The Houston Rockets Thread

[Modifly]

I'm seriously starting to think that Adelman has forgot how to coach properly after the Rockets lost to the Bulls today. Up by three in the waning seconds, the game was pretty much in our hands. All we had to do was foul Rose, get him to the line, get the possession back, and head right back to the line ourselves. True, we missed freethrows which gave the Bulls a chance to tie the game but had we fouled them on the last play, this would have been a done deal. Props to Rose for hitting that tough shot, but no credits whatsoever to Adelman on that last play.

Absolutely have to foul. Or foul. or foul. Rockets let Rose dribble, give up the ball and get it back, and then hit 3 at buzzer to force OT.

Also, I don't understand why Martin only played 27 minutes tonight. Was he on the floor during the 4th and OT at all? Another Adelman's classic this season. "Oh, he's playing well, bench him." Way to go, benching your number one scoring option. It wasn't like he was struggling or anything. SMH.

[Axel The Great]

Yeah, substitutions were extremely scarce this game for us; no substitutions in the third from Rick! I still don't understand why Adelman didn't put Martin in at least in the last minute of the game. Didn't Rose get it to Noah or Gibson before taking that three? My, my, should've just fouled one of the three, they're not good free throw shooters, and we could've easily taken it, and avoided OT.

Still satisfied with their performance though, the fact that fatigue was a big factor, Martin was sick, and despite all the offensive tip-ins that we allowed, we still put up a hustling performance. What a difference Yao and AB would've made in that game though.

[Modifly]

Still satisfied with their performance though, the fact that fatigue was a big factor, Martin was sick, and despite all the offensive tip-ins that we allowed, we still put up a hustling performance. What a difference Yao and AB would've made in that game though.

Yeah, all frustration put aside and that was a good game especially in the fourth quarter. Fatigue definitely was a big factor because no substitution was taking place, which is understandable since those guys on the court were playing well.

[Axel The Great]

I like the fact the Kevin Martin came out in the second half more aggressive despite having a virus after going only 1/5 in the first half. Had Rick Adelman put him in at crunch time, we could've got the ball in his hands, maybe fouled out Joakim Noah a little earlier than when they did with his ability to draw fouls. I don't know what the hell Adelman's rotation is, but I think it should be time to change it up a bit.

[Modifly]

Exactly. Everybody played great today despite Adelman's questionable rotation. Lee in particular, Adelman's decision to put him on Rose was one of the bold things tonight. His defense on Rose in the second half was impressive. Fans on clutchfans are blaming Miller for the loss (he missed that crucial freethrow) but they are forgetting the fact that without Miller's hot shooting in the fourth it wouldn't even be a close game in the first place.

I don't know what the hell is wrong with Budinger, but he sure as hell is playing like he wants to be packaged in a trade.

[shadowgrin]

Geez, you Rockets fans are starting to be more annoying with your pointless whining...

Also, I don't understand why Martin only played 27 minutes tonight.

Martin was sick

Kevin Martin came out in the second half more aggressive despite having a virus after going only 1/5 in the first half

Not everyone can be Michael Jordan you know. Unlike Michael too, the game wasn't the Finals, it's a regular season game for crying out loud. Whether you accept it or not, Adelman did the right thing for Martin.

Lee in particular, Adelman's decision to put him on Rose was one of the bold things tonight.

What's so bold about that? Lee's a defender, that's expected. I guess even Adelman knows that.

[Modifly]

Ah well, I didn't know that Martin was sick. My bad on the lack of awareness.

What's bold about that move was that Adelman actually knows what to do/what he should do. That's not the case for some of the games this season. He would usually put Martin on the opposing team's best scorer, and you know about Martin's defense.

Excuse me for whining pointlessly, it just feels natural for me to do after a pointless loss.

[Axel The Great]

What Adelman could've done is put Ishmael Smith or Kyle Lowry on Rose, and they're both too small to guard him. Putting Lee on him was the smartest thing he did all night because he has the speed and size to do it.

I don't know what the hell is wrong with Budinger, but he sure as hell is playing like he wants to be packaged in a trade.

I guess Budinger's in a regular season slump; happens to everyone. Hopefully he can at least start playing better within the next few games. Jordan Hill's been very impressive though. He's been active on the boards, getting us second chance points.

[Andrew]

I'd say he's just off to a rough start shooting the ball, he wasn't too bad against the Lakers the other day. I wouldn't give up on him just yet.

[Modifly]

I hope that's the case. He has all the tools to be good, wouldn't want him anywhere else but Houston.

[Axel The Great]

Aaron Brooks came back yesterday against the Kings. Scored 9 points in 15 minutes.

[rise]

Good for him.

[Stress Fracture]

Aaron Brooks came back yesterday against the Kings. Scored 9 points in 15 minutes.

But Yao's out.

[shadowgrin]

Hu dat?

[Stress Fracture]

Hu dat?

You've already forgotten him, don't you?

[shadowgrin]

Let him enjoy his beer and chicken. Let the man be.

[Modifly]

Brooks is really rusty. Except for his three-points shot, he can't really do much right now. He's slowly working his way back, I hope he recovers to his old speed as well.

[Stress Fracture]

Give him a little time, Modi.

[Modifly]

I know, but you do know his starting spot is now at risk with Lowry playing the way he is right?

[Stress Fracture]

I know, but you do know his starting spot is now at risk with Lowry playing the way he is right?

Well, if he loses his job to Lowry, then Brooks coming off the bench would still be good.

[Axel The Great]

I personally prefer Lowry starting. Watching him play, he makes better decisions with the basketball than AB, he's a better playmaker. He doesn't have the same shooting ability as Brooks, but I still think he's a better option. Rick Adelman sometimes plays them together anyways to create the speed mismatch on other teams, so AB will still probably have a good amount of minutes.

[Houndy]

The Rockets have a strong bench, but honestly, they will sneak into the playoffs. It's not like they're bad (They aren't), it's just that the west is too good

[Stress Fracture]

The Rockets have a strong bench, but honestly, they will sneak into the playoffs. It's not like they're bad (They aren't), it's just that the west is too good

You're right, Houndy. Getting the 6th seed in this packed-up West is the highest we can get.

[Houndy]

Top 1-4: With Dallas and the Spurs, hell no.

7-8 Realistic

[Modifly]

The Rockets have a strong bench, but honestly, they will sneak into the playoffs. It's not like they're bad (They aren't), it's just that the west is too good

Spotted on.