Rockets vs. Jazz: How they match up

Rocketeer/article 2007. 4. 21. 21:45

April 21, 2007, 2:12AM
Rockets vs. Jazz: How they match up

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle


Center: Okur vs. Yao

Mehmet Okur has had a career year, with too much range for most centers and too much size for most forwards. Yao Ming, the league's top-scoring center each of the past two seasons, has returned to his offensive form before his injury. Yao likely will match up more against Carlos Boozer to be able to stay inside, with Okur, Boozer and Jarron Collins taking turns on Yao.

Edge: Rockets

Power forward: Boozer vs. Hayes

As much as anyone, Boozer's relative good health this season has keyed the Jazz turnaround. Boozer was an All-Star this season and has had a breakthrough season. The Rockets' Chuck Hayes, in just his second season, became the starter as a complement to Yao Ming. An energetic rebounder and strong defender, he added an ability to cut to take passes inside from Tracy McGrady.

Edge: Jazz.

Small forward: Kirilenko vs. Battier

With Andrei Kirilenko coming back Monday, the Jazz get an active shot-blocking and rebounding force, even though he has struggled at times. The Rockets' Shane Battier has had a similar impact defensively and his best season from beyond the arc.

Edge: Rockets.

Shooting guard: Fisher vs. McGrady

After one season with Golden State, Derek Fisher, long a clutch postseason player, has helped stabilize the Jazz's backcourt even though he struggled with his shot in April. Tracy McGrady came back from last season's back spasms to become as much of a driving force as a playmaker as he is as a scorer.

Edge: Rockets.

Point guard: Williams vs. Alston

Deron Williams has grown into one of the league's top young point guards, enough for Jerry Sloan to go back to much of the offense as he ran it with John Stockton as the Jazz have become one of the league's most efficient offensive teams. Rafer Alston has done well running the offense and limiting turnovers, but he can be incredibly streaky with his shot.

Edge: Jazz.

Bench: Jazz vs. Rockets

With Andrei Kirilenko and Gordan Giricek returning from injuries, Matt Harpring moves back to coming off the bench and the Jazz get deeper and stronger off the bench. Jarron Collins can add some defensive help on Yao Ming. Luther Head had an outstanding season from 3-point range with Juwan Howard and Dikembe Mutombo often providing a needed lift. Basically, Head and Harpring, and Giricek and Howard cancel each other out, with Mutombo getting the edge on Collins.

Edge: Rockets.

Coach: Sloan vs. Van Gundy

Jerry Sloan is fourth in wins among active coaches, twice taking the Jazz to the NBA Finals. Despite missing Yao, McGrady or both for half the season, Jeff Van Gundy has led the Rockets to their best record since 1996-97, and he also has taken a team — the 1999 New York Knicks — to the Finals. Both have their teams playing their way and seem to have the complete confidence of their players, with Sloan getting the edge in seniority.

Edge: Jazz.

Prediction: Rockets in seven.

'Rocketeer > article' 카테고리의 다른 글

[Chron.com] Rockets vs. Jazz : 승리를 위한 다섯가지 키워드  (0) 2007.04.26
[youtube] 헤이즈의 자유투 모습  (0) 2007.04.26
Rockets vs. Jazz: Who wants it more?  (0) 2007.04.20
PO 1라운드 : 휴스턴 로켓츠 vs 유타 재즈  (2) 2007.04.19
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 로켓츠의 플레이오프 로테이션  (2) 2007.04.15
Posted by Third Eye
,

Rockets vs. Jazz: Who wants it more?

Rocketeer/article 2007. 4. 20. 20:53

April 20, 2007, 1:59AM

Rockets, Jazz want to be best in glass

First-round Western Conference series may well come down to rebounding

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

ROCKETS VS. JAZZ
•Gm. 1: At Houston 8:30 Sat.
•Gm. 2: At Houston 8:30 Mon.
•Gm. 3: At Utah 8 April 26.
•Gm. 4: At Utah 9:30 April 28.
•Gm. 5:* At Houston TBD April 30.
•Gm. 6:* At Utah TBD May 3.
•Gm. 7:* At Houston TBD May 5.
* -- if necessary

This is how it should be. Strength against strength. Best versus best.

The Rockets' defensive rebounding against the Utah Jazz's offensive rebounding.

To be playing in the postseason, teams must be good, preferably better than good at some things.

There is no team better at protecting its defensive boards than the Rockets, no team better at crashing the offensive boards than the Jazz, and no way both can do what they do best in their first-round playoff series, beginning Saturday at Toyota Center.

"When you're No. 1 in the league in anything, you have to say it's a strength," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "(Between) their strength and our strength, who wins out in that rebound battle will go a long way to who wins ... the series."

Rebounding is so much a part of what these teams are about, they even sound alike when talking about the importance of taking care of the boards.

Said Jazz guard Derek Fisher: "For us, rebounding numbers have been key to our success all season."

In another sign of how evenly matched the teams are, Rockets forward Shane Battier put it: "For us, rebounds have been a barometer all year long.

"When we rebound well, we usually play well. When we struggle to rebound, we don't play well. That's been a common thread for us since the first day."


Strength and strategy

The Jazz are 41-15 when outrebounding opponents. The Rockets are 38-12 when winning the battle of the boards.

The Jazz lead the NBA in offensive-rebounding percentage and total-rebounding percentage, averaging 12.6 offensive rebounds and 51.9 total rebounds per game. The Rockets lead the NBA in the percentage of defensive rebounds, averaging 32.6 per game.

"We can easily point to our winning percentage when we rebound the ball well, and particularly when we are able to hit the offensive glass, get second opportunities, we've been really successful," Fisher said. "That could be the one stat that you can point to that will separate the series. Which team will dominate the glass the way they've been accustomed to all season?"

For both, success on the boards comes from a combination of strength and strategy.

The Rockets put extra emphasis on what Van Gundy calls "completing the defense."

They will sacrifice chances to sneak out on breaks to send extra bodies to the defensive glass, and, against the Jazz, they will expect every player to help.

"They're always going to have two or three guys in the paint when the shot goes up because that's how their offense is," said Rockets forward Chuck Hayes. "They send their wings, (Matt) Harpring, (Andrei) Kirilenko, (Ronnie) Brewer, in to keep it alive. We're going to have to do a better job containing them, getting them off the glass and fighting for rebounds."

The Jazz are so good on the boards because they are loaded with strong rebounders, but also because their offense keeps them in motion, usually with at least one big man moving toward the rim and at least one perimeter player in position to swoop in.

"If you look at me, (Carlos) Boozer, AK (Kirilenko), Matt Harpring, Paul (Milsaps), everybody can rebound," Mehmet Okur said. "Everybody hustles to the ball. Everybody is moving, so it's tough to box out. We're such an active team; we like to move a lot on the offense, so we have a great opportunity for offensive rebounds."

That motion has been tough for the Rockets against lesser rebounding teams, Toronto and Phoenix. They have been outrebounded by 10 or more only nine times, but were outboarded by a season-high 20 by the Jazz on Wednesday.

"They're big," Battier said. "They start Boozer and Okur. That's two wide bodies. Even though you try to box them out, they just lay on you, and they can move you with their force. Then you throw Kirilenko in there, Harpring, two guys who just get in there with length and athleticism, they're really good. That's what they've won 51 games doing — rebounding."

The Rockets have won 52 games by rebounding. Either that, or their rebounding has indicated they also were doing other things well.


Quick teams a problem

"You can't be passive on the boards and assertive in other areas," Van Gundy said. "You're either assertive or you're not. Rebounding reflects that for us. It means completing your defense. We talk about the start of our defense, which is transition defense because of our speed deficit. We've got to have three back, so we're not outnumbered. And the finish of our defense, which is contesting of a shot, not fouling on that shot and then securing the ball.

"Statistically, we have been the best defensive rebounding team percentage-wise. But there have been nights where we've struggled with quicker teams. We're better with more stationary targets, catching up with guys maybe in a cut, and the ball is shot and we're trying to block out. They pose unique problems for us.

"If we fight for the ball and fight for every inch on the court, we'll be in the game rebounding-wise, enough to win."

jonathan.feigen@chron.com

'Rocketeer > article' 카테고리의 다른 글

[youtube] 헤이즈의 자유투 모습  (0) 2007.04.26
Rockets vs. Jazz: How they match up  (0) 2007.04.21
PO 1라운드 : 휴스턴 로켓츠 vs 유타 재즈  (2) 2007.04.19
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 로켓츠의 플레이오프 로테이션  (2) 2007.04.15
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 티맥의 등 문제  (0) 2007.04.08
Posted by Third Eye
,

PO 1라운드 : 휴스턴 로켓츠 vs 유타 재즈

Rocketeer/article 2007. 4. 19. 21:02
(5) Houston Rockets vs. (4) Utah Jazz
Series tied 0-0   Series Breakdown
Houston Rockets
Playoff History
1. Sat, Apr 21 – at Houston, 9:30 pm EDT (ESPN)
2. Mon, Apr 23 – at Houston, 9:30 pm EDT (TNT)
3. Thu, Apr 26 – at Utah, 9:00 pm EDT (NBA)
4. Sat, Apr 28 – at Utah, 10:30 pm EDT (ESPN)
5.* Mon, Apr 30 – at Houston
6.* Thu, May 3 – at Utah
7.* Sat, May 5 – at Houston (TNT)
 Utah Jazz
Playoff History


Houston Rockets

vs.

 Utah Jazz
 Steve Kerr

STEVE KERR'S SCORECARD

Rockets vs. Jazz
Kerr's Take
Backcourt  
Tracy McGrady has played at a ridiculously high level of late
Frontcourt  
Yao Ming is too much for the Jazz to handle down low
  Bench
Harpring, Giricek and Brewer will all get cracks at T-Mac
Coaching
Two coach of the year candidates go toe-to-toe
Intangibles  
Rockets are playing with confidence and have home court
Rockets    
Bottom Line: This is not the same Jazz team we saw earlier in the season … Rockets in five



Regular Season Stat Comparisons

Houston Rockets Utah Jazz
Individual
25.0 Y. Ming Scoring C. Boozer 20.9
9.4 Y. Ming Rebounds C. Boozer 11.7
6.5 T. McGrady Assists D. Williams 9.3
1.6 R. Alston Steals A. Kirilenko 1.1
2.0 Y. Ming Blocks A. Kirilenko 2.1
Team
43.3 Rebounds 42.5
20.8 Assists 24.7
7.1 Steals 7.0
97.0 Points For 101.5
92.1 Points Against 98.6

'Rocketeer > article' 카테고리의 다른 글

Rockets vs. Jazz: How they match up  (0) 2007.04.21
Rockets vs. Jazz: Who wants it more?  (0) 2007.04.20
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 로켓츠의 플레이오프 로테이션  (2) 2007.04.15
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 티맥의 등 문제  (0) 2007.04.08
[Rockets Note] 유타전 아쉬운 패배, 이 주의 선수 야오..etc.  (2) 2007.04.03
Posted by Third Eye
,

[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹(4/16) : 파이널 랭킹

NBA/Feature 2007. 4. 19. 20:50
The final rankings
By Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports
April 16, 2007

Steve Kerr
Yahoo! Sports
STEVE KERR'S THREE POINTS
Player of the Week
Ben Gordon – The Bulls' explosive guard averaged 24 points a game as Chicago went 3-0 to maintain its edge over Cleveland for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Gordon made 53 percent of his shots on the week, including 11 of his 18 three-point attempts.

Team of the Week
Golden State Warriors – Golden State's surge continued with three straight blowout victories, including a 24-point blowout of the Jazz at home, and took over the eighth spot in the West. A win over Minnesota on Sunday put the Warriors at the .500 mark for the first time since January 7 when they were 18-18.

Game of the Week
Tuesday: Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks – This game has playoff implications for both teams, even though the Mavericks have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the West. Why? Because the Warriors could be Dallas' first-round opponent if they remain the eighth seed. And since Golden State has won the first two meetings of the season with the Mavs, Avery Johnson has a choice: either rest his starters and don't worry about any emotional edge the Warriors might have, or send a message by playing to win.

When Dallas and San Antonio met in the second round of last year's playoffs despite having the two best records in the NBA, the league decided to make sure that scenario never happened again. The rules committee changed the playoff seeding format, guaranteeing each division champion only a top-four seed instead of a top-three seed.

It turns out the new rule didn't go far enough.

Once again, the NBA has a problem on its hands, due to a trio of Central Division teams that were the Eastern Conference's elite. Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland were the three best teams in the East this season, but either the Bulls or Cavs will be seeded fifth when the playoffs start Saturday thanks again to the league's "new" ridiculous seeding format.

Toronto and Miami will be seeded third and fourth, respectively, based on their division titles. The result is that the East's playoff brackets are totally unbalanced, with several of the conference's best clubs all on one side.

It's time for the league to do what it should have done in the first place when it expanded to six divisions three years ago: seed every team by record, regardless of division standing. Winning a division should guarantee a playoff spot, but nothing else.

There, I got that off my chest. Here are this season's final rankings before we head to the playoffs (records and statistics are through April 15):

Dallas 1. Dallas Mavericks (66-14, Last ranking: 1) – The Mavericks solidified their status as the NBA's best team with their 91-86 victory over San Antonio on Sunday. Now the hard part begins: trying to get back to the NBA finals.

Phoenix 2. Phoenix Suns (61-19, Last ranking: 3) – The Suns have won five in a row since a loss to the Spurs last week, and they've secured the No. 2 seed in the West in the process.

San Antonio 3. San Antonio Spurs (58-22, Last ranking: 2) – As well as the Spurs have played in the second half of the season, their early-season struggles may come back to haunt them. The three seed means a first-round matchup with red-hot Denver and no home court against either Phoenix or Dallas in later rounds.

Detroit 4. Detroit Pistons (51-29, Last ranking: 4) – The Pistons head to the playoffs as the favorites in the East, but a second-round matchup with either Miami or Cleveland looms.

Houston 5. Houston Rockets (51-29, Last ranking: 6) – Tracy McGrady is still looking for his first playoff series victory, and he looks ready. He's averaged 31 points during Houston's four-game win streak.

Chicago 6. Chicago Bulls (49-32, Last ranking: 7) – The Bulls are as stingy as ever when it comes to giving up points. A rout of Washington on Sunday was fueled by a smothering defense that held the Wizards to 34-percent shooting.

Cleveland 7. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-32, Last ranking: 8) – The Cavs are still hoping the Bulls slip and fall to New Jersey Wednesday. If not, they're looking at the fifth seed and a meeting with the Heat in the first found.

Toronto 8. Toronto Raptors (47-33, Last ranking: 9) – The Raptors are hoping to get Andrea Bargnani back for the playoffs.

Miami 9. Miami Heat (44-36, Last ranking: 11) – Dwyane Wade's numbers since his return? Four games, 16 points per game, 24-for-54 shooting.

Denver 10. Denver Nuggets (43-37, Last ranking: 10) – The Nuggets' eight-game winning streak was snapped in Memphis, but not before Denver secured the sixth seed and a date with the Spurs in the first round.

Utah 11. Utah Jazz (49-31, Last ranking: 5) – The Jazz will limp into their first-round series with Houston, having lost seven of their last nine games.

Golden State 12. Golden State Warriors (40-40, Last ranking: 14) – The Warriors' late-season playoff push has been fueled by a reenergized Jason Richardson, who is part of an ultra small lineup that is giving opponents fits.

L.A. Clippers 13. Los Angeles Clippers (39-41, Last ranking: 12) – A costly loss to Sacramento on Sunday – at home, no less – has left the Clips in a position where they need help to make the playoffs.

L.A. Lakers 14. Los Angeles Lakers (41-40, Last ranking: 13) – What happened to that once-promising season? The Lakers need to beat Sacramento on Tuesday just to finish above .500.

New Jersey 15. New Jersey Nets (39-41, Last ranking: 16) – Blowouts at the hands of Chicago and Cleveland don't bode well for the Nets' playoff chances: They're likely to play one of them in the first round.

Washington 16. Washington Wizards (40-40, Last ranking: 17) – With no Gilbert Arenas or Caron Butler, the Wizards are the team everyone in the East wants to play in the first round. It looks like Toronto will have the honor.

Orlando 17. Orlando Magic (38-42, Last ranking: 15) – The Magic are in the playoffs, but don't expect to see them hang around long.

New Orleans 18. New Orleans Hornets (37-43, Last ranking: 18) – Give the Hornets credit. They hung around the playoff chase for a long time despite numerous injuries.

Indiana 19. Indiana Pacers (35-45, Last ranking: 19) – After losing 21 of their last 27 games, the Pacers will miss the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

Philadelphia 20. Philadelphia 76ers (34-46, Last ranking: 20) – Who could have predicted the Sixers would win 29 of 57 games since trading Allen Iverson? The only problem is that their draft position, barring a lottery miracle, got considerably lower.

Sacramento 21. Sacramento Kings (33-47, Last ranking: 26) – The Kings may be in for a rebuilding job after missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

Charlotte 22. Charlotte Bobcats (33-48, Last ranking: 23) – The Bobcats won seven of their last 10 games and have some hope for next season. Plenty of cap room, a lottery pick … things are looking up.

Portland 23. Portland Trail Blazers (32-48, Last ranking: 24) – Jarrett Jack scored 25 points and handed out five assists in a win over Seattle. He's trying to prove he's the Blazers' point guard of the future.

New York 24. New York Knicks (32-48, Last ranking: 22) – As the Knicks continue to tumble down the standings, the Bulls' draft choice gets higher and higher.

Minnesota 25. Minnesota Timberwolves (32-48, Last ranking: 21) – The Wolves shelved Kevin Garnett and made sure they hung onto their first-round draft pick, which would have gone to the Clippers if it hadn't been in the top 10.

Seattle 26. Seattle SuperSonics (31-50, Last ranking: 25) – Is this the last time we'll call the Sonics the Seattle Sonics? Let's hope not.

Atlanta 27. Atlanta Hawks (29-51, Last ranking: 27) – Is there anyone left on the roster to play the final week?

Milwaukee 28. Milwaukee Bucks (27-53, Last ranking: 28) – The Bucks-Hawks matchup on Monday figures to be a barnburner. Don't miss it.

Boston 29. Boston Celtics (23-57, Last ranking: 29) – The Celtics are hoping that either Kevin Durant or Greg Oden "comes walking through that door" in June.

Memphis 30. Memphis Grizzlies (20-60, Last ranking: 30) – Come on, pingpong balls!

Steve Kerr is Yahoo! Sports' NBA analyst. Send Steve a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Monday, Apr 16, 2007 9:11 pm EDT

'NBA > Feature' 카테고리의 다른 글

[NBA.com] 서머리그 플레이어 랭킹  (0) 2007.07.13
[Yahoo! Sports] 서머리그 리포트  (0) 2007.07.12
[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹 (4/9)  (2) 2007.04.12
[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹 (4/2)  (2) 2007.04.07
[Si.com] 켈리 다이어 - 가장 실망스러운 선수들  (0) 2007.03.31
Posted by Third Eye
,

[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 로켓츠의 플레이오프 로테이션

Rocketeer/article 2007. 4. 15. 16:04
Friday April 13, 2007 11:05 AM


Mailbag: Rockets nail down rotation for playoff push


Rockets.com's Damien Pierce opens his mailbag to answer fans' questions


Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

Rockets.com beat writer Damien Pierce opens up his mailbag each week to answer fans' questions.

So ask Pierce anything about the Rockets or the NBA. He'll come up with an answer or an answer that sounds right. His answers, of course, are entirely his own opinion.

Pierce will be checking his mail again on April 20, so send in your questions.

Let's get to your questions ...


What do you expect the Rockets' rotation to look like in the playoffs?
-- Mark Smith, Houston

플레이오프에서 로켓츠의 로테이션이 어떻게 될 거라고 예상하나요?
-- Mark Smith, Houston


Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy was exploring different lineup options last week, but I suspect that you'll see the same eight-man rotation in the playoffs that you've seen over much of the past month.

밴 건디 감독은 지난주 다른 옵션들의 라인업을 시험해보긴 했지만, 지난 몇 달간 보아온 것처럼 플레이오프에서도 8인 로테이션을 고수할 거라고 봅니다.

So, in other words, Luther Head, Dikembe Mutombo and Juwan Howard will be the options off the bench. Mutombo will probably play about 10 minutes to give Yao a breather, but Head and Howard will get minutes based on what the team needs down the stretch of games. Head tends to get playing time in crunch time thanks to his clutch three-point shooting and Howard's minutes will fluctuate based on whether Van Gundy wants more rebounding (Chuck Hayes) or more offense (Howard).

헤드, 무톰보, 하워드가 벤치에서 주로 출전하게 될 것입니다. 무톰보는 아마 야오의 휴식을 위해서 대략 10분정도 뛰게 되겠지만, 헤드와 하워드는 게임에서 필요한 만큼의 시간을 얻게 될 겁니다. 헤드의 클러치 3점 능력은 중요한 순간에 출장 시간을 부여받게 될 것이고, 하워드의 경우에는 밴 건디가 상황에 따라 리바운드가 필요하면 헤이즈, 득점이 필요하면 하워드 식으로 뛰게 될겁니다.

I also expect to see more of Houston's two stars. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming will be logging more minutes in the postseason, although Yao will have to avoid foul trouble to stay on the floor. McGrady will probably be hovering around the 40-minute mark throughout the playoffs.

그리고 휴스턴의 두 스타 플레이어는 좀 더 출장시간을 얻게 되리라고 예상합니다. 야오의 경우에는 파울 트러블을 조심해야 하겠지만 말이죠. 티맥은 아마 플레이오프 내내 40분정도를 뛰게 될겁니다.

With that said, I suspect some fans will question this short bench.

다시 말해서, 몇몇 팬들은 더 적어진 벤치 선수들의 출장시간에 대해 궁금하게 여길 겁니다.



Don't you think Coach Van Gundy needs a deeper rotation for the playoffs to rest his starters? The Mavs and Suns have deep benches.  
-- David James, Houston

밴 건디 감독이 주전 선수들에게 휴식을 주면서 로테이션을 보다 두텁게 하는게 필요하다고 생각하지 않나요? 매브스와 선즈는 두터운 벤치를 갖추고 있잖아요.
-- David James, Houston


Who called that one? Unfortunately David, I'm not with you on this one. The Rockets shouldn't extend their bench for the sake of trotting out as many players as other teams and I'd even argue that those other teams are going to shorten their benches as well for the postseason.

불행하게도 당신 생각엔 동의하지 못하겠네요. 로켓츠는 다른 팀들 만큼 벤치가 두텁지 못하고 그런 두터운 벤치를 가진 팀들 조차도 포스트시즌에 들어서는 벤치 플레이어들의 출장 시간을 늘리게 되지는 않을 겁니다.

Do you think Avery Johnson is going to decrease Dirk Nowitzki's minutes in the playoffs to get a ninth guy off the bench? Probably not. And, I'd like to point out that the Suns are running eight guys these days. During Wednesday's win over Seattle, the Suns only had three players log significant minutes off the bench. Sure, three additional guys ended up playing two minutes each at the end of the game. But that wasn't part of Phoenix's primary rotation.

에이브리 존슨 감독이 벤치의 9번째 선수를 위해 플레이오프에서 노비츠키의 출장 시간을 감소하려 들까요? 아마도 아닐 겁니다. 그리고 최근에 선즈는 8명만으로 달리고 있죠. 수요일 시애틀전에서 겨우 3명의 벤치 플레이어에게만 상당한 시간을 부여했습니다. 물론 또다른 3명의 선수가 마지막 2분을 소화해냈지만, 그 선수들은 피닉스의 주 로테이션에 포함된 게 아니죠.

With all that said, here's what really matters: The Rockets have, for the most part, played their best with an eight-man rotation. That might very well be because those guys at the end of the bench didn't get more playing time earlier in the season, but even if that's the case, that's not a reason to extend their minutes right now, heading in the playoffs.

정말 중요한건 다음과 같습니다. : 로켓츠는 시즌 대부분을 8인 로테이션으로 소화하면서 최고의 모습을 보였습니다. 시즌 초반부터 벤치의 나머지 선수들의 시간을 제한했기에 잘된 건지도 모르겠지만, 만약 이 경우에서 조차 플레이오프를 앞둔 지금 당장 벤치 선수들의 출장 시간을 늘려야하는 이유가 되지 못합니다.

As for resting starters, Van Gundy will be playing his primary options the same amount of time whether he has a bench that goes three deep or six deep. So that, to me, is really a non-issue.

주전 선수들의 휴식을 위해서, 밴 건디는 벤치의 3명에서 6명 정도의 선수들에게 주전들과 같은 시간을 부여할 겁니다만, 중요한 의미를 부여할 정도는 되지 못합니다.

The bottom line is the Rockets are be going with a rotation that has shown the best results over the course of the season.

결론은 로켓츠는 시즌 내내 최고의 결과를 가져다 주었던 지금 로테이션을 계속 유지할 거라는 겁니다.


What the heck happened with Bonzi Wells and is the situation a distraction for the team?  
-- Jorge Lopez, Houston

도대체 반지 웰스에게 먼 일이 일어난 것이고 그게 팀 내 상황에 혼란을 가져다 줄까요?
-- Jorge Lopez, Houston


Frankly, I would just be speculating to come up with answer. Here's all you really need to know: Bonzi Wells was placed on the inactive list after missing Monday's game at Seattle and he isn't expected to activated for the remainder of the season.

솔직히, 저의 추측에 불과합니다만, 정말 아셔야 하는 건 : 반지는 시애틀 전 이탈로 이후 인액티브 로스터에 올랐고 남은 시즌에는 더이상 출장하지 못할 거라는 점입니다.

As for the second half of your question, I don't think the situation has been a distraction. The issue was handled fairly quickly and the team appears focused on making a playoff push.

2번째 질문에 대해선, 특별한 혼란을 가져다 주진 않을 거라고 봅니다. 반지의 이탈에 대해서 매우 빠르게 대처했고 우리 팀은 플레이오프에 모든 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.



What happened to Steve Novak? In the beginning of the season, he was making three pointers as if it were no problem. I haven't seen him play in a long time.
-- Sadiq Amir, Houston

스티브 노박은 어떤가요? 시즌 시작무렵 문제가 없다면 3점 슈터가 될거라고 했었죠. 하지만 저는 노박이 긴 시간 뛰는 걸 본적이 없네요.
-- Sadiq Amir, Houston




I'm happy to report that Steve Novak is still a heck of a shooter. However, the rookie is not in the rotation because he's still improving his strength and developing his defensive skills.

노박이가 여전히 뛰어난 슈터라는 걸 말씀드릴 수 있어서 행복합니다만, 근력과 수비 스킬의 발전이 필요하기에 아직은 로테이션에 합류될 수 없습니다.

How is Novak handling the situation? Glad you asked. I actually talked with him about how he was handling the lack of minutes about two weeks ago in Los Angeles. He said that he'd obvioulsy like to be playing, but he understands that he's got veterans playing in front of him and that he has to improve in certain areas. He said that he's added about 10 pounds to his 230-pound frame since the season opener.

노박이는 이 상황을 어떻게 대처하고 있냐구요? 저는 대략 2주전 LA에서 출장시간 부족에 대해서 노박이와 얘기를 나눈적이 있습니다. 노박이는 분명 뛸수 있게 된다면 좋겠지만, 자신보다 베테랑들이 중용받는 것에 대해 충분히 이해하고 있고, 자신에게 발전해야 하는 부분이 있다는 것도 잘 알고 있었습니다. 또한 시즌이 시작된 이후 거의 10파운드의 근육을 더했다고 얘기하더군요.

There's no queston that Novak is a skilled shooter. He could earn himself some playing time next season.
 
노박이가 뛰어난 슈터라는 건 의심의 여지가 없습니다. 다음 시즌이면 좀 더 많은 출장 시간을 얻을 수 있을 겁니다.



Do you think that Yao Ming needs to work on his strength and ability to get the ball in the post? He recently had major problems getting the ball against the Warriors.
-- Fred Tavalaian, Houston

야오가 포스트에서 공을 잡는 능력과 힘을 더 길러야 한다고 생각하나요? 워리어스 전에서 야오는 공을 잡는데 큰 문제점을 보였습니다.
-- Fred Tavalaian, Houston


I'll suggest to Yao that he should start lifting weights. OK, I'm kidding. Since I started covering the Rockets, I haven't seen another guy work harder than Yao. He's typically in the weight room after most games, even after logging 30-plus minutes on the hardwood.

야오에게 이제부터 웨이트를 시작하라고 말하는게 나을까요. :) 저는 로켓츠를 담당한 이후로 야오보다 더 열심히 하는 친구를 본 적이 없습니다. 매 게임을 마치고 나면 웨이트 룸에서 시간을 보냅니다. 30분이상 소화한 게임 후에도 말이죠.

In other words, I wouldn't equate his inability to get touches against Golden State on April 4 to his lack of strength. The Warriors were certainly physical with him, but what limited Yao's inside looks was the fact that three defenders were hovering around him. He couldn't get the ball inside even when he reached his spot because the Rockets' guards couldn't find an opening in the defense.

바꾸어 말하면, 골든 스테이트 전에서 공을 잡기 힘들었던 것이 단순히 야오의 힘이 부족해서 그렇다고 보진 않습니다. 워리어스는 확실히 야오를 피지컬하게 수비했지만, 3명의 수비수들이 야오를 둘러싸고 시야를 막았습니다. 로켓츠 가드진은 워리어스 수비 때문에 야오가 자리를 잡아도 공이 인사이드로 연결할 수 없었습니다.

What would have opened things up for Yao is better shooting and more efficient passing. The Warriors dared Houston's collection of perimeter players to beat them. And on that night, they didn't. They shot 41.3 percent, made 15 of 37 three-point attempts and had 24 turnovers.

야오가 좀더 자유롭게 하려면 더나은 슈팅과 효율적인 패스가 필요합니다. 워리어스는 야오를 막기 위해 퍼리미터 수비를 버렸지만, 휴스턴의 선수들은 그걸 이용하지 못했습니다. 휴스턴은 41.3%의 야투율과 37개의 3점시도중에 15개를 성공했지만 무려 24개의 턴오버를 범했습니다.



We can't get home-court advantage because the Jazz won their division. So why do they keep saying we can? Under the new rules, a division winner will not be seeded any lower than fourth. The new rules only assure that the two best teams are seeded No. 1 and No. 2 so they can face each other in the conference finals. If I'm wrong, please clear that up for me. Here are the rules: http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html
-- Jason, Humble

재즈가 디비전 우승을 거뒀기에 로켓츠가 홈코트 어드밴티지를 얻을 수 없다고 봅니다. 그런데 왜 우리가 어드밴티지를 얻을 수 있다고 계속 말하나요? 새 룰에 의하면, 디비전 우승팀은 4위 자리 밑으로 내려갈 수 없습니다. 그리고 최고 승률 두팀이 1,2번 시드를 보장 받고, 컨퍼런스 파이널에서 만날 수 있게 되어 있습니다. 만약 내가 잘못 본거라면, 확실히 풀어주세요. 여기 룰 변경에 대한 링크 주소가 있습니다. : http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html
-- Jason, Humble




I'd suggest reading the rules that you sent to me. Here's the part that you might find interesting: Home-court advantage for any series is determined by record, not seed. So, it's possible that the 5 seed could have home-court advantage over the 4, or that the 6 seed could have home-court advantage over the 3. 

룰을 다시 한번 자세히 읽어보세요. : 어떤 씨리즈이든지 홈코트 어드밴티지는 시드가 아니라 승률에 우선한다. 즉, 5번 시드 팀이 4번 시드 팀에 앞서서 어드밴티지를 얻을 수 있고, 6번 시드 팀 역시 어드밴티지를 가질 수 있다.

'Rocketeer > article' 카테고리의 다른 글

Rockets vs. Jazz: Who wants it more?  (0) 2007.04.20
PO 1라운드 : 휴스턴 로켓츠 vs 유타 재즈  (2) 2007.04.19
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 티맥의 등 문제  (0) 2007.04.08
[Rockets Note] 유타전 아쉬운 패배, 이 주의 선수 야오..etc.  (2) 2007.04.03
[로켓츠.com] 메일백 : 유타에 관하여  (2) 2007.04.01
Posted by Third Eye
,

휴스턴 휴스토니안 호텔에서 콩고의 무톰보 병원위한 자선행사

Rocketeer/small talk 2007. 4. 14. 16:38

사용자 삽입 이미지

킹콩이 살이 ;;;


사용자 삽입 이미지

야오의 걸프렌드 예리



사용자 삽입 이미지

야오 예리 커플과 쉐인 배티에 하이디 부부



사용자 삽입 이미지

자선행사를 개최한 로펌의 릭레이븐(좌), 휴스턴 시장인 빌 화이트(우2)

'Rocketeer > small talk' 카테고리의 다른 글

8월 4일에 열린 티맥 셀러브리티 소프트볼 토너먼트 사진  (5) 2007.08.08
[NBA.com] 로켓츠 섬머리그 로스터 확정 + 드래프트 잡담  (2) 2007.07.06
현재 로켓츠의 드래프트 예상 선수들  (2) 2007.05.26
로켓츠 플레이오프 확정!!  (2) 2007.03.28
휴스턴 디펜스 넘버  (0) 2007.01.16
Posted by Third Eye
,

[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹 (4/9)

NBA/Feature 2007. 4. 12. 12:01
Beware of the Nuggets
By Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports
April 9, 2007

Steve Kerr
Yahoo! Sports
STEVE KERR'S THREE POINTS
Team of the Week
Denver Nuggets – Denver not only beat the best team in the NBA last week – Dallas – but also handled two of its playoff-seeking counterparts, the Lakers and Clippers. Throw in a victory over Sacramento, and the Nuggets won all four games to move closer to a playoff berth. Carmelo Anthony averaged 27 points per game during the stretch and is playing his best basketball since early in the season.

Stat of the Week
2 – That's how many three-pointers Ruben Patterson and Eddy Curry had combined for the season before each hit one in the final second of the New York Knicks' overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Patterson banked in his effort from the wing with 0.9 seconds left in regulation to put the Bucks up 102-99, only to be overshadowed when Curry tied the game with a three from the corner.

Game of the Week
Thursday: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers – The battle for L.A. isn't quite as attractive as it was a year ago when both teams were really good. Still, there's always drama when these two clubs meet at Staples Center, and this game has playoff implications for both teams.

Ask any of the West's top teams which club it most wants to avoid in the first round of the playoffs, and the answer most likely would be Denver.

The Nuggets finally are healthy and clicking, and despite a difficult schedule George Karl's team has rattled off five straight wins to squeeze past the two L.A. teams to reach the No. 6 slot in the West.

It appears that the Allen Iverson/Carmelo Anthony combination finally is working for Denver, which complements the scoring punch of its All-Star tandem with a couple of shot-blocking big men in Nene and Marcus Camby.

The Nuggets' late-season surge has included wins over Phoenix and Dallas, and they'll conclude their regular season with a game against the Spurs next week. Beating any one of those three teams in a playoff series would be a major accomplishment, but with the way Denver is finally playing, it's not out of the question.

More importantly, the Nuggets' great week has pushed them back into the Yahoo! Sports top 10 this week. I'm sure, Karl and A.I. are thrilled at the news.

Here's a look at the rankings (records and statistics are through April 8):

Dallas 1. Dallas Mavericks (63-13, Last ranking: 1) – 매버릭스가  70승에 도달하진 못하겠지만, 그들의 초점은 플레이오프에 대한 준비와 건강에 맞춰져있다. 노비츠키와 하워드 둘다 지난주 부상으로 결장했다

San Antonio 2. San Antonio Spurs (55-21, Last ranking: 3) –피닉스전 승리로 스퍼스를 2위자리로 올려놨다.


Phoenix 3. Phoenix Suns (58-19, Last ranking: 2) – 두려움없는 친구인 바르보사는 거의 매일밤 뛰어난 활약을 보여주고 있다.


Detroit 4. Detroit Pistons (49-27, Last ranking: 5) – 벤 월라스가 빠진 시카고에서 홈에서 일격을 당했지만, 2승 1패로 지난주를 마감했다


Utah 5. Utah Jazz (48-28, Last ranking: 4) – 재즈는 서부 4번 시드를 차지하겠지만, 1라운드 홈코트 어드밴티지를 두고 휴스턴과 경쟁중이다. 더군다나 이번주에 힘든 스케쥴을 맞이할거다. : 골든 스테이트, 덴버, 댈러스, 피닉스...

Houston 6. Houston Rockets (48-29, Last ranking: 4) – 재즈와는 달리, 3연속 로터리 팀과 상대하는 쉬운 스케쥴이다. 비록 5번 시드일지라도 홈코트 어드밴티지를 따내기 위해서는 지금이 절호의 기회이다.

Chicago 7. Chicago Bulls (46-32, Last ranking: 8) – 불스가 클리블랜드를 제치고 동부 2번 시드로 올라섰다. 그 말은 즉, 동부 파이널에 올라갈 때까지 디트로이트와 마이애미를 피할수 있다는 말이지.
 

Cleveland 8. Cleveland Cavaliers (46-32, Last ranking: 7) – 캐버리어스는 시카고를 넘어서야만 한다. 왜냐하면 두팀이 동률이 된다면 타이브레이커를 불스가 가져가기 때문이다.


Toronto 9. Toronto Raptors (44-33, Last ranking: 9) – 조이 그레이험이 랩터스의 3연승에 큰 역할을 했다. 3연승 동안 평균 16득점을 기록했다.

Denver 10. Denver Nuggets (40-36, Last ranking: 14) – 네네가 좋은 활약을 펼치고 있다. 덴버의 5연승동안 평균 15득점에 8리바운드를 기록하고 있다.



Miami 11. Miami Heat (42-35, Last ranking: 11) – 드웨인 웨이드가 일요일 복귀했지만, 12득점, 6턴오버에 그치며 팀은 샬럿에 패했다. 역시 중요한건 플레이오프때까지 다치지않고 감을 되찾는 거다.

L.A. Clippers 12. Los Angeles Clippers (37-38, Last ranking: 13) – 클리퍼스는 지난주 홈에서 덴버에게 4쿼터를 앞두고 8점차리드를 지키지 못하고 패했다.


L.A. Lakers 13. Los Angeles Lakers (40-37, Last ranking: 10) – 레이커스에게 중대한 한주가 될거다. 월요일 덴버전이 있었고, 그 다음엔 클리퍼스와 선즈를 상대해야한다.


Golden State 14. Golden State Warriors (37-40, Last ranking: 15) – "Stayin' alive, stayin' alive." 워리어스는 휴스턴과 멤피스에서 중요한 원정 승리를 잡아냈지만, 이번 주에도 플레이오프를 위해서 좀 더 노력해야한다.

Orlando 15. Orlando Magic (35-41, Last ranking: 16) – 매직과 인디애나가 동부 8위 자리를 놓고 경쟁중이다. 이번주에 3번의 원정 게임이 남아있고, 올랜도는 이번 시즌 원정에서 겨우 12승 25패를 거두고 있을 뿐이다.

New Jersey 16. New Jersey Nets (36-40, Last ranking: 17) – 제이슨 키드와 빈스 카터가 둘다 트리플 더블을 기록하면서 워싱턴에게 연장 승리를 거뒀다. 한 팀 동료가 2명이나 트리플 더블을 기록한 것은 1989년 마이클 조던 - 스카티 피펜 콤비에 이어서 처음이다.

Washington 17. Washington Wizards (39-37, Last ranking: 12) – 처음에 캐런 버틀러가 나가떨어지고, 이젠 길버트 아레나스까지 시즌 아웃이다. 대머리독수리들이 워싱턴의 머리위를 빙빙 돌기 시작했다.

New Orleans 18. New Orleans Hornets (36-41, Last ranking: 18) - 호넷츠에게 희망이 사라지고 있다. 타이슨 챈들러가 무릎부상으로 이탈했고, 플레이오프 레이스는 점점더 힘들어질 것이다.


Indiana 19. Indiana Pacers (34-42, Last ranking: 20) – 페이서스는 비참했던 3월을 뒤로하고 점점더 좋아질거다. 대니 그레인저가 커리어하이인 32득점을 기록하면서 샬럿전 승리를 이끌었고, 페이서스는 타이브레이커를 갖고 있기에 올랜도보다 유리하다.

Philadelphia 20. Philadelphia 76ers (31-45, Last ranking: 22) – 이궈달라는 판타스틱한 시즌을 마무리지었고 이번 여름에 연장 계약 자격을 얻는다. 자 금고문을 열 시간이다.

Minnesota 21. Minnesota Timberwolves (32-44, Last ranking: 19) – 이 팀에 대해선 정말 할 말이 없다... I have nothing to say about this team.

New York 22. New York Knicks (32-44, Last ranking: 21) – 에디 커리는 오버타임으로 이끄는 동점 버저비터 3점슛을 포함해서, 커리어 하이인 43득점을 기록했다. 뉴욕을 커리의 활약에 힘입어 밀워키에게 승리를 거뒀다.

Charlotte 23. Charlotte Bobcats (31-47, Last ranking: 25) – 에메카 오카포가 무릎부상에서 복귀하자마자 밥캣츠는 상승세로 돌아섰다. 오카포의 인사이드에서 수비 존재감 덕분에 지난주 4게임에서 3승을 거뒀다.

Portland 24. Portland Trail Blazers (31-45, Last ranking: 26) – 브랜던 로이는 휴스턴전에서 24득점으로 승리를 이끌면서 ROY에 한발더 다가섰다.

Seattle 25. Seattle SuperSonics (31-46, Last ranking: 23) – 크리스 윌칵스는 커리어하이인 32득점과 18리바운드를 기록했지만, 팀은 레이커스에서 근소한 점수차로 패하였다.

Sacramento 26. Sacramento Kings (31-45, Last ranking: 24) – 킹스는 다가올 여름에 큰 변화가 있을거다. 제프 페트리는 결코 현상 유지를 원하지 않을테고, 팀을 정상화하기위한 커다란 움직임을 만들거다.

Atlanta 27. Atlanta Hawks (28-49, Last ranking: 27) – 밀워키전 승리를 가져온 조쉬 스미스의 활약이 어떠냐구? 조쉬는 28득점 18리바운드 5어시스트 3스틸 2블락을 기록했지.ㄷㄷㄷ


Milwaukee 28. Milwaukee Bucks (26-50, Last ranking: 28) – 1초를 남기고 커리에서 와이드 오픈 동점 3점슛을 허용하면서, 결국 연장승부 끝에 패했다. 이런 동점 3점을 막아야하는 상황에서 페인트 존에서 서있는 수비수를 이해할수 있을까?

Boston 29. Boston Celtics (23-53, Last ranking: 29) – 라존 론도는 시즌 막판 기회를 잡았고 좋은 활약을 펼쳐주고 있다. 론도는 전통적인 패스-퍼스트 마인드의 포인트 가드이자 뛰어난 리바운더이다.


Memphis 30. Memphis Grizzlies (19-59, Last ranking: 30) – 이번 여름 시장에서 큰 변화가 일어날 것이다. 팀은 팔릴 것이고, 제리 웨스트는 은퇴할 거고, 파우 가솔은 트레이드 될지도 모른다. 그것말고도, 비지니스란게 그런거다.



Steve Kerr is Yahoo! Sports' NBA analyst. Send Steve a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 9:51 pm EDT

'NBA > Feature' 카테고리의 다른 글

[Yahoo! Sports] 서머리그 리포트  (0) 2007.07.12
[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹(4/16) : 파이널 랭킹  (4) 2007.04.19
[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹 (4/2)  (2) 2007.04.07
[Si.com] 켈리 다이어 - 가장 실망스러운 선수들  (0) 2007.03.31
[야후스포츠] 스티브커 - 파워랭킹 (3/26)  (2) 2007.03.27
Posted by Third Eye
,

3월 버저비터 탑 10

NBA/Highlight 2007. 4. 10. 13:54

'NBA > Highlight' 카테고리의 다른 글

로켓츠 @ 레이커스, @재즈 하이라이트  (0) 2007.11.04
07/05/31 플레이오프 동부 결승 - CLE @ DET 오버타임 풀버전  (8) 2007.06.02
티맥의 06-07시즌 탑 10 플레이  (0) 2007.04.10
Houston Rockets : No Surrender!  (0) 2007.04.10
2007/03/30 - 모리스 피터슨의 서커스샷!  (2) 2007.03.31
Posted by Third Eye
,

티맥의 06-07시즌 탑 10 플레이

NBA/Highlight 2007. 4. 10. 13:51

'NBA > Highlight' 카테고리의 다른 글

07/05/31 플레이오프 동부 결승 - CLE @ DET 오버타임 풀버전  (8) 2007.06.02
3월 버저비터 탑 10  (0) 2007.04.10
Houston Rockets : No Surrender!  (0) 2007.04.10
2007/03/30 - 모리스 피터슨의 서커스샷!  (2) 2007.03.31
2007/03/26 : 라쉬드의 믿을 수 없는 샷!!  (2) 2007.03.28
Posted by Third Eye
,

Houston Rockets : No Surrender!

NBA/Highlight 2007. 4. 10. 08:03



Clutchfans.net의 ClutchCityReturns라는 분이 편집하신 동영상입니다.

아래는 다운로드 링크 주소입니다.(167MB)
RocketsNoSurrenderFinalHiQ.wmv

'NBA > Highlight' 카테고리의 다른 글

3월 버저비터 탑 10  (0) 2007.04.10
티맥의 06-07시즌 탑 10 플레이  (0) 2007.04.10
2007/03/30 - 모리스 피터슨의 서커스샷!  (2) 2007.03.31
2007/03/26 : 라쉬드의 믿을 수 없는 샷!!  (2) 2007.03.28
07/03/10 뉴욕 닉스 at 워싱턴 위저즈 : 프랜시스의 위닝 버저비터!!  (2) 2007.03.11
Posted by Third Eye
,

티스토리툴바