The Houston Rockets

[JohnBM01]

I'm not making this thread just to represent my hometown team. With the playoffs coming up, the Rockets are looking to return to the NBA Playoffs, and also to win back what they had in 1994 and 1995- the NBA Title. Of course, then we had perhaps the biggest name, Hakeem Olajuwon. Houston had some tough losses against teams like Miami, Golden State, and (of all teams) the expansion Charlotte Bobcats. As I type this (10:39 PM 4/11/05), they're playing Seattle, leading 53-48 just past 5:30 in the 3rd Quarter. So, how far do you think H-Town will go through the 2005 NBA Playoffs?

By the way, they beat the Sonics at Seattle by a score of 90-78. McGrady with 38 points, 11 rebounds. Yao Ming with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

 

[a6m5]

I'm thinking second round at best. Yao is a pretty good center(but, no Hakeem), and I hear T-Mac is now a pretty decent playmaker. If Rocket have a good bench, they should make some noize.

I'm rooting for the Spurs and the Pacers in the playoffs. 👍

 

[JohnBM01]

Rockets have maybe three games left. I'm not sure which are home games or away games, but their next opponents are going to be pretty tough- Denver, ???, and Seattle. They knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies just last night. The dagger to the heart was Tracy McGrady's two completed free throws which brought the team's score to 100 even. Worse enough, T-Mac was fouled in the fourth quarter at 0:00.02 seconds left! I'm sorry, but if you're down by more than 3 points and you foul the other team with this much time left, a comeback JUST ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN.

The chemistry between Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming is a pretty good one. Then we have Bob Sura, Padgett, and even Clarence Weatherspoon to name a few. I think with a good bench and a consistent starting five, the Rockets should be tough to beat. I don't think they are the 2003-2004 Detroit Pistons, but their main enemies down the road would have to be the other two Texas teams (San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks), the Phoenix Suns, and maybe even the Seattle Supersonics as well.

 

[rollazn]

Tracy McGrady is one of the best and most entertaining to watch in my opinion. The incredible 13 points in 35 seconds still shock me to this day. Tracy McGrady hits 4 straight 3 pointers including a 4 point play when they faced the Spurs on December 9, 2004. The game ended in 81-80, and Houston took the win over the Spurs. It was as great of a moment as when Reggie Miller did the comeback in the playoffs against the New York Knicks.

Yao Ming - needs to work on his game. He gets fouled out too much in this season. He doesn't have play that many minutes nor does he gets a lot of shot attempts. Yao needs to get more aggressive.

Houston Rockets as a team... They have already clinched a play off spot. Is there a chance they will be the NBA Champions... it's unlikely but not impossible. They recently beat the Suns and Seattle. Some of the better teams in the NBA.

 

[a6m5]

Houston Rockets as a team... They have already clinched a play off spot. Is there a chance they will be the NBA Champions... it's unlikely but not impossible. They recently beat the Suns and Seattle. Some of the better teams in the NBA.

I always bet against the running offense team in the playoffs. I even told my co-worker, who's an huge Jason Kidd fan, that Kidd will never win a championship. Having said that, Phoenix has two players I've always admired and they are Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. I still bet against the Suns, but if Stoudemire and Marion dominate, they have a shot, IMO. I don't think the Sonics( 👎 ) have a chance.

P.S. I agree that T-Mac is an awesome player. If he really is an good passing player, I'd rate him higher than Kobe. Also, I'm a fan of Coach Van Gundy. If he can get his team to play dirty, physical game, they'll probably be as good as anybody, IMO.

 

[Saleen Man]

I think Tracy McGrady is an outstanding player, and the chemistry between him and the rest of the Rockets is a lot better this year. I think Yao Ming should be a lot more dominant than he is. A guy his size should average a lot more than 8 rebounds.

As for the team, I think if they go into the playoffs #6 like they are right now, they have the best chance of advancing against the Sonics. I'd bet against them if they ended up playing Dallas, and especially if they drop to 7 and get the Spurs.

 

[JohnBM01]

Well, all three Texas teams are tough on the court. Which other Texas team do you think will be a tougher battle in the playoffs: San Antonio or Dallas? How do you like the tandem of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming? I know I've read about T-Mac with the Rockets, but what about T-Mac and Yao?

 

[rollazn]

I don't really like the San Antonio Spurs at all, and without Tim, I don't see them winning the championship at all. The Dallas Mavericks are wonderful. They have a great roster - along with the superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Michael Finley, Stackhouse, and Terry are all great player as well. They are going to be a hard team to defeat.

There is no doubt that T-Mac and Yao are the two superstars of the Houston Rockets. T-Mac is a great all around player. Yao Ming is only 3 year in the NBA, even though you may think he is good right now - Yao will only get better as the years progress. As a team - they are a great duel, like Wade and Shaq.

Plus we will see what the Rockets are made of... When they face a raging hot Denver Nuggets. Note that Denver has won all of it's last 10 games defeating some of the hardest teams out there. They both have a record of 48-31 and with a win on either side will put them into the 6 spot. I can't wait for this great match up - and frankly - I have five dollars on the Rockets against my friend. Lets hope the Rockets can crush the Nuggets.

 

[a6m5]

Well, all three Texas teams are tough on the court. Which other Texas team do you think will be a tougher battle in the playoffs: San Antonio or Dallas? How do you like the tandem of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming? I know I've read about T-Mac with the Rockets, but what about T-Mac and Yao?

My money's on the Spurs(figure of speech), but I picked them last year also and got ran over by the Lakers. I'm hoping I'm right this year.

T-Mac & Yao combo is very good, and should be as good as any in the near future. I think they will be one of the best, if not the best duo in a couple of years.

I don't really like the San Antonio Spurs at all, and without Tim, I don't see them winning the championship at all. The Dallas Mavericks are wonderful. They have a great roster - along with the superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Michael Finley, Stackhouse, and Terry are all great player as well. They are going to be a hard team to defeat.

There is no doubt that T-Mac and Yao are the two superstars of the Houston Rockets. T-Mac is a great all around player. Yao Ming is only 3 year in the NBA, even though you may think he is good right now - Yao will only get better as the years progress. As a team - they are a great duel, like Wade and Shaq.

Plus we will see what the Rockets are made of... When they face a raging hot Denver Nuggets. Note that Denver has won all of it's last 10 games defeating some of the hardest teams out there. They both have a record of 48-31 and with a win on either side will put them into the 6 spot. I can't wait for this great match up - and frankly - I have five dollars on the Rockets against my friend. Lets hope the Rockets can crush the Nuggets.

I repect all of what you said, except the highlighted "San Antonio" part. If you take the best player out of, any playoff contending teams, they won't win an championship, IMO. For example:

Dallas: Dirk Nowitzki
Miami: Shaq or Wade
Detroit: Ben Wallace
Seattle: Ray Allen
Phoenix: Nash or Stoudemire
Denver: Carmelo Anthony

I probably missed few teams with realistic chance of winning the championship, but I doubt any of these teams will play well, let alone win a championship, without their best player.

 

[rollazn]

My money's on the Spurs(figure of speech), but I picked them last year also and got ran over by the Lakers. I'm hoping I'm right this year.

T-Mac & Yao combo is very good, and should be as good as any in the near future. I think they will be one of the best, if not the best duo in a couple of years.


I repect all of what you said, except the highlighted "San Antonio" part. If you take the best player out of, any playoff contending teams, they won't win an championship, IMO. For example:

Dallas: Dirk Nowitzki
Miami: Shaq or Wade
Detroit: Ben Wallace
Seattle: Ray Allen
Phoenix: Nash or Stoudemire
Denver: Carmelo Anthony

I probably missed few teams with realistic chance of winning the championship, but I doubt any of these teams will play well, let alone win a championship, without their best player.

Um... Isn't that what I said? Without Tim - the Spurs have no chance in winning the championship.

 

[Saleen Man]

I think San Antonio will be the toughest team to beat in the playoffs - as long as Duncan can stay healthy.

T-Mac and Yao are a very good duo, but they will never be a Wade & Shaq, or a Kobe & Shaq, simply because Yao Ming will never be as dominant as Shaq is.

 

[a6m5]

Um... Isn't that what I said? Without Tim - the Spurs have no chance in winning the championship.

By singling out San Antonio, I thought you meant this was some special case just with the Spurs. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

I think San Antonio will be the toughest team to beat in the playoffs - as long as Duncan can stay healthy.

T-Mac and Yao are a very good duo, but they will never be a Wade & Shaq, or a Kobe & Shaq, simply because Yao Ming will never be as dominant as Shaq is.

You mean, Yao will never getaway as much as Shaq?(3seconds, offensive, etc.)

 

[JohnBM01]

Okay, ESPN had the game (I didn't see it), and here's the score from the Denver at Houston game:

Denver Nuggets: 85
Houston Rockets: 117

Houston snapped Denver's 10 game winning streak. Maybe it's just me, but if you can beat a team like Denver with a player like Carmelo Anthony, you can beat almost any team. It was sheer skill and pure determination on the behalf of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and all the others who contributed to getting this big win. I believe all of their remaining games are at Toyota Center, so Houston won't have to worry about a rowdy crowd in a road game. I'm starting to think that the Rockets really want to win it all. If they can keep up the good work and give 100% or more (even in losing efforts), you're perhaps looking at the 2004-2005 NBA Champions. And then the long spell since 1994 and 1995 will finally see H-Town carrying the hardware. Houston has a chance to get back what they had missing since 1995. The playoffs start next weekend, and it should be fun to see how well the Houston Rockets will do.

 

[Saleen Man]

Okay, ESPN had the game (I didn't see it), and here's the score from the Denver at Houston game:

Denver Nuggets: 85
Houston Rockets: 117

Houston snapped Denver's 10 game winning streak. Maybe it's just me, but if you can beat a team like Denver with a player like Carmelo Anthony, you can beat almost any team. It was sheer skill and pure determination on the behalf of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and all the others who contributed to getting this big win. I believe all of their remaining games are at Toyota Center, so Houston won't have to worry about a rowdy crowd in a road game. I'm starting to think that the Rockets really want to win it all. If they can keep up the good work and give 100% or more (even in losing efforts), you're perhaps looking at the 2004-2005 NBA Champions. And then the long spell since 1994 and 1995 will finally see H-Town carrying the hardware. Houston has a chance to get back what they had missing since 1995. The playoffs start next weekend, and it should be fun to see how well the Houston Rockets will do.

Ok, ok, wait just a second. Denver is a good team that's playing well right now, that's all. Carmelo Anthony isn't a great player, at least not yet. And yes, I'm sure the Rockets do want to win it all, but so does every other team that'll be in the playoffs in a week. And the other teams that want it just as much, some of them are better than your Rockets. Sure, the Rockets are good, but I still don't think they're going to go that far into the playoffs.

 

[a6m5]

Ok, ok, wait just a second. Denver is a good team that's playing well right now, that's all. Carmelo Anthony isn't a great player, at least not yet. And yes, I'm sure the Rockets do want to win it all, but so does every other team that'll be in the playoffs in a week. And the other teams that want it just as much, some of them are better than your Rockets. Sure, the Rockets are good, but I still don't think they're going to go that far into the playoffs.

I agree. I apologize for not knowing the Rockets roster very well, but I think they are proabably couple of pieces away from being a championship contender.

Ok, I just checked the Rockets roster and it's pretty impressive. I forgot they have Sura, Juwan Howard(is he out?), David Wesley, Mutombo. I didn't even know they had Jon Barry(flopper 👎 ), Vin Baker, Charlie Ward.

Wesley and Sura's pretty good. Looks like they are thin at the PF. Howard is just alright, but looks like he's out for the remainder of the season. With another muscle at the PF position, Houston could be pretty good, IMO(please, take our Zach Randolph!). 👍

 

[rollazn]

I'm 5 dollar richer from the game...

Anyways I watched the entire game - and without the bench players like James, Barry, Mutombo, and Padgett, they would have lost to Denver. They were down - and none of the starters were doing that great until the second half. Sura was scoreless out of one shot attempt and had 5 personally foul. James did very well replacing Sura.

McGrady scored 32 points, making 6-for-7 from the arc, and also added eight assists. But he really didn't get hot until the second half of the game. James did some pretty good shooting of his own for Houston (49-31), scoring 23 points while connecting on 9-for-12 attempts from the field.

The only 3 players from the starting line up scoring over 10 points are Tracy McGrady (32), David Wesley(10), and Yao Ming (13). There are 3 players from the bench that scored over 10 points as well Mike James (23), Scott Padgett (13), and Mutumbo (11).

Without James, Mutumbo, and Padgett... the rockets would have no chance.


EDIT: Yes Howard is out - and its a big lost for them. Weatherspoon cannot replace Howard and that is a known fact. He isn't as good on the offensive or defensive side. Hopefully Howard can recover before the playoffs.

Padgett is not that good on the defensive side - but on the offensive - he is a straight 3 point shooter. Hitting 3 out of 6 on this game.

 

[JohnBM01]

Dang, man... the Supersonics came to Houston, and trailed 59-38 at the half, 90-57 after 3, and the game ended with a 106-78 hurting on the Sonics. The Sonics big man was ejected in the third quarter of play. I think this game was basically the Rockets' way of saying "you want the NBA title? Have to go through us!" I think by the half, the Rockets shot about 59% outside the paint. The thing about this last game was that the Rockets didn't have T-Mac. A majority of the points came from Sura, Weatherspoon, Barry, Yao Ming, and Mike James. This was a great game ONLY if you aren't a Sonics fan. And I'm not taking away from the Sonics. They WILL be in the playoffs with their own problems.

Of course, Houston will play against Dallas in Dallas this Saturday at about 4:30 PM CDT. The Rockets will be the fifth seed in the Western Conference. This will be their return to the NBA Playoffs. Of course last time, there was no T-Mac. This season, they started 6-11 to finish 51-29. So if you played Word Association with the Rockets, I'd say either "Reconstruction," "Recovery," maybe even "Comeback."

It seems like Houston is saying "Bring on Dallas!" Of course, Dallas is like "Bring on Houston, since the first two games will be in Dallas. Then they hit my hometown for games 3 and 4. And if you're in the Houston Area, the home games here will be on next Thursday and next Saturday at the Toyota Center. If in Dallas, the Games 1 and 2 will be on Saturday afternoon and Monday night.

 

[a6m5]

I went to see the Blazers finish the season tonight against the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Blazers won(if Utah won, or Blazers lost, we would have finished in 4th position(I think) for the lottery). I got to see them from the box/suite for the first time, so it was really cool. I almost got in trouble, when I started cheering for Kobe.

I did see the final score of the Houston's smack down of the Sonics. Congratulations. 👍 Good luck in the playoffs!(except when you play the Spurs or the Pacers).

 

[JohnBM01]

Let's say the Rockets make it to the Finals. Who would provide the best competition for the Rockets in the Eastern Conference?

 

[a6m5]

Miami would the most entertaining match for Houston, IMO. I think Detroit is the scariest team in the East.

 

[JohnBM01]

The first two games played in Dallas, Houston did a tough job- win a playoff games on the road. After game two, Yao Ming shot 33 and put up 8 assists. Tracy McGrady got 28 points, 10 assists, and 8 blocks. The Game 2 result was 113-111, as a quick Rockets lay-up broke the tie with only 2 seconds to go. Finley had a chance for the Mavericks to bring the game to overtime by shooting inside the paint. The shot looked close, but didn't go in.

Houston now leads 2-0 as the series heads to the two Houston games. Houston's hoping the 1st Round will go in four games, but don't count out the Mavericks. They are still a tough team. After all, if you make it to the playoffs, you proven yourself as a great team. All you have to do now is to beat tougher teams down the stretch.

What are your thoughts of the series so far as the game heads to Houston this Thursday night? What will the Mavericks have to do to hold down the Rockets? How do the Rockets stay fresh down the stretch?

 

[JohnBM01]

The Rockets win streak is over as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Rockets. It kind of seemed like the Rockets did a little better on the road. It was said that the Rockets had the third worst home winning record. If trends continue, we may see the series go 2-2. Tracy McGrady had exceptional firepower on the court, Yao Ming got into too much foul trouble. The 4th Quarter consistency went down considerably.

Game 4 is in Houston on Saturday Afternoon (don't know an exact time).

 

[JohnBM01]

What a pre-Mother's Day present if you're a Rockets fan. Man, I tell you. I heard the Rockets NEVER led tonight, and after a while, I just went back to the newest game to my family of games, TOCA Race Driver 2. Almost felt like crying. This was almost as bad as when Villanova embarrased Kansas in college hoops. Mr. James was ejected, the 3-pointers and such didn't go down, and Dallas was rowdier than here in Houston. They lose to like, what? 116-76? My goodness.

So now this thread is basically a look back at the Rockets season, plus your take on the Rockets not advancing to the Western Semi-Finals.

You know what, I'll state this right now. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming are a hell of a pairing. T-Mac thought it would be cool to team up with Yao, and all season, they had a bit of a slow start, but came from behind to advance to the Playoffs. I actually thought they would stand a better chance this season than last. But as TNT's little slogan goes, "Win or Go Home." Apparentely, I'd hate to be on the same bus or locker room with the Rockets. I think they are still my champions regardless of this saddending display in Dallas. Somebody needs to win for Houston. The Astros lost to the Cardinals this past MLB season, the Texans (in their third year) went to 7-9 and probably could have won a few more games, I think the Aeros are doing pretty well in the IHL, both Houston Cougar basketball teams lost in the first round in the NIT (Men's), and the NCAA (Women's) tournaments. Just hope someone can put us on the map. Until then... better luck next season, Rockets.

Carry on if you wish.

 

[a6m5]

Sorry Dude! At least the Rockets has young, promising roster. T-Mac & Yao hasn't reached their prime yet.

P.S. Go Pacers & Spurs! :tup:

 

[Saleen Man]

T-Mac and Yao had no help last night. They score 76 as a team, and those two combined for 60 of those points. Usually if you see McGrady and Yao combining for 60, you'd think Houston had a good chance of winning. It's a shame they got no help. Ah well, I'm looking forward to Dallas and Phoenix. What a series that should be. 👍

Go Wizards!

 

[a6m5]

T-Mac and Yao had no help last night. They score 76 as a team, and those two combined for 60 of those points. Usually if you see McGrady and Yao combining for 60, you'd think Houston had a good chance of winning. It's a shame they got no help.

Bench scored just 16 points? It's hard to play basketball, when only two guys show up on your team......

Ah well, I'm looking forward to Dallas and Phoenix. What a series that should be. 👍

Yeah, this should be an great series. I never bet on the running, fast breaking offense, but players like Marion and Stoudemire could pull it off, IMO. I wonder which team won the regular season 4 game series......

Go Wizards!

Are they playing the Heat? If you are playing Heat or Pistons in the East, you can forget about it(Go Pacers! ).

 

[rollazn]

Good luck to the Houston Rockets - next season. I can't wait. They need better bench players though - including a good power foward (especially, since Howard is out with the injury) and a point gaurd.

Who thinks Mike James is better than Bobby Sura? Does James deserve to be a starter - in place of Bob Sura? In the playoffs - Mike James was more effective than Sura (I believe from what I can remember).

 

[Ram-Rod]

Indeed.They do need better bence players. The only somewhat god bench player i saw was Jon Barry. And im not just sticking up for my home team but Tracy McGrady did great in the playoffs. But he needs better player around him. A question to the people here. Who do you think is a better role player for the Rockets? Bob Sura or David Wasley?

 

[rollazn]

David Wesley is better in my opinion. Bob Sura with the back injury - is going downhill. If they keep Sura - I would put him on the bench and start Mike James.

 

[JohnBM01]

A bit of Rockets news is that Yao Ming will stay with the Rockets for at least five more years at around $80M. My only concern is, can someone get him out of foul trouble? The Rockets mostly use Yao when involved in inside passing, not to mention a good blocker. I still hope that Tracy McGrady, Mr. Sura, Padgett, and company, can make the most of this upcoming season.