Lv06|ROCKETS-2| Officially Closed.

[Phantom18]

Clutch,
looking forward to more updates

[Clutch]

ROCKETS VS LAKERS
Monday Feb 18th, 2008 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

BOXSCOREHOU 106 LAL 109 Final
Players at the Half
Player of the Game

GAME RECAP

Yao Ming set a new career-high 46 points and nearly helped rally the Houston Rockets back from a 5 point deficit in the final minute only to fall short 106-109 to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ming was dominant right from the start and wore a white sleeve and heavily padded elbow guard to protect his left arm for the first time this season. "It feels like armor. I wanted to give it a try and see if it affected my shot; I guess it did," Ming told reporters jokingly after the game.

Playing with ultimate confidence, Yao shot a blistering 74% on the night and torched the Laker defense for 20 points and 7 rebounds by half-time.



However, by the second half, Kobe Bryant began to assert himself, attacking at both ends of the court and soon was locked into a scoring duel with the Rockets' red-hot center.




With Houston trailing 100-103 and just over a minute in the game remaining, Phil Jackson would call for time to set up the defense. It would prove pointless, however, as a determined Bryant would slice down the lane through three defenders and convert the basket giving LA the 5 point edge.



However, the Rockets refused to submit as Yao would convert the very next possession narrowing the gap 102-105; then a moment later, Deron Williams would come up with a huge steal and call for time with 29.1 seconds remaining. After the Rockets timeout, Williams would get the ball to Yao who would calmly stroke a bank shot over his defender with 23.7 seconds left in the match.



The Rockets were forced to foul sending point guard, Smush Parker, to the line with LA clinging to a 105-104 lead. He would connect on his first free throw for the 2 point lead; but his second would clank hard off the glass only to be rebounded by the Lakers' Vladimir Radmanovic to the Rockets dismay.

Radmanovic would stroke his first free throw, giving the Lakers a 107-104 lead. But his second would miss and be collected by Tracy McGrady. Driving hard McGrady nearly went for the trey but found Yao who in turn swished home yet another 2 points cutting the deficit to one.



Deron Williams would foul out sending Parker back to the line with 12 seconds left in the game and the Lakers ahead 107-106. However, this time Parker would nail both free-throws. Trailing by three, Houston managed to get the ball up court quickly, pound it inside to Yao, who in turn found a wide open Joey Graham for a three attempt with 2.9 seconds; unfortunately Graham's shot fell far short, was rebounded and tipped in by Yao but only after the buzzer to end the game.



"It was a hard fought game on both sides," said Rockets' coach, Phil Jackson. "Yao had a career night tonight offensively and he's learning to dominate both ends. His teammates are also getting better recognizing when he's got the hot hand and feeding him inside. It's unforunate we didn't come away with the win but our guys kept fighting to the end; you can't win 'em all."

Kobe Bryant spoke of Ming's amazing performance, "Well yeah, I'm mean Yao's a competitor. He's big, strong and wants to win and puts in a lot of hard work; it's evident in the game he had tonight. I'm just glad our guys stepped up and we were able to squeak this one out."

When asked about the week's fast-approaching trade deadline and his early-season trade demands Bryant quickly answered, "You know? That's all in the past now. I had a good, long talk with Juwan (Rice) and coach (Rick) Adelman and we're all on the same page - we just want to win. I wasn't sure at first but Juwan kinda won me over; he was the only rook to make the All-Star game this season and not only did he make it? He started. That says a lot; he's only gonna get better and I'm gonna help him."

Bryant finished with a team-high 31 points while dishing 5 assists while teammates Lamar Odom and rookie Center, Juwan Rice, both contributed 16 points and 8 boards a piece.

Yao Ming led Houston with a career-high 46 points off an incredible 20-for-27 shooting, also collecting 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Yao topped his previous career-high of 41 points versus the Atlanta Hawks on February 22nd, 2004.

Tracy McGrady tallied 23 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and Joey Graham chipped in with 15 points, 2 boards and 4 assists.


On the Eve of the Trade Deadline, the Rockets continue their short road trip in Tennessee, facing Mike Miller, Pau Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.

[Chaser7]

Wow, great recap, I really like your screen shots, this is definitely the best dynasty by far right now, maybe ever!! (well 2nd to mine haha jk) Keep it up!
Oh and what I meant before, I know you always do it cpu vs. cpu, but I thought Live didn't let you play/watch events that you didn't ahve any players in. For example, if you had no players participating in the slam dunk, you can't watch it or control it, so that was what I was wondering?

[jonthefon]

Oh man, that was a sizzling game. Really tough to lose it with a tip-in after the buzzer, but I just lost one on mine when Raja Bell hit a step-back three over Diop with 0.2 seconds left

[Clutch]

Chaser7 -EVER?!? lol riiiiight... but yah, as far as ASWknd, i think you need a contestant from your team in the Dunk/3pt contests in order to see those but the rookie chal/All-Star game were viewable with none of my guys participating; since T-Mac was in both 3pt and dunk contest, i can't really say for sure

JTF - hahah thx man; but in Diop's defense, how the heck did he get switched out on Bell? It's your guard's fault

Thx for viewing folks and appreciate any comments - Friday is good! Hopefully get around to the Hou@Mem game and recap soon

[Clutch]

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH + MVP CANDIDATES

Players of the Month
MVP Candidates

LEAGUE LEADERS

PPG
FGM/FGA/FG%
3PM/3PA/3P%
FTM/FTA/FT%
OR/OR PG/DR/DR PG
REB/REB PG
BLK/BLK PG
STL/STL PG
AST/AST PG
MIN/MIN PG

[jonthefon]

Actually, I brought Diop to double-team Bell with Josh Howard, who also contested the shot...it was just one of those crazy luck threes.

[Jemesouviens]

The suspense is building up... Did TMac get traded ?

[Clutch]

JTF - sometimes you wonder if the game isn't pre-determined from the opening tip off and no matter what you did, the final outcome would still be the same... kinda like really life actually (insert 'X-Files' music here)

Jemesouviens - hmmm... "Jemesouviens" = "Je me souviens" = "I remember" = the official motto of Quebec. I know a gal from there who I believe was an Expos fan before they relocated to WAS; and I know she is a big T-Mac/Rockets fan and has popped in from time to time to check out my "Virtual Rockets" - perhaps this is her? Hmmm... (again insert 'X-Files' music)


Anyway, thx for reading folks! a busy past weekend so hopefully get to the next game early this week

ps. oh and Jemsouviens, forgot to mention i just traded TMac for Darius Miles and Raef Lafrentz! It's a good trade, no?

[Xiphias]

Nice recaps , rockets are playing quite well , good luck in the future

[Jemesouviens]

Ouch!
Darius who??? Isn't he an actor?
Come to think of it, you'd be getting two players in exchange of one...

My cover is blown, I need a new plan

[Chaser7]

Jemesouviens: either your retarded or not funny. Where in the world di he mention that he was thinking about trading T-mac when intially posted? And of course hwas joking in the 2nd post. Anywas clutch good luck man this is hella good, cant wait till playoffs...

[Phantom18]

Chaser7,
and your even more retarded for just stooping down to his level haha nah j/k keep it up clutch

[Clutch]

Xiphias - hey man thx for reading and chiming in every now and again as the Rockets march towards the playoffs

Jemesouviens - ahh HAH!!! if it is you, glad you finally made an acct instead of lurking like the sneaky elf you are

Chaser7 - dude wth? way to 'welcome' someone new to the forums your use of the word 'retard' isn't funny and is as offensive as the 'N' word for some who have experience with or family who are disabled or mentally challenged; it'd be wise to lose it from your vocabulary; and if i'm correct (and i'm pretty sure i am by her 'my cover is blown' comment) you just insulted an incredibly HOT young college gal; moral of the story? being brash-assed and abrasive before you know who you're dealing with is really, really dumb

IGWT - thx man; i'll try

[TheMC5]

Frankly, and I don't mean this to be offensive, I was just impressed that an American would know the official motto of Quebec. Hell, I didn't even know Quebec's official motto.

[Chaser7]

Ok I'm sorry Clutch, I wasn't using retarded to be funny though, I was jsut using it overemphasize a point. Anyways, won't happen again, sorry if I offended you. No hard feelings?

[Jemesouviens]

Chaser7, that's no way to talk to a lady I was being sarcastic.
Clutch, no harm done; I am big girl
Can't wait for your next recap...

[Clutch]

TheMC5 - hahah! we're not all chest-thumpin', world-destroying warmongers mais oui, j'etudie et je parle un petit peu de Francais aussi
Chaser7 - hey no worries man; peaceout

Jemesouviens - oui oui je sais, je sais! actually, on that note…

[Clutch]

ROCKETS VS GRIZZLIES "Yao and Rockets tame the Grizzlies"
Wed Feb 20, 2008 Fed Ex Forum, Memphis, TN

BOXSCOREHOU 85 MEM 83 Final
Player of the Game

With just under ten seconds in the match, Houston's Tracy McGrady committed an uncharacteristic mental error that would stop the clock and send Memphis' Pau Gasol to the line as the Rockets clung to a slim 83-81 margin over the Grizzlies.

McGrady fouled Gasol believing the Rockets still had a foul to give but they were in fact without any; Gasol in turn, calmly knocked down both freethrows tying the game at 83 a piece leaving 7.3 seconds left and the ball in Houston's possession.

Luckily for McGrady, he's got coach Phil Jackson and Yao Ming on his side.

During a final timeout, the zen master diagramed a high-percentage play which the Rockets executed to perfection: the ball was inbounded to Deron Williams who in turn drove hard then kicked it out to McGrady, who flashed to the top of the key and appeared to be setting up for a game-winning shot attempt; but as the Memphis defense quickly collapsed on him, instead of forcing the shot, McGrady quickly pitched the ball deep in the post for Yao who was guarded by Gasol in single coverage. With back to the basket, Yao took a quick fake right to freeze his sole defender then rolled left, elevated and fluidly banked in the game winning jumper with 1.1 seconds left in the game.

A Grizzlies' final and failed desperation trey attempt sealed Houston's 85-83 road victory.

"Big fella bailed me out tonight," said McGrady with a smile after the match. "I owe him one."

Stromile Swift led Memphis with a team-high 20 points while gathering 9 rebounds while Gasol had a tremendous defensive game collecting 6 blocks to add to his double-double 16 point, 12 rebound night.

Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady led the Rockets with solid all-around games with Ming tallying 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and McGrady finishing with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block.

Next up, the Rockets return home to host against the only team the haven't faced yet the entire season - the Milwaukee Bucks - featuring their three-headed monster front court: dual 7-footers Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva and off-season acquisition, 7'1" Tyson Chandler.




Yao hit many key baskets but none more impressive than this one in the final seconds of the game

GAME PHOTOS

Swift, hard to contain all night, thows one down | D-Will buries the fadeaway over two defenders

Marvin Williams smashes it home finishing with a nice double-double | Gasol patrolled the paint all night ending with 6 blocks

Martell Webster and Stromile Swift taking flight

Sean May crushes a thunderous dunk over Mike Miller

Coach Jackson goes over the final play | Yao's jumper over Gasol leaves only 1.1 seconds to put the Rockets ahead for good


Suggestions/comments/feedback always appreciated - Clutch

[TheMC5]

The animated GIF is sa-weet! Wish I'd thought of that! That was a pretty crazy shot, too. Over the backboard!

Je parle francais, aussi.

Well, I kind of do. I was in French immersion until 8th grade, but I haven't spoken a word of it since, so I'm really rusty. But I still didn't know Quebec's official motto. Come to think of it, I don't even know Alberta's official motto, and I've lived here almost my whole life.

Looking forward to the Bucks game. Who starts for them in the frontcourt? Or do they all 3 start, with Charlie V at SF?

[Chaser7]

Yea I agree the clutch play is siiickk, althoghu I think you shoulda showed the game winning play, thatd be tight

and how did the bucks acquire Tyson Chandler?

[Jemesouviens]

‘CLUTCH play of the day’, j’aime beaucoup ça. Your already superior work just keeps getting better.
Bonne Chance!

[Clutch]

TheMC5 - hey thx man! ya i love Yao's shot - I think I said, "WHOA!" out loud when it actually went in; the big fella is slowly becoming 'The Man' in the closing minutes

French immersion and Alberta eh? nice. Wish I would've taken my French classes more seriously back in high school; I knew someone from Alberta but she left 'cause I think the pace was a bit slow for her

All 3 are starters w/Charlie V at SF; I think he grew since the '05-06 start since I don't recall him being 7'0"; should be a challenge for Yao on the block with THREE seven-footers running at him!

Chaser7 - thx man; yah i would've liked to have shown that last shot by Yao but if you don't hit ESC key fast enough, then the Instant Replay doesn't save; only seems to happen on end of quarter shots for some reason and it sucks if it's at the buzzer and i miss it (like this time); still think i would have used this 'over-the-backboard' shot by Yao though just because it's cool

Chandler and the bucks? was curious about that too and it traces back to pg 1 here http://www.nbaliveforums.com/sutra786127.php#786127

Jemesouviens - merci beaucoup mademoiselle! je suis content tu lis mon dynasty (and pls feel free to correct my horrible french too )

Thx for following along all - the Bucks coming soon...

[Clutch]

BUCKS VS ROCKETS "Bench denies Bucks' Triple Threat"
Fri Feb 22, 2008 Toyota Center, Houston, TX

BOXSCORE MIL 87 HOU 96 Final
Player of the Game

Earlier this month, the Houston Rockets committed to Marvin Williams at starting Power Forward and brought in key bench players in a huge multi-team, multi-player trade swap simply being referred to now as, "Big Friday." So far, it's paid off as the Rockets improved to 7-1 since the trade after tonight's 96-87 home victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Williams out-played the bigger, stronger Andrew Bogut most of the night, relying on superior speed and athleticism; but his biggest contribution would come in crunchtime at the end of the game with the ball in Houston possession, under 25 seconds remaining and the Bucks in striking range of the Rockets 90-87 lead.

In the closing sequence with 6 seconds on the clock, Williams would split two defenders down the baseline, take it hard to the rim for the bucket and the foul giving the Rockets a 92-87 edge; he would miss the free-throw but crash the glass for the rebound-dunk-put-back and 94-87 lead. At the other end, Williams would interrupt Bogut's shot attempt, nab another rebound, get fouled and convert two-more free-throws, scoring Houston's final 6 points to finish out the game.

"The Rockets made a commitment to me," said Williams post-game. "Now I'm out to do everything I can to show my appreciation for the opportunity." Williams finished with a double-double 18 points, 10 boards on the night and as a team, Houston controlled the glass, despite Milwaukee's vaunted three 7-footer starting lineup, out-rebounding the Bucks 41 to 28.

Houston's "other" Williams - Deron - struggled with foul trouble guarding the quicker, crafty Maurice "Mo" Williams but still managed to contribute 9 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists before fouling out. Mo Williams led the Bucks with a team-high 21 points, 6 assists.

With D-Will in foul trouble and Mike James struggling with 0-6 from the field, Brevin Knight would step up and have an excellent game contributing 4 points off 2-for-2 shooting and a team-high 6 assists. Sean May also contributed nicely off the bench going 3-for-3 from the field and ending with 6 points, 3 boards in 12 minutes.

Next up, Ben Wallace and company come to town as the Rockets host a struggling Chicago Bulls team currently on a 2 game slide ( officially the only other team aside from the Bucks that Houston hasn't played yet this season; I goofed earlier! )




Williams' strong drive to the basket drew the foul and clinched the Rockets' victory

MORE PHOTOS

Brevin Knight led Houston with 6 assists including this beautiful alley-oop to Williams

The Bucks' Big Three try to stop Yao | Joey Graham takes advantage of Mo Williams' flopping

Marv Williams and Andrew Bogut with monster dunks

Happy Thanksgiving everbody! - Clutch

[jasonkidd508]

that play of the thing is soooooo cool. How did you get it like that? GIF?