Lv06|ROCKETS-2| Officially Closed.

[Clutch]

Nets Snare Rockets At Home

HOUSTON April 8, 2008 (AP) -- Talented Rookie guard, Jamey Demitra, led a New Jersey Nets third quarter charge on route to a 95-88 road victory at the Toyota Center.

A native of Bratislava, Slovakia, and drafted 29th this year by the New Jersey Nets, Demitra, is an undersized Shooting Guard who plays bigger than his 6'1" frame will attest. With top-end speed of a finely-tuned sports car, the rookie was more than a handful for Rockets guard, Joey Graham, who has struggled defensively in recent games. By night's end, Demitra would torch Graham for a team-high 19 points, including a spectacular play where the rookie received the ball on a fast break then proceeded to vault up and over Graham for the nasty slam.

"Yeah, that kid's got some moves," said Graham regarding Demitra's incredible dunk. "I turned my head for a split second and he just took off; it's pretty embarrassing actually."

But Demitra was only part of the Nets' winning equation as everyone who saw minutes contributed something on the offensive end. New Jersey's offense would peak in a near-perfect 31-17 third quarter which pummeled Houston into quiet submission despite a terrific game by Center, Yao Ming. Yao led the way for the Rockets with 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals in defeat.

Houston will next host the West's second-ranked team, Denver Nuggets. With 9 games remaining on Houston's schedule and teams jockeying for Playoff position, the Nuggets could potentially be a 1st-round opponent should the Rockets slide to finish out the regular season.



AROUND THE LEAGUE


NOTEWORTHY INJURIES

HARRINGTON, AL(GS) - Torn Achilles Tendon; Out 10 Weeks
DESMOND, MASON(NOK) - Back Spasm; Out 6 Days
HAMILTON, RIP (DET) - Neck Spasm; Out 10 Days

[Jemesouviens]

Tough losses!

...and don't you dare blame TMac

[Jing]

I Blame TMac...

[Jemesouviens]

Take it back

[Jing]

I'll take it back when Montreal take back the Expos.

[Jemesouviens]

Ouch!

Jing, you'll pay for this

[Clutch]

Jing - don't listen to her; she's a troublemaker;

JMS -

[Clutch]

April 17, 2008 2am

"We've faced three tough opponents over the past week, including last night's game facing Boston. As I write this journal entry coming off a third straight win, our team is motivated, focused and peaking at precisely the right time.

Of the three, our toughest win was the first one at home vs the Nuggets; they've a knack of disrupting our offense and controlling the glass with big, athletic players like 'Melo, Camby and Martin; throw in a versatile, playmaker and scoring threat with break-neck speed like, Iverson, and it's no surprise they're among the top teams out West. It took an Overtime period to do it, but we got past them; that win vs a potential 1st-round opponent provided a huge boost of energy and confidence which the team has been riding since.

Yao and Tracy have been playing their best basketball of the season and it's been contagious. Both have had nagging injuries for a while now but our bench depth allowed them the rest time needed for full recovery. The "Williams Boys" - Deron and Marvin - have also had a lot to do with our recent successes.

Last night's game vs the Celtics showed me just how badly Tracy and Yao want it. They "willed" this win, much like Shaq and Kobe used to carry us during the Lakers championship days; let's hope this is a sign of things to come.

Now I've gotta try and get some shuteye. Our plane touches down in Oakland in a couple hours then it's a shuttle to the Hilton; won't be much time to meditate let alone sleep before Marty shows up with coffee, fruit and bagels and wants to start talking strategy for tonight's game against the Warriors.

No matter how tired he is or little sleep he gets, Bettman's the ultimate early bird; always punctual and on top of things, I'll give him that. Can't really ask for a better in an Assistant Coach."

BOXSCORES
04/10 DEN@HOU
04/13 ATL@HOU
04/16 HOU@BOS

[Its_asdf]

STOP IT, YOU'RE MAKING ME WANT TO PLAY THIS BROKEN ASS GAME AGAIN.

[Clutch]

STOP IT, YOU'RE MAKING ME WANT TO PLAY THIS BROKEN ASS GAME AGAIN.

been a while my man; would be nice if there were a new/retro dynasty link in your signature i could click on...

[Chaser7]

woah i like the new format. Sounds a lot like Phil Jackson in his book, hah. I'm guessing you've read it of course. Almost time for the post season, standings please?

[Jemesouviens]

Nice touch Clutch and...

right back at ya!

[Lamrock]

lol You are finally almost done with the season.

Congrats on being able to keep this strong presentation up so long. This has been one of the best and most consistent dynasties over the past year.

[Clutch]

chaser - "Sacred Hoops" one sweet read for sure, especially for the hardcore MJ & Pip fanatic; standings coming right up;

JMS - got some cool news! will drop you an email soon

lamrock - thx for the praise and stickin' with it; it's been a grueling 'virtual' 82 for sure

[Clutch]

April 20, 2008 12:45am

"There are no 'easy' games to lose; they're all tough. But last night's loss vs the Suns was particularly hard to swallow.

They're a crippled team with the untimely loss of their floor general, Steve Nash, to a torn achilles tendon roughly one week ago. With a 9-week prognosis for recovery, Nash is expected to miss the entire Playoffs as the Suns prepare to make a run at a third consecutive title.

Phoenix already lost what many considered a crucial component in Boris Diaw to Orlando during free agency at the start of the season. Even back then some critics began to say the Suns lacked depth and were 'vulnerable' without Diaw; now, with the devastating loss of their All-Star playmaker, the media has all but written off Phoenix's likelihood of a three-peat.

Well, someone forgot to tell the Suns.

They may be battered and shorthanded but D'Antonio's got every man on that roster devoted and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the ultimate - a championship. And like a wounded dog backed into a corner, they're more dangerous than ever.

I'm not sure our guys are at that level of intensity yet. I'm concerned that last night, our players bought into all the media hype about the Suns' sure demise. They came out expecting Phoenix to just roll over and submit; unfortunately a 10-2 run by the Suns in the final few minutes of the fourth proved otherwise.

Stoudemire and Marion pose serious problems for our slower frontcourt; if we do face them in the Playoffs, we'll need to figure out how to counter those two fast.

Hopefully this loss in front of the home crowd will serve as a wake-up call for our squad; if we're to win a championship, this team must understand it's not going to be given to them - they'll have to take it.

Only a handful of games remain and we've clinched a Playoff berth, so that's not a concern; neither am I concerned about which team we'll eventually play in the first round for that matter. I feel, if we play our game, we'll be fine against anyone in a 7-game series.

I am concerned, however, about fatigue and keeping our guys healthy; both Yao and Tracy will see considerably reduced minutes in these last few games. This will give them some much needed rest but also give our bench players time to work out any kinks and get comfortable and confident as we close out the regular reason."

BOXSCORES
4/16 - HOU@GS
4/19 - PHO@HOU

SEASON STANDINGS
Western Conference
Eastern Conference

[Chaser7]

Nice journal entry again. But I was talking about "The Last Season" or whatever the title was of the book about the 2003-2004 Lakers, haven't read the one about the bulls. In the Warriors game, what happened to Jackson, it looks like he got injured since he played just 2 minutes. And Marcus Banks stepped up huge for the Suns in their win. Good luck in the playoffs man!

[Skills]

Nice concept with the journal entry. Can't wait to see how you do come playoff time.

[Clutch]

May 1, 2008 6:45am

We were able to close out the regular season 3-1, our only loss to Minnesota courtesy of a game-winning buzzer-beater by KG. A rematch a few nights later we changed up, putting May's big body on Garnett for most the night; still, we couldn't contain him and elected to lock down on everyone else after halftime which proved more effective.

Garnett.

You can just sense his frustration emanating out on the court. He's such a tremendous talent with passion for the game like no other; but in this league, you can't do it alone, and the T'Wolves just don't have the pieces.

Finishing with the third-worst record in the West, Garnett and the T'Wolves will miss the Playoffs; last season they were eliminated in the first round. It'll be interesting to see whether that organization can make the necessary moves next season to bring KG some help or if he's had enough and will seek greener pastures.
.

We utilized a lot of our bench during this final stretch and rested Tracy for two games completely, still managing wins without him; a great confidence builder for this club. Our bench responded well, taking advantage of the increased minutes; I'm satisfied with their continued development. Most impressive has been the play of Martell Webster.

Martell's shown flashes of brilliance on the offensive end; similar to Tracy at times, in his ability to score either from long range or getting to the basket. But he needs a lot of work on other aspects of his game, especially the defensive end. That said, for a 21 years old, he's got a lot of potential.
.

Kobe just called. He's up early considering he most likely didn't get a wink of sleep. I knew I'd be hearing from him but am actually surprised it's this soon.

He said he just called to congratulate me and wish us good luck in the Playoffs. He's a hard read, but I can tell in his voice he was being sincere. Not much else was said; just a long silence.

For the Lakers, it came down to the final day of the regular season but they were edged out by Golden State for the 8th and final spot out West, making this a third consecutive season LA's missed the Playoffs. I feel for him and offered a few words of support.

Since MJ, Kobe's been the hardest working, fiercest competitor I've coached. But like KG, his season is over and he's on the outside looking in. I know how Kobe feels about the Lakers organization, his situation, and what happened with me. Sometimes, silence speaks a thousand words.
.

We'll face the two-time defending Champion Phoenix Suns in the first round. I've coached teams under the same circumstance, both in Chicago and LA, and don't envy D'Antoni's position.

To repeat is difficult enough; to "three-peat" takes a level of commitment, perseverance and sheer will beyond the physical. I've been fortunate enough in the past to have had all the pieces necessary and healthy enough to get the job done.

Phoenix, on the other hand, lost their floor leader, Steve Nash, to injury; also some key bench players during the off-season and Marion's suffered bruised ribs in one of their final games; they're definitely not competing with the same pieces on the chessboard as in Championship years past.

But from our most recent face-off and home defeat, the Suns have shown they're not ready nor willing to relinquish their throne without a fight, regardless of how banged-up or short-handed they may be.

Never underestimate the heart of a champion, as the saying goes.

Yao and Marvin will have their hands full with the Suns' quick, powerful frontcourt combo of Stoudemire and Marion but our eventual success or demise in the series may fall primarily on the shoulders of Tracy.

It's no doubt fans, critics and media will ride Tracy hard through every game of this series but what will be most important is how he responds on the court. Just getting past the first round would be a huge step for him and hopefully exorcise his, "Ghosts of Playoffs Past" in the process.


He didn't say much the final few games as he sat out, just watched, calmly and collected.

At this point, he knows what he has to do.

BOXSCORES
4/24 - MIN@HOU
4/26 - HOU@SEA
4/28 - HOU@MIN
4/30 - LAC@HOU

FINAL SEASON STANDINGS
Western Conference
Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF TREE

[Chaser7]

Wow great journal entry. You've really it pulled off it sounds a lot like Jackson. I think you've got a good draw against the injured Suns. Marcus Banks won't have 22 points every game like he did in the last one. Can't believe you've finished the season finally! Good luck man!

[Lamrock]

Woot! You made it through the season! Nice job! 6th seed though? That is a tough conference. Beat Nash and the Suns!

[Skills]

6th seed? I thought you had at least 4th. Anyway, congrats on making it through the season! Good luck with the Suns!

[Clutch]

2008 PLAYOFF INJURY REPORT

Eastern Conference

I.Corbin (CLE) - Injury: torn achilles tendon on 3/30; Status: Unplayable; Recovery: 60%; Duration: 9 weeks; Tracking: Early
R.Caswell (CLE) - Injury: Sprained ankle on 4/29; Status: Unplayable; Recovery: 25%; Duration: 7 days; Tracking: On Target

West Conference

C.Paul (NO) - Injury: bone spur in foot on 4/27 (upgraded from broken bone in foot suffered on 3/28); Status: Unplayable; Recovery: 15%; Duration: 3 weeks; Tracking: Early

A.Harrington (GS) - Injury: torn achilles tendon on 4/6; Status: Unplayable; Recovery: 35%; Duration: 10 weeks; Tracking: Early
S.Jackson (GS) - Injury: sore finger on 4/30 (upgraded from sprained finger suffered on 4/17); Status: Playable; Recovery: 0%; Duration: 4 days; Tracking: On Target

A.Shaw (SAS) - Injury: sprained finger on 4/29; Status: Playable; Recovery: 45%; Duration: 5 days; Tracking: On Target

S.Marion (PHO) - Injury: sore rib on 4/29; Status: Playable; Recovery: 35%; Duration: 6 days; Tracking: On Target
S.Nash (PHO) - Injury: torn achilles tendon on 4/13; Status: Unplayable; Recovery: 25%; Duration: 9 weeks; Tracking: On Target

Nene (DEN) - Injury: broken bone in foot 4/28; Status: Unplayable; Recovery: 0%; Duration: 10 weeks; Tracking: On Target

HOUSTON VS PHOENIX - MATCHUP REVIEW



TEAM RECORDS

Phoenix Suns
Houston Rockets

__

Chaser/Lamrock/Skillz - thx for tracking; yah 6th was all we could manage but luckily we didn't get banged up just getting here

[Jing]

Phil Jackson is a tool

and I ain't worried, since I totally owned that kid

[Clutch]

lol Jackson's a tool with more championship rings than fingers? hate to know what that makes all the other nba coaches...

[homicide1550]

You can definitely beat Phoenix and advance to the next round since Nash wont be able to play, and Marion is nagged with an injury. Good Luck!