Game 4 Recap: Kyle Lowry Is the New Year
by Only_A_Lad on Dec 31, 2011 8:49 PM CST
in Game Recaps
Email
PrintWe are witnessing Kyle Lowry's metamorphosis. Normally I'd hesitate to write that because I'd worry about jinxing the guy (alternative explanation: I worry about pinning myself to a bad prediction), but I'm confident that what we've seen out of Lowry in these past few games is the real deal. This isn't the third-year guard who couldn't shoot jump shots. Lowry is a real floor general, the sort of on-court floor leader the Rockets haven't seen since, maybe, John Lucas or Calvin Murphy. This is Kyle Lowry's team right now. The Rockets may have handed him the team last year, but since the last All Star break Lowry has actually claimed the team as his own.
Lowry is everywhere right now. That was obvious tonight when he raced down the court to block Jannero Pargo's fast break layup, but if you were watching the rest of the game, you saw evidence of Lowry omnipresence everywhere. He intercepted Hawks passes effortlessly, he shored up the Rockets' defensive rebounding, and (most importantly) he delivered 18 assists, tying his career record. There were maybe another six assists that should have been recorded, save for the Rockets' shooters blowing wide-open attempts.
This wasn't Lowry's perfect game. He was 0-for-6 from the field, getting his only two points tonight off of foul shots following that monstrous block. He had 6 turnovers, at least three of which were the result of Lowry overthrowing his receivers on fast break attempts. He sometimes tried to do too much, but his excellent vision and defense more than made up for it. This game wasn't important because Lowry carried the Rockets on the scoreboard, but rather because he got all of the team involved on offense.
After the brutal loss in Memphis last night, the Rockets needed Lowry's playmaking ability, and the starters took advantage of his game:
Budinger fed off of Lowry's assists all night, finally putting in a game that wasn't total crap. He moved more off the ball, giving Lowry and the Rockets' big men opportunities to find him on the perimeter and under the basket. Kevin Martin continued his excellent play, showing that worries about his shooting touch were premature. Maybe it had something to do with a 10-day training camp and only two preseason games rather than dumb supposition that he was just pissed at the team or something.
Luis Scola was obviously gassed from the back-to-back-to-back, but he still turned in a quality game, even if he bricked a few open shots and lost some rebounds. Jordan Hill set a career high with 15 rebounds, Dalembert turned in another 10, and maybe Lowry will no longer be the team's leading rebounder.
The team's defense was significantly improved. The Rockets covered the pick-and-roll much better tonight, and everyone played harder on the boards. I still don't think that the Rockets can really be a good defensive team, but they can probably be just a little below average with some effort. The Rockets are still ironing out that defense, however, so we'll see what happens.
If there's any criticism to be made of this game, it's that McHale was perhaps too unwilling to go to the bench. Lowry played 42 minutes and Martin played 40, but Williams, Parsons, Morris, and Flynn didn't play (Parsons played six seconds, but that doesn't count). But the Rockets don't have another game until the third, so I suppose it doesn't really matter. In the end, the decision to pull the starters in the third last night paid off, and the Rockets have won two out of the three games on their b-t-b-t-b, which is pretty good. So, you know, whatever. Good job, McHale!
41 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Actually
I disagree with you on one point, I believe that we can play good defense, once we insert Dally into our starting lineup, and they build their chemistry. We kind off pulled this win tonight with our defensive effort.
Off course, no one will mistake us for Miami, Milwaukee or Orlando on the defensive end (as long as we have Martin, Scola and Budinger starting), but they are showing more effort. Add to that emphasis of defense from our coaches, and I’m pretty optimistic of our Rockets being more than average defensively.
It’s 4 AM over here, gonna get some sleep….
Playing with b-ref before leaving:
it looks like Lowry has the most assists ever without actually connecting with a field goal.
Avery Johnson, Sidney Lowe, and Elliot Perry all had games with 17 assists and 0 field goals. They all also had more than 2 points, as well.
Neat.
Happy New Year Everyone!
I was able to watch the game later and boy it was a fun game to watch. Lowry controlled the game and helped out in so many ways, he is our MVP, also Aaron Brooks who? Hill looked much better, Patterson started to show glimpses of what he can do. Bud played like the guy he needs to be from now on. Last but not least, Martin and Scola showed that they are true professionals and even though many of us, including me, think that they should be traded at some point so that we can rebuild, we are all rooting for them because they are good guys, and along with Lowry, are the backbone of our team. 2012 is looking bright for the Rockets.
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
Can I just note
that Martin scored 27 with only 3 of those coming from the FT line. He also played pretty good D – Joe Johnson scored 15.
Kyle Lowry is putting up All Star numbers right now, there’s no denying it. For anyone who thought he couldn’t keep his gains from last season, it certainly looks like he can, and will.
What I see happening now is that lots of Rockets aren’t even getting reasonable calls going to the hoop. NBA refs, Stern messed with us enough, it’s entirely possible that the other team will foul our players, so you should call that. Also the number of “charges” called on the Rockets is absurd.
Still, we’re past our B2B2B and are at .500. If we get through the next 6 games and have a 500 or better record at the end, things are looking good indeed.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
To be fair.
Courtney Lee played Johnson mostly, Martin was on McGrady a lot.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
I'm not so sure of that.
I remember seeing Lee and Budinger on McGrady most of the time. At any rate, Martin was giving a good defensive effort.
Budinger played well tonight as well.
Atlanta is a good team and we needed the starters to keep them down, and it worked. I hope they rest and get a massage tomorrow, and don’t party too hard tonight.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Martin had a good defensive effort.
But I clearly saw Courtney Lee on Joe Johnson more than a couple times. I was following Lee a lot when he didn’t have the ball so I could tell my friends “Yeah, C-Lee Baby!” every time he did something good, along with flaunting my no. 5 Lee jersey.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Naw man I'm with Xiane on this one
I saw Lee and Bid on T-Mac most of the game. Martin was getting after it defensively. Coach McHale has him playing well on D and it will go a long way with this team.
I hate david stern!
Maybe my eyes are deceiving me then.
18 dollar seats, not the best seats for analyzing the game.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Lee and Martin
were not on the court together very much. They are both 2s. Martin was filling the lanes and was able to knock passes away, which wreaked havoc with the Hawks offense.
It was an excellent display of defense for the youngest team in the NBA. They will only get better. They are responding to McHale’s guidance and leadership. However the season ends up it will be an exciting team to watch.
"Do not panic, all is well" Kevin Bacon in the parade scene in the movie Animal House
I really McHale's attitude
He’s passionate about the game, he makes no excuses, and he never complains about the difficult schedule like Adleman used to do all the time.
by TheDream34 on Dec 31, 2011 11:51 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Yeah, that got annoying very quickly
"Walter is a quality 2nd receiver. Jacoby is so bad that the two of them together is less than just Walter by himself." -Toolshed1
by RocketsAstros on Jan 1, 2012 9:46 AM CST up reply actions
Let's not downplay Adelman just because he's not our coach anymore.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
And let's not let nostalgia overrate anyone.
by BD34 on Jan 1, 2012 10:25 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Not to say he didn't have his flaws.
But now that he’s not our coach let’s not toss his contributions aside like he did nothing for us.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
I didn't agree with how he handled the roster but I admit he did well.
I am leery o Rockets fans I ability to let things go. There is a nasty habit to harbor a grudge, unnaturally cling to guys, or get overly combative about things rather than just be honest about stuff.
by BD34 on Jan 1, 2012 11:04 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
It's so much easier than using clear logic.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Agreed
He was a great coach for us and is a HOF shoe in because he gets the most out of which ever team he has. I wish him the best of luck in Minni
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
by Rockets4LIFE on Jan 1, 2012 10:26 AM CST up reply actions
Missed the game because of New Years! Happy New YEAR TDS PEOPLES!
I might be a lil drunk.
But pretty sweet 500 agasint good teams. Gotta beat bad teams.
Had to spend half of NYE consoling a friend who got dumped but still.
ROCKETS 4 LIFE
Fun, fun game.
Got stuck outside Toyota Center for over an hour with traffic. Happy New Years everyone!
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
That traffic does suck
with all the construction.
"Do not panic, all is well" Kevin Bacon in the parade scene in the movie Animal House
I'm just enjoying Kyle Lowry
special player
by twinkilling0303 on Jan 1, 2012 12:14 AM CST reply actions
+1
Lowry’s been one of my favorite players to watch (definitely my favorite role player) for a few years because of his aggressive, scrappy, heady style of play (he’s the reason I watch the Rockets so much), and seeing him become a borderline all-star has been really fun to watch.
by mr. eggplant on Jan 1, 2012 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
Has McHale decided on a rotation?
Third game in a row and Williams,Morris and Patterson stayed on the bench.
Lowry,Dragic,
Martin,Bud and Lee subbing in for either,
Scola,Patterson,
Hill,Dalembert in whatever order.
T-Will,Parsons filling for foul trouble,ineffectiveness?
Going to be an unhappy camper or two if this keeps up.
My closing shot for the evening.
Looking over a couple of draft sites earlier this evening and there are 3-4 6’11" or so C prospects who might fall to 14-20 range. Right around the Knick’s picks range.
Me,I’d rather draft a young prospect than continue waiting for 25/26 yr old Thabeet to develop,even if he re-signed for minimum.
Patterson played
I find the rotation perplexing as well, but clearly a more set rotation was beneficial to the second unit offense. However playing Lowry for nearly the entire game is not preferential when you have 3 capable point guards (Flynn is still suspect). Seeing how we’re still in some what of an adjustment period with guys not in shape/ not had much time with coach/what did T-Will do to get no PT, I probably expect the rotation to still be fluid until somewhat of a consistent bench play forms.
My question is, and maybe the the shorten season has a lot to do with it, along with the coaching staff might not be on the same page due to the change, but why isnt Morris in the D-league destroying if he is going to get limited exposure. I for one has been a huge supporter of Rockets’ use of D-league assignments.
The draft is so far away none of the draft site are even going to be close to right, Thabeet is somewhat hopeful because he’s just so damn tall
by NVP on Jan 1, 2012 3:59 AM CST up reply actions
Morris not yet in D-League
NVP,
Probably because the Rockets were thin up front. When Patterson was out that left Scola and no-one else other than who had zero time w/the team. Hill was needed at C because Thabeet is evidently considered useless by McHale.
Morris was needed at PF,and for that matter still is. Foul trouble or a twisted ankle(heaven forbid!) and the team is down to one PF again.
Which means this yr is going to be problematic for Morris. The team wants him long-term at the SF yet they need him this yr at the 4. Even if he was sent to D-League which position would he play. Until Patterson shows he’s over the ankle issue and Parsons or Adrien can prove they can play the 4 successfully I’d imagine Morris stays in Houston.
And as a side note,w/Finch in Houston,how comfortable are the Rockets w/RGV as a training school?
Kinda funny,the other Morris-the one who can’t score-put up 15 Sat. for Phoenix as they were getting blown out. Not knocking Marcus,just one of those odd things.
Great game by Lowry, very Kidd like.
To think that he was 0-6 and did miss a couple passes he should’ve made and still coming up with 18 assists is crazy.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
by OJ ATM on Jan 1, 2012 4:19 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Morris D-League
He needs the practice up here. If this had been a regular season he might be there although I am pretty sure they are not sending their top pick to the D League. With the uncertainty of the league with players not in as good a shape as they should be injuries are likely to occur and we might need young Morris to step up.
TWill still needs to run the offense with discipline. He needs to play defense which he has not done very well. He is late trailing his man when playing a trail and does not get to a blocking position when the play it that way.
He still has awesome potential. I think we will see more of him on the road trip.
"Do not panic, all is well" Kevin Bacon in the parade scene in the movie Animal House
Defensive integrity....
it’s something that McHale talked about when he first arrived.. Martin and Bud will never be great defenders, but Martin is fighting through screens instead of just going under every time…. And Bud is keeping his person in front of him and closing out nicely. There are several hands in the passing lanes that may not lead to a forced turnover, but it gets the opposition out of rhythm. Also, almost every jumpshot taken we are getting a hand up and closing out nicely. With the exception of the Memphis game, the Rockets are not committing several fouls.
Lowry is averaging 32.5 mpg which is less than CP3, Rose, and Rondo. Through the first 4 games, he is leading the NBA in assists per game. To go 2-1 in the only backtobacktoback, which happened to be 3 playoff teams, I am very impressed.
If you can feel them, they are real.
Parsons played?
I must have missed it. I thought he would get some playing time. Nice to get a W going into the New Year!
Ketchup & Mustard BABY!!!
by Start the Bench on Jan 1, 2012 11:36 AM CST reply actions
Looking at lowry’s efficiency and pts/rebs/asts numbers on NBA.com, you could argue that Lowry is the 2nd best pg in the league RIGHT NOW.
by Christopher Dion Harris on Jan 1, 2012 12:04 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
When Lowry is on his game
only Rose can really take it to him. He can play with Rondo, Paul etc
by twinkilling0303 on Jan 1, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions
based purely off of this first week he has been playing like the best in the league.
He leads the NBA in assist percentage by a lot, really. The second-best spot is Nash, and he’s pretty close to Lowry (52.7% vs. 51%), but he’s shooting poorly and doesn’t have Lowry’s defense or rebounding. The third-best spot is Chris Paul at 45.8%.
The main problem for Lowry is his turnover rate, which has increased a lot. But he’s still playing exceptionally well. His shooting numbers are good (even after last night’s bad game), he rebounds like a power forward, and his defense is as good as ever. He probably can’t keep up this pace, but that doesn’t mean that he’ll crater, either. I have complete confidence that he can be one of the very best point guards in the league this year. Maybe the second-best in the western conference, depending on how Westbrook does.
If lowry can keep this up I bet durant would prefer Lowry to Westbrook
by Christopher Dion Harris on Jan 1, 2012 4:07 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Remembering the countless AB-Lowry arguments we had...
Good times…
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Quite right
sad that AB got hurt, might have been a real battle. Fact is, Kyle came to camp talking about going out and taking the starting job. Most folks did not pay much attention to it then.
It seems that Lowery has worked at the “creating” part of playing point. I said last year that it would be interesting to see if he took a step forward again this year. Looks like he did. Next major hurdle is getting to the All Star game. Might put up the numbers and not get the national attention.
I'd say those were legit
Shooting was a major weakness in Lowry’s game, and speed and offense were major components of Aaron Brooks game that bother a lot of opposing players.
There were a lot to like with Kyle Lowry to began with, which was why the Alston trade was brilliant. He’s a hustle player, He had better vision than Conley, better at dribble penetration than Conley, and a better man defender as well(though Conley piles up steals), but Memphis had to stick with Conley for some reason. But his inconsistent jumper and tendency to rush limited his ability to both stay on the court and create from teammate.
Truth is a lot of college PG came into the league like that, great court vision, good to great handles but cannot shoot. some of them stuck as back ups if they cut down turnovers and is able to play good defense, and if they develop a good shot, starters, but they dont always necessarily make the “leap”, so while Kyle Lowry was starter quality, there were legit concerns about whether he can contribute as a starter consistently
by NVP on Jan 1, 2012 6:11 PM CST up reply actions
bros
i wuz at da game again an dat boy lowry was cold……u can c da difference between when he is off da court and on….jus sayin…. his presence on da court is noticed big time…… when dat man goes to da bench u can see dat he is givin it his all……jus sayin……its inspiring to me……. it rubs off on da players lik when c lee kept pushin lowry i gots da chills cuz he got me so crunk……jus sayin……. dat boy is a beast
//////been sayin it since we got dis cat dat he was cold(not takin credit) but i played dat dude in 2k when we gots him instead of brooks…..\\\\
Ima d*ck so i shouldnt be dat hard to swallow
by mitmil22 on Jan 1, 2012 5:24 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Bangin
Granted, he’s not as quick. But he’s not made of straw like a lot of the other PG’s. He’s thicker and stronger than most except for maybe Rose. I think he likes mixin it up with the bigs and that’s why he rebounds so well. He doesn’t always look to go around cuz he can go through em, and most PG’s don’t want to bang with him. They’ll break. And for sure, Martin’s D effort was different than what I’ve seen from him in the past. Give McHale some credit, but if I was playing with Lowery I’d want to step up my D as well. The guy goes all out all the time and I think it’s getting contagious.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Dwyane Wade’s hot pink pants: The kind of thing you can get away with when you drop 41
- Lamar Odom to New York? Dwight Howard on the move? For now, it’s all talk
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
- Kevin Durant is tired of hearing about the Spurs
