Hottest team in the league with 22 straight *updated* Rockets
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*Yawn* I'm no hater. Don't recall saying a negative thing about the Suns.Rowdy;2007844 said:
This is a Rockets thread, go whiz on your own thread.
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Don't it always seem to go ... : Adelman beats Kings for No. 800 (w/ video)
Rick Adelman refused to gloat. Perhaps it's not his nature. Maybe he knew there no longer was a need, and in truth never was.
He hit a coaching milestone on Monday and he did it against the Kings, whose owners Joe and Gavin Maloof did something worse than fire him: They did not appreciate him.
The Kings never had it better than when Adelman was their coach. But he never was stylish, never buddied up to the owners, and Las Vegas styled guys they are, that meant something to the Maloofs. So they let Adelman dangle for a year as a lame duck, let his contract expire and let him walk. A year later, they fired his successor, Eric Musselman.
Reggie Theus, a surprise choice, has done a good job with the changes and the lunacy that comes with Ron Artest. Adelman is certainly not the only good coach out there, and he won't be the Kings' last. But it should not have been difficult to know what Adelman had accomplished in Sacramento.
"Sometimes you make decisions, sometimes you make moves that are questionable," Jackson said. "That was probably one of the most questionable moves in the NBA at that time because of what he had done for that city, for that organization. Sometimes ownership feels they have to go in a different direction, but coach Adelman did a lot for that organization and the city, and the players respected him so much, it was crazy to see him go like that."
The respect was clear as Brad Miller, Kevin Martin and Artest came over to greet Adelman before the game and congratulate him afterward. Mike Bibby did the same when the Rockets played the Hawks in Atlanta.
There were similar attitudes around the NBA, especially in the season the Kings left Adelman twisting in the wind, ignoring the way he rallied the team after the life-changing trade for Artest and injury to Bonzi Wells.
Adelman wanted to come back but seems happy now that he has moved on. He did not offer a glimpse of malice toward his former employers.
There did seem to be appropriate serendipity to the time when he won No. 800 against the Kings.
It is a significant milestone. He is just the 13th coach ever to reach 800, and his total is not simply all good fortune, as he described it, or a matter of longevity.
Among coaches to have coached 1,000 games, he has the fourth-best winning percentage in NBA history. He trails only Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.
The Kings, meanwhile, were eliminated from the playoff race on Monday with a loss to Adelman and the Rockets.
Cue Joni Mitchell:
Don't it always seem to go//You don't know what you got 'till it's gone.
Posted by Jonathan Feigen at March 25, 2008 12:31 AM
Rick Adelman refused to gloat. Perhaps it's not his nature. Maybe he knew there no longer was a need, and in truth never was.
He hit a coaching milestone on Monday and he did it against the Kings, whose owners Joe and Gavin Maloof did something worse than fire him: They did not appreciate him.
The Kings never had it better than when Adelman was their coach. But he never was stylish, never buddied up to the owners, and Las Vegas styled guys they are, that meant something to the Maloofs. So they let Adelman dangle for a year as a lame duck, let his contract expire and let him walk. A year later, they fired his successor, Eric Musselman.
Reggie Theus, a surprise choice, has done a good job with the changes and the lunacy that comes with Ron Artest. Adelman is certainly not the only good coach out there, and he won't be the Kings' last. But it should not have been difficult to know what Adelman had accomplished in Sacramento.
"Sometimes you make decisions, sometimes you make moves that are questionable," Jackson said. "That was probably one of the most questionable moves in the NBA at that time because of what he had done for that city, for that organization. Sometimes ownership feels they have to go in a different direction, but coach Adelman did a lot for that organization and the city, and the players respected him so much, it was crazy to see him go like that."
The respect was clear as Brad Miller, Kevin Martin and Artest came over to greet Adelman before the game and congratulate him afterward. Mike Bibby did the same when the Rockets played the Hawks in Atlanta.
There were similar attitudes around the NBA, especially in the season the Kings left Adelman twisting in the wind, ignoring the way he rallied the team after the life-changing trade for Artest and injury to Bonzi Wells.
Adelman wanted to come back but seems happy now that he has moved on. He did not offer a glimpse of malice toward his former employers.
There did seem to be appropriate serendipity to the time when he won No. 800 against the Kings.
It is a significant milestone. He is just the 13th coach ever to reach 800, and his total is not simply all good fortune, as he described it, or a matter of longevity.
Among coaches to have coached 1,000 games, he has the fourth-best winning percentage in NBA history. He trails only Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.
The Kings, meanwhile, were eliminated from the playoff race on Monday with a loss to Adelman and the Rockets.
Cue Joni Mitchell:
Don't it always seem to go//You don't know what you got 'till it's gone.
Posted by Jonathan Feigen at March 25, 2008 12:31 AM
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Five games, three losses, no excuses. Rockets end wild week with a Sun burn
It wasn't the schedule.
Or maybe it was. We'll never know, and that really is the point.
It doesn't matter. The Rockets played five games this week, going against the Lakers, Celtics, Hornets, Warriors and Suns. They played four games in five nights.
They might have run out of gas, but we really can't say because they flopped so early on Friday, they did not have time for the week to catch up to them, or for that matter to get sweaty before they were in trouble.
They rallied back, and maybe they would have made a few more free throws, made some jumpers that missed had they not put so much mileage on the tires this week.
But they lost to the Suns 122-113 the same way they got in trouble in the first place, with Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire destroying them in the paint. And Stoudemire's 20 for 20 free throw shooting, his 38 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots were not because the Rockets had tired legs.
The Rockets won't be getting much rest, with a 4 a.m. arrival scheduled before an off day and Monday's game against the Kings. But they said it is not about rest. Not now. They have things to patch up. They have to tighten their defense on the ball to not allow so much penetration. They have to sharpen Carl Landry's defense to where it was before he went out. They need to consistently get the ball movement back to where it was.
Nowhere on that list did they mention getting away from this week's killer schedule. And that's the point. They said they must do better, indicating they believe they can.
"It's the NBA, man," Tracy McGrady said. "You're going to have nights when you face a team like Phoenix on a back-to-back. We've beaten good teams like this on a back-to-back before. It is what it is. They have to do the same thing at times. Everybody has to pretty much play the same schedule. It's just a matter of going out there and having a mental toughness."
When the Rockets reeled off 22-consecutive wins and some pointed to a few breaks in the schedule, they were foolish to think that anything short of regularly going against the Chronicle All Stars would be sufficient cause to disparage a run like that.
Now that it is over, it's no more about the schedule than it was then.
It's about how they play. They said that during the streak. It's as true now.
They played better against the Warriors and in the second half against the Suns. They will have to play better still. If they do, they will be happy to play any schedule that comes their way.
Posted by Jonathan Feigen at March 23, 2008 12:35 AM
It wasn't the schedule.
Or maybe it was. We'll never know, and that really is the point.
It doesn't matter. The Rockets played five games this week, going against the Lakers, Celtics, Hornets, Warriors and Suns. They played four games in five nights.
They might have run out of gas, but we really can't say because they flopped so early on Friday, they did not have time for the week to catch up to them, or for that matter to get sweaty before they were in trouble.
They rallied back, and maybe they would have made a few more free throws, made some jumpers that missed had they not put so much mileage on the tires this week.
But they lost to the Suns 122-113 the same way they got in trouble in the first place, with Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire destroying them in the paint. And Stoudemire's 20 for 20 free throw shooting, his 38 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots were not because the Rockets had tired legs.
The Rockets won't be getting much rest, with a 4 a.m. arrival scheduled before an off day and Monday's game against the Kings. But they said it is not about rest. Not now. They have things to patch up. They have to tighten their defense on the ball to not allow so much penetration. They have to sharpen Carl Landry's defense to where it was before he went out. They need to consistently get the ball movement back to where it was.
Nowhere on that list did they mention getting away from this week's killer schedule. And that's the point. They said they must do better, indicating they believe they can.
"It's the NBA, man," Tracy McGrady said. "You're going to have nights when you face a team like Phoenix on a back-to-back. We've beaten good teams like this on a back-to-back before. It is what it is. They have to do the same thing at times. Everybody has to pretty much play the same schedule. It's just a matter of going out there and having a mental toughness."
When the Rockets reeled off 22-consecutive wins and some pointed to a few breaks in the schedule, they were foolish to think that anything short of regularly going against the Chronicle All Stars would be sufficient cause to disparage a run like that.
Now that it is over, it's no more about the schedule than it was then.
It's about how they play. They said that during the streak. It's as true now.
They played better against the Warriors and in the second half against the Suns. They will have to play better still. If they do, they will be happy to play any schedule that comes their way.
Posted by Jonathan Feigen at March 23, 2008 12:35 AM
Route 66
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WoodysGirl;2010898 said:
That's not the point. You argued the fact that just because Houston lost one game and Phoenix had a current streak it didn't matter. I didn't call you a hater. If you would open your eyes, you would find that I called you by the name you gave yourself and then attached the word haters afterwards. Get it right.
I can also post on this thread like any other. How about realizing that there is more to the NBA than the Rockets.
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I never said Phoenix streak didn't matter. I said Houston's loss didn't mean it was no longer the hottest team in the league. One loss AT THAT TIME did not take away from the Rockets achievement nor did it take away from their overall record since January.Rowdy;2011042 said:
I don't recall taking anything away from the Suns, I just chose not to dog the Rockets about their loss and prop up the Suns since I'm all about the Rockets in this thread.
You specifically called me out and included the word Haters in the sentence. Forgive me for thinking that you were calling me a hater.
Of course there is. I freely admit to being biased about the Rockets. When the Rockets are no longer playing then I can be objective. I don't have to right now.
:DCgirl13
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Rowdy;2011105 said:I can see why you'd think I grouped you as a hater so my apologies.
I hope you understand that I was originally on this thread to give props to the Rockets.
Anyway-Peace!
The rockets are one of the teams that I really don't mind in this league. Their fans seem to be ok as well. The worst fans in the NBA have to be LA, SA and Detriot IMO, but everyone has their views.
Danny White
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Even the Rockets' cheerleaders can throw down!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afkRT5zlZRQ&eurl=http://allballs.uber.com/danceteam6_5
That's pretty cool right there!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afkRT5zlZRQ&eurl=http://allballs.uber.com/danceteam6_5
That's pretty cool right there!
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Well that was about as ugly as it gets for Houston and yet they're still only half a spot out of #1. The playoff race in the West is crazy.
Danny White
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WoodysGirl;2018744 said:
I think you're one and a half back of us now... which is still pretty close. But with only 9 games remaining, I think the Rockets will have to win at least 7 or 8 of them to compete for the top spot.
Danny White
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Legler: Which Rockets Team Will Show Up In The Playoffs?
By Tim Legler
ESPN.com
There are two extreme points of view making the rounds with regard to the postseason fate of the Houston Rockets, who take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
In one corner are the non-believers. They consist of skeptics rambling about smoke and mirrors, luck and a favorable schedule as the main factors in the Rockets' 22-game winning streak and Western Conference resurgence.
In the other corner are the idealists. Never mind the fact that this group is mostly comprised of Rockets season-ticket holders, relatives of team members and Spurs haters. They contend that Houston is just as likely as any of the other Western Conference teams to win a title.
Reality, in my view, lies in the center of the ring, leaning slightly toward the non-believers. This team will remain competitive into the postseason. They are too good defensively to just go away. Fighting over screens, pressuring the ball, contesting shots and rebounding all equate to winning basketball. The Rockets consistently excel in all of those areas. They have a superstar in Tracy McGrady who may be the most talented offensive player in the NBA when he is in attack mode. He has the ability to keep Houston in games just by his himself. Their role players are tough, competitive and in touch with their limitations. All of these qualities are the definition of chemistry and that is a huge component in winning a championship.
Having said that, there are a few harsh realities that will prevent the Rockets from winning the West.
First, a seven-game series involves adjustments and counter-punching. It is far easier to adjust when you have several capable primary scoring options. The Rockets have only one, T-Mac. Rafer Alston, Shane Battier, Bobby Jackson, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry all had moments over the past two months when they offered surprising offensive outbursts. The problem is that there are no surprises in a seven-game series. Their opponent will lock in and expose weaknesses that can be masked during the regular season when there is often too little time to prepare. Rockets coach Rick Adelman has done an amazing job with this team, but, at some point, winning often comes down to great offensive players simply creating opportunities. The Rockets may lack enough of those to get out of the West.
The second obstacle involves McGrady himself. He needs to demonstrate the type of killer instinct that wins championships, not merely an unselfish teammate willing to go down with the rest. Sometimes, for the good of the team, McGrady must abandon his teammates and take over. If the Rockets lose in the first round T-Mac and Adelman will rest easier this summer knowing their fate rested with McGrady shooting the ball. There is a fine line between unselfishness and weakness. For Houston's sake lets hope T-Mac demonstrates neither.
Finally, there is the problem of matchups. Depending on how things play out over the last three weeks, Houston could fall anywhere between the No. 2 seed and No. 7. That means they could virtually play anyone in the first round.
In looking at each potential pairing, the Rockets cannot generate enough offense to beat Phoenix, Golden State, or the Lakers. They won't beat San Antonio either because, well, the Spurs are a more talented mirror image of themselves. The Hornets would also handle Houston. Chris Paul's quickness would disrupt every defensive game plan the Rockets conceive.
That leaves Dallas (if they hold on), Utah, and Denver (if they rally). The Mavs are a mess and are tailor-made offensively for the Rockets. Jason Kidd's irrelevance offensively means Houston could effectively double Dirk or Josh Howard without paying for it. I'd take Houston in that series. Utah is unbeatable at home but, despite being a No. 4 seed, may be on the road in the first round if Houston has a better record, which it most likely will. The Jazz have been mediocre away from Salt Lake City and that could be the difference. I'd say it's a toss-up. Denver is potent at times and pungent at others. They lack the discipline to beat a team as committed to the cause as Houston.
So, there you have it, Rockets fans. Pray for Dallas, Denver, or Utah in the first round and hope McGrady can finally lead his team past the first round.
ESPN analyst Tim Legler is a regular contributor to the Daily Dime.
By Tim Legler
ESPN.com
There are two extreme points of view making the rounds with regard to the postseason fate of the Houston Rockets, who take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
In one corner are the non-believers. They consist of skeptics rambling about smoke and mirrors, luck and a favorable schedule as the main factors in the Rockets' 22-game winning streak and Western Conference resurgence.
In the other corner are the idealists. Never mind the fact that this group is mostly comprised of Rockets season-ticket holders, relatives of team members and Spurs haters. They contend that Houston is just as likely as any of the other Western Conference teams to win a title.
Reality, in my view, lies in the center of the ring, leaning slightly toward the non-believers. This team will remain competitive into the postseason. They are too good defensively to just go away. Fighting over screens, pressuring the ball, contesting shots and rebounding all equate to winning basketball. The Rockets consistently excel in all of those areas. They have a superstar in Tracy McGrady who may be the most talented offensive player in the NBA when he is in attack mode. He has the ability to keep Houston in games just by his himself. Their role players are tough, competitive and in touch with their limitations. All of these qualities are the definition of chemistry and that is a huge component in winning a championship.
Having said that, there are a few harsh realities that will prevent the Rockets from winning the West.
First, a seven-game series involves adjustments and counter-punching. It is far easier to adjust when you have several capable primary scoring options. The Rockets have only one, T-Mac. Rafer Alston, Shane Battier, Bobby Jackson, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry all had moments over the past two months when they offered surprising offensive outbursts. The problem is that there are no surprises in a seven-game series. Their opponent will lock in and expose weaknesses that can be masked during the regular season when there is often too little time to prepare. Rockets coach Rick Adelman has done an amazing job with this team, but, at some point, winning often comes down to great offensive players simply creating opportunities. The Rockets may lack enough of those to get out of the West.
The second obstacle involves McGrady himself. He needs to demonstrate the type of killer instinct that wins championships, not merely an unselfish teammate willing to go down with the rest. Sometimes, for the good of the team, McGrady must abandon his teammates and take over. If the Rockets lose in the first round T-Mac and Adelman will rest easier this summer knowing their fate rested with McGrady shooting the ball. There is a fine line between unselfishness and weakness. For Houston's sake lets hope T-Mac demonstrates neither.
Finally, there is the problem of matchups. Depending on how things play out over the last three weeks, Houston could fall anywhere between the No. 2 seed and No. 7. That means they could virtually play anyone in the first round.
In looking at each potential pairing, the Rockets cannot generate enough offense to beat Phoenix, Golden State, or the Lakers. They won't beat San Antonio either because, well, the Spurs are a more talented mirror image of themselves. The Hornets would also handle Houston. Chris Paul's quickness would disrupt every defensive game plan the Rockets conceive.
That leaves Dallas (if they hold on), Utah, and Denver (if they rally). The Mavs are a mess and are tailor-made offensively for the Rockets. Jason Kidd's irrelevance offensively means Houston could effectively double Dirk or Josh Howard without paying for it. I'd take Houston in that series. Utah is unbeatable at home but, despite being a No. 4 seed, may be on the road in the first round if Houston has a better record, which it most likely will. The Jazz have been mediocre away from Salt Lake City and that could be the difference. I'd say it's a toss-up. Denver is potent at times and pungent at others. They lack the discipline to beat a team as committed to the cause as Houston.
So, there you have it, Rockets fans. Pray for Dallas, Denver, or Utah in the first round and hope McGrady can finally lead his team past the first round.
ESPN analyst Tim Legler is a regular contributor to the Daily Dime.
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Gotcha. It's not that important to me to be in the top spot. It's about getting in the playoffs and stealing a series.Danny White;2018786 said:
Oh and Legler is a hater.
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I agree with this, but I still feel they can take at least one series. Fortunately for me, that's where all my hopes lie.Biggems;2021913 said:
Danny White
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WoodysGirl;2022172 said:
So you don't believe in the T-Mac curse?
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No, but if he tosses up another one of those contested 15 footers like he did at the end of the game last night, I may start. Man, that pissed me off.Danny White;2022187 said:So you don't believe in the T-Mac curse?
Seriously, the Rockets playoff success drought began about the same time as the Cowboys playoff drought. I could never put that on T-Mac. They've played some good playoff series, they could just never get over the hump.