Houston in need of firepower
The Rockets haven't gone on summer vacation yet, but they can likely see it from here.
While the Jazz's 93-82 win over Houston in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series didn't clinch anything, the imperfect-but-convincing victory put the Rockets in a deep, frustrating, Yao-less hole.
Escape, while not impossible, will be difficult.
Houston has lost five of its last six playoff games against Utah, which a year ago had to worry about Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.
This time, Yao is injured and the Jazz's defense can target McGrady. Don't let him get anything easy. Crowd him on the perimeter. Double him on the pick-and-roll and in the low-post. Put a hand in his face jump shots. Collapse on him when he drives. Contest everything.
Utah's strategy is simple.
If Houston plans to beat the Jazz, somebody besides McGrady will have to do it. And at this point, even the Rockets are probably wondering if they have anyone capable of carry the extra burden.
Shane Battier played well in Game 1, and Rafer Alston might be back from a hamstring injury for Game 3. But Houston needs more.
I wonder what Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler are doing these days?
-- Steve Luhm
While the Jazz's 93-82 win over Houston in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series didn't clinch anything, the imperfect-but-convincing victory put the Rockets in a deep, frustrating, Yao-less hole.
Escape, while not impossible, will be difficult.
Houston has lost five of its last six playoff games against Utah, which a year ago had to worry about Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.
This time, Yao is injured and the Jazz's defense can target McGrady. Don't let him get anything easy. Crowd him on the perimeter. Double him on the pick-and-roll and in the low-post. Put a hand in his face jump shots. Collapse on him when he drives. Contest everything.
Utah's strategy is simple.
If Houston plans to beat the Jazz, somebody besides McGrady will have to do it. And at this point, even the Rockets are probably wondering if they have anyone capable of carry the extra burden.
Shane Battier played well in Game 1, and Rafer Alston might be back from a hamstring injury for Game 3. But Houston needs more.
I wonder what Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler are doing these days?
-- Steve Luhm
4:09 PM
| 
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home