Tracy And Yao Trump Kobe Rockets Slip By Lakers 95-93

As a child one of the first lessons you learn is two against one doubles your odds of winning. Apparently Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant does not pay that lesson any heed. Bryant scored 45 points Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets however the only other Los Angeles player in double figures was cagey veteran Derek Fisher who had 17. Now contrast that against the Rockets scoring strategy, Tracy McGrady had 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 more, guard Mike James came off the bench with 13, and Shane Battier had 11. That’s two to one odds, and of course the Rockets ended up on the top side of the scoreboard as they slipped by the Lakers 95-93 to kick off the NBA Season.

Bryant again showed that he has no conscience as a gunner taking 32 shots and making only 13. But of course right now the entire Lakers team is walking on eggshells, including Coach Phil Jackson. So Kobe will have no hesitation about not sharing the ball and just shooting, a complete contrast to the player we saw with Team USA.

The game despite Bryant’s selfish streak showing through was close throughout. Even the shooting percentages were close as Houston shot 45.9% from the field while Los Angeles shot 42.1%. Houston did however dominate in the battle of the boards out rebounding L.A. 49-37.

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One Response to “ Tracy And Yao Trump Kobe Rockets Slip By Lakers 95-93 ”

Comments:

Russ Loede says:
October 31st, 2007 at 11:13 am

No mention of Shane Battier’s CLUTCH GW 3 Pointer to win the game last nite??? You have to have that at the top of the article… He helped myself and many other “true” Houston Rockets fans forget about the final 1:36 of the game, where Houston was awful in finishing off the LA “Rivers”/”Kobes”… The game was was very sloppy but the ending made the late nite watch worthwhile and it was something that NBA/Rockets fans should remember if this team goes far - because they have to be resilient, to do so and it was a small step in the right direction of a team with high hopes…

Houston showed that they are a consistent, pass-first, playmaking PG away, and a consistent, 25-minute PF that can play next to Yao every nite and contribute, away, if they want to contend w / Phx, SA, and Dallas. It just so seems that the Rockets greatest weaknesses will “trump”/topple over their greatest strengths and of the things they do well, if last nite’s contest was any sign for this year (know it’s the 1st game and way too early to think about that), they will fall short in the 2nd round - maybe not even get out the 1st again (1997 last series win)! Many say they have the pieces for the Championship Puzzle - and they may do - but how well will they play together and fit in this puzzle, meshing on the court, nite in and nite out.

Team chemistry often overlooked, though it shouldn’t, as I know playing lots of hoops (still do a lot), is so important, as the team with the best role players and the best PG/Big Man combo that plays its best in the biggest games - usually comes out on top and the teamwork makes the team (ex. of course: SA Spurs and Phx. Suns) - it’s too easy and simple to understand - as everyone has heard this way too many times.

The LeBron, Kobe, and Dwayne Wade-led teams with just some decent cast of supporting role players winning the title - doesn’t happen that much anymore and those days are over, and you have to have that bench to go far and you have to get that PG/PF or C combo working - to have a winning formula with the right ingredients to the recipe of success - (ex. Deron Williams to Carlos Boozer last Playoffs) - they absolutely destroyed Houston and their bench was brilliant and dynamic in every game… It’s not overnite that you develop and discover these tools of the trade and it takes awhile, but a quick turnaround can be made because of the right offensive style and offensive cohesiveness (ex. GS Warriors). You need to play well together and the right time and find the “bread and butter” plays if you want to be a top team like: Phx (Nash/Amare/Marion) - SA (Parker/Duncan) - and Dall. (Terry/Harris/Nowitzki) with their greatest strengths being Houston’s greatest weaknesses - @ the PG & PF postions - it may prove to be all the difference in this new NBA Season of 2007-2008.

Prediction: If the “Regular Season” Dallas Mavs show up in the “Q” 2nite - watch out for a 12-13 point victory in Cleveland! Don’t go to sleep for the Denv./Seattle game - that will be your 125-113 type of game!!!

Can’t wait ’till see Phx. Suns in action Thurs. Nite in Seattle and for the C’s to play with the Big 3 (Don’t forget Rondo!) and a rematch betw. the potent Jazz and the Houston Rockets tomorrow nite!

Russ