Refs rob Rockets in Game 2
April 21st, 2008by John
I’m too frustrated to write much about Game 2 between the Rockets and Jazz Monday night. Bad ref calls were pervasive throughout the entire game, the worst being Kirilinko flopping 45 seconds remaining and the ref buying it right before Bobby Jackson hits a 3-pointer to tie the game, which didn’t end up counting. I’m reeeaaallly getting tired of the terrible officiating in this league.
After the game, I’m glad Adelman ripped into the refs for making that call in that part of the game. I have alot of respect for him calling the idiot refs out. Click here for the video from Adelman’s press conference. McGrady had similar thoughts at the end of his press conference, too (click for video).
Add in 10 more missed free throws and missed buckets around the rim (Chuck Hayes blew 2 more layups). Despite 3 great quarters, McGrady settling for jumpers in the fourth quarter…again. Luther Head doing nothing….again. The Rockets defense getting picked apart and not being able to stop the Jazz…just like last year. And hardly any playing time for Carl Landry (0 minutes in the second half) or Steve Novak (0 minutes overall).
So that’s it. I’m done for tonight. Just try to think how the man below who sat on the bench Monday night will help them this time next year (Click here and here for more photos from Monday night).
In the meantime, try to have a good laugh (if that’s possible) from the videos I posted below from last Thursday’s roast of Yao.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Yeah, that was a horrible call that late in a playoff game. I hate it when refs decide games. The Rockets are going to lose the series anyway, so if it takes a McGrady or Adelman suspension to bring some light on horrible calls and make refs accountable for making such horrible mistakes it wouldn’t bother me at all.
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:05 am
Before the series started, I thought I’d be happy if they win one… so I guess I’m not really that disappointed.
I can feel your frustration, though. I think the Jazz gave the Rockets some chances, I thought the Jazz was a serious contender before playoff started, but now watching the team play, I’m having second thoughts.
I think the west is going to come down to the Spurs and Lakers. But the final will go to the Celtics.
As for the Rockets, I’m very blue on the team… I just think it’s impossible to keep both Yao and McGrady healthy for a whole year. Maybe they should both do what Shaq does… only start playing after half of the season has arleady passed. Even though nobody’s going to really do that, I seriously think for this team, it may work. I think the other players are good enough to keep the team close to 500 while the two super stars don’t play, then when they are back, healthy and rested, they make a good push and get the 8th spot, then they shock the top team and goes happily to the final~~~
The sad thing is, I’m starting to think that’s the only possible way and of course we all know it won’t happen like that.
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
I really thought we had this game up until the closing minutes. T-Mac was playing insane. I mean the guy was doing everything on the court and ended up leading the entire Rockets in every statistical category. You can’t help but just feel bad for him. He really wanted to win that game; he played his heart out.
It’s obvious playing that many minutes, facing constant double team and against such physical play takes a toll on McGrady come fourth quarter. But what is Adelman suppose to do? He can’t help but play him the majority of the game. If only the rest of the team would freakin’ step up: If the team could start knocking down layups and FT, which has been one of our Achille’s Heel this season. Or if Head would come in and make a jumpshot or do something at least useful. Or if Hayes would stop missing from point-blank range. Or if Scola would stop trying to pick-pocket Deron, a top-caliber PG, at the top of arc and missing his defensive assignment.
I also have to tip-my-hat-off once again to Battier, who has remained another bright spot on this team, with those clutch three point shots and that put-back dunk. Another mention should go to Brooks, who was practically unstoppable when he drove into the lane. I really think he needs to stop shooting 3’s and do nothing but attack the rim every chance he gets.
Here’s to hoping that NY swagger (assuming Rafer is returning on Thursday) will somehow be the spark and inspiration the Rockets need to turn this series around.
Sorry for my rant, John. This game has obviously been really stressful on me.
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
Eech, what a way to start my day.
It´s hard to stay positive and to keep the faith, uh? At least there is progress compared to game 1. And now, heading to hell a.k.a. Delta Center…
But it ain´t over ´till it´s over, aight?
Burn them! Fight! Show the Rockets spirit!
McGrady, your rep on the line.
BTW, will Yao travel to SLC?
Not sure about Yao’s travel. I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays in Houston so he can continue his daily workouts. — John
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 am
“Lose Her Dead” should not be resinged next season.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 am
It seems it is ” Deja vu” all over again. When they are facing a good team, they cannot buy a basket. Where were the supposedly “shooters” - Carl Landry, Lutter Head, AB, Steve Novak etc??
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
Wendy,
McGrady’s rep is not on the line, what r u talking about? This guy has been the backbone to this hellacious team of Rockets that we have had this whole season! All of our guys have stepped up, playing like madmen, Scola, TMac, Battier, Rafer, Dikembe…they have all had a solid playing season…they all deserve a big fat thank you from the city, for a great run this year! We ARE CLUTCH CITY! Remember that!! It isn’t over until it’s over. This fan is no fairweather fan..I am in it until the end.
On another note, the ref’s stunk game 2 up pretty awful for our team. Karma is a b*tch…so look out…have faith in our Rockets!! It’s not over!! Your city is behind you guys!! Go ROCKETS!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
hey everyone, this is Arthur Ko, this time im on the outside commenting in since I’m for the hometeam Lakers ever since Yao went out. I’m a Yao fan first, Lakers second, and Rockets third- and thank God because this time I didn’t take a painful stab in the heart watching the Rockets lose like that. Of course, I still have love for the Rockets but being on the outside this time and not so EMOTIONALLY involved, I can say that it’s sad to see that the Rockets can never have a fully healthy season with their two superstars.
I was actually hoping the Rockets wouldnt make the playoffs to begin with and have a chance at a higher draft.. I knew they wouldnt go far without Yao. All i can say now is that I think the Rockets are a much better team this year than last. I mean we can still look back and say the Rockets have 2 rising studs in Scola and Landry for next year, who are only going to get better.
Maybe it’s too early for me to begin looking next year already, not to disrespect the hopes for a lot of true Rocket fans, but as I find myself looking to next year, I’m only reminded that this is the way I’ve felt every year for the Rockets. I always feel like im being too tough on the Rockets, so critical because of my love and desire for Yao to get out of the first round, but man- what can I say? I guess this is where i jump off this wagon and on to the Lakers ship to avoid heart ache after heart ache
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I believe there’s still bad ref who gamble on NBA games out there, it just that they haven’t been caught yet!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Glad the Rockets lost without Yao. Hope the Rockets will get sweep. No Yao, no win. Simple as that.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
arthurko, why are you so certain about the Laker bandwagon? you make it sound like they will absolutely get into the NBA Finals. As for you calling yourself a Yao fan, you can save it, we don’t need part-time Yao fans here. So if you goto a Rockets game at Staples Center are you going to wear a Laker jersey or Yao jersey? All I know is… when I went to the Laker’s opener this season vs the Rockets there were definitely more McGrady and Yao jerseys there than there were Laker jerseys. Laker fans are the worst… half the fans show up to the game half-way through the 2nd quarter and gets in the way of people there trying to watch a game. The “fans” watching the Lakers go there to socialize and don’t care about the game. If the Lakers come up short this year again, lets see all these “new” Laker fans crawl back into their holes again.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:34 am
Spicebarb,
sadly, TMac’s rep IS on the line - whether it be justified or not, is another matter. On the 22-streak (oh you beautiful days), he kind of disappeared on the most important games: Lakers and Celtics. And 0-for-24thquartersinarow doesn’t really help is cause. Of course, without TMac there wouldn’t have been a 22-streak at all. But I miss that killer instinct from him on a constant basis. Like, before the NO game on the streak, when the third spot was up to grabs, he was fired up and delivered! If the fire is on every night, with his talent, he would be better than Kobe.
Anyway. I don’t give up on him yet, or on the Rockets as a whole. It ain’t over ’till it’s over. Let’s become the upset-Rockets!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
I hear ya Wendy…he is inconsistent. He needs to bring fire to EVERY game and EVERY quarter. I just hate how the media beats him up, thus the forgiving attitude. …anyhow…I will always be a Rocket’s fan! Clutch City Yal’!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Vince, what are you talking about? I’m no part time Yao fan. I’m a Yao fan all the way and would definitely sport my Yao jersey at the staples center. But now that Yao is out, I go back to being a Lakers fan- otherwise, i go for the Rockets to beat the Lakers when Yao is healthy. You can say that I’m such a Yao extremist that I don’t want the Rockets to go far without him. Hell no I don’t want them to get pass the first round without Yao. I can’t wait for the Rockets to get sweeped so that all the analysts and commentators will talk about how crucial Yao is to the success of the Rockets.