they sure don’t seem to let much affect them. IMHO, not a bad team for the Rockets to be compared to. Your team has definitely shown some stones in this series.
by illcowboy on May 11, 2009 12:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We won more games in a row than they did.
So they play 1/5 as many games. So?
That’s a joke btw, sensitive Patriots out there.
Go to the light. Go to the light...
by Xiane on May 11, 2009 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are no pats fans right now.
They didn’t make the playoffs last season, so most jumped off the bandwagon. And the remaining die-hards won’t care until baseball season is over.
by Only_A_Lad on May 11, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cheating is not a form of resiliency.
by grungedave on May 11, 2009 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd disagree
But defending the Patriots, in any way would make me violently ill.
by illcowboy on May 11, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's sad but...
the lakers actually do have an answer for brooks and lowry, but PJ is afraid to bench fisher for some reason. Fisher is still a good player, and he has his place, but in this series its’ not on the floor. Farmar and UPS (Shannon Brown) give the lakers a much better matchup with the rockets guards.
by rshinsec on May 11, 2009 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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