A New Challenger Rises in the Southwest

[Agloco]

See that's what I thought about the Rockets during the game. Except vice-versa: Yao was defending Duncan, Artest was defending the wings, Scola was schooling Bonner and Brooks was doing his best with Parker. The issue I am concerned with is whether Duncan will morph into Playoff Duncan. Because Yao, when uninjured, has had no problems stepping up his game in the playoffs, and we can assume Parker will perform. But can this team win, even against the Rockets, with one superstar at 100%?

If Manu comes back and has an impact, will Artest be able to slow him down?

Artest can't defend Manu.

[Yuixafun]

Artest can't defend Manu.

This is true.

But when Manu drives to the basket, Artest can can knock him silly.

It will be considered a 'playoff foul' and 'tough basketball.'

I'd rather not see this happen.

[Thomas82]

I do agree they have clearly improved and have become another very good Western conference team, but I don't see them getting past the Spurs in a 7 game series or the Lakers for that matter. Thus, I do not believe they will be vying for the LOB against the Eastern conference winner.

I still think they are a cuople years away.

[Agloco]

I admire the Spurs organization but the spurs havent been playing at some high level above the rest of the west. The only clear favorite team to come out the west is Lakers. Spurs continue to blow leads, lose close games, and lose big games. No game seems to be of importance. Against lakers it was no big deal its just the regular season, the loss to Boston it was no big deal its just regular season, the loss to Rockets in a game against a divisional team to take sole position of the 2nd seed but its no big deal.

That is called rationalizing.

Since our 2 and 5 start , the Spurs are 43-19 including the LA, Boston, Cleveland and Houston losses. Factor in that Manu has been out for 30 games and Tim's knees are bad and have been the entire season, you're hard-pressed to call our record anything short of great.

It's called experience based on a decade plus of championship caliber basketball. Clearly a foreign concept to you, tlongII.

[djohn2oo8]

So if rockets and spurs meet in second round, who would guard Artest??? Finley anyone???

[Agloco]

So if rockets and spurs meet in second round, who would guard Artest??? Finley anyone???

Finley/Bowen

[Yuixafun]

spinkle in Udoka

[Many PackYao]

spinkle in Udoka

Nah, Artest is too strong for Emo Sudoku. Better stick with Bowen/Finley.

[Yuixafun]

Emo Sudoku, grin that's clever.


So that whole story about him Kung fuuing his way out of Africa was a farce? And here I thought we had a black belt in our pocket.

[Indazone]

Rockets should do whatever it takes to avoid Utah. If it means holding on to the second seed so be it. If Utah is holding the 7th seed, then we should just tank and let the Spurs play them. We don't want to come out of the first round injured banged up and bruised because that is what Sloan and his Thugs will do.

[Yuixafun]

lol.. the Jazz... Sloan Thugs and Harmony

[xtremesteven33]

lol.. the Jazz... Sloan Thugs and Harmony

Sloan thugs and Harpring

[Many PackYao]

Emo Sudoku, grin that's clever.


So that whole story about him Kung fuuing his way out of Africa was a farce? And here I thought we had a black belt in our pocket.

Blackbelt? oooh, I'm sure Artest would be really scared now.

[Yuixafun]

Better, Harping should be singled out.

[tlongII]

I doubt that either the Rockets or the Spurs will make it out of the 1st round. Unless they play each other. Then one of them has to.

[Yuixafun]

Blackbelt? oooh, I'm sure Artest would be really scared now.

It's not like Artest went into the stands to pick a fight with some huge guy, I don't remember exactly, but he went after someone average.. sounds like a bully to me.

If he and Udoka went at it, and Artest got hit hard once, I think he would run off shocked trying to hold in tears, suprised someone fought back.

[Matchman]

Isn't that the same rederick we hear from Rockets fans every year? How high were they last season when they rode that 20 game win streak. How'd that work out in postseason?

every rational rockets fan knew that we aint going to beat the last year without Yao. we were just hoping to drag the series as long as possible to up the 's le run (and we actually did )

[Many PackYao]

I doubt that either the Rockets or the Spurs will make it out of the 1st round. Unless they play each other. Then one of them has to.

The FrailBlazers ain't going nowhere this year either.

[Many PackYao]

It's not like Artest went into the stands to pick a fight with some huge guy, I don't remember exactly, but he went after someone average.. sounds like a bully to me.

If he and Udoka went at it, and Artest got hit hard once, I think he would run off shocked trying to hold in tears, suprised someone fought back.

I guess we're gonna have to get Sudoku to throw a drink at Artest and we'll find out.

[Spurs Brazil]

Rockets will be one and done again

[Indazone]

Manu needs to get back on the court fast because the playoffs are approaching and he needs to get the rust off.

[Yuixafun]

I won't lie. I'd wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

Just a man with certain pugilistic urges.


Can hardly wait for Pacman vs Hatton, been too long since Manny fought someone that tested him.

[Many PackYao]

I won't lie. I'd wouldn't mind seeing it happen.

Just a man with certain pugilistic urges.


Can hardly wait for Pacman vs Hatton, been too long since Manny fought someone that tested him.

[crc21209]

I doubt that either the Rockets or the Spurs will make it out of the 1st round. Unless they play each other. Then one of them has to.

Always something negative to say....

[Spurs 4 The Win]

I doubt that either the Rockets or the Spurs will make it out of the 1st round. Unless they play each other. Then one of them has to.

You might have brain damage, both teams would wipe the floor with your team. You would either gets smashed by us or get to be the team that actually lets the Rockets win in the first round.