Unfortunately for the Rockets they don't have the luxury to just cruise into the playoffs with the way the West is. Peaking too early is better than not making the playoffs at all.
I concur there as we have given up an average of 103 pts a games in Sheed's absence. Of course our 3 ball attempts are down too
Current Rockets are designed for the regular season. Low turnovers and good defense can go a long way during the regular season in the West. Come playoffs, the Rockets will look very ordinary when facing the best every night. They'll need that real tall option, and he's not there.
The Rockets probably should have looked at Dale Davis and Olawakhandi as pickups as opposed to relying Mutombo
Wow, talk about disrespecting the Rockets. You guys remind me of the entire rest of the NBA in 2004 talking about the Pistons.
Of course you're right. Right now, the Rockets would also love to have Duncan in the lineup, instead of Mutumbo for 17 minutes per game.
I predicted that they'd fall off as soon as Yao got hurt. When that didn't happen. Instead of admitting that I was wrong, I just started bashing their playoff chances. Now that it's 19 in a row, that does sound pretty impressive......
I think he did believe it was lucky to win 18 in a row, but to win 19 consecutive games, it takes something impressive.
Personally I think it's a sign of good character to be able to stick with your POV even when the weight of evidence seems to be running against you. Stay strong and don't falter - they'll lose sooner or later. Besides, it's Rick Addledman - how far can they possibly go? You know, one of those great regular season coaches that never seems to make it very far in the playoffs. You know, like... Never mind.
Poor rick, he got to game 7 of the WCF in 2002, he just got rooked by Horry and the refs...He also got to the finals twice with Portland in 90 and 92, he just couldn't get past the Vinnie Johnson and Micheal Jordon heroics...that is little farther than both Flip and karl...
I am just responding to your quote - "good defense and few turnovers will go far in the regular season in the west" I mean really, that statement is kinda bizzare don`t you think??