Thanks Rockets - ya broke my heart

So the Rockets lost tonight.

I'm proud of our guys. We battled from a disjointed, dysfunctional group in the beginning of the season to a smart, efficient, if under-talented group with a lack of depth a the PF position, a surgically sewn together point guard, and an aging bench that has given the NBA the most compelling first round drama.

I'm proud of our guys. We fought hard, jumping out to an early series lead with incredible perfomances from McGrady and effective, if not dissappointing, performances from Yao. The Machine carried us when Yao was inconsistent, and McGrady has been stellar. He has been the consummate leader, with enough talent to cover for 3 Stevie Franchises (although I love ya man). I truly believe we have the core of a big big man and an unselfish, wunderkind wingman to compete for many years. We have a passionate coach that will give his health, reputation and genius for a group of guys that play the game the right way.

And it shows.  I've seen more grit and fire from these group of guys than I remember in the past 4 years.

Mike James is a great sparkplug. Barry speeds up the game with his passing and poise. Sura is more than grit. He is perserverance. All of our guys hustle and they never stop -- even against superior talents.

We've had a great season, where McGrady has exploded our imaginations with his greatness and Yao has tantalized us with flashes of growth.

We need to retool.

Our first priority -- a brusing power forward that can keep the offense at bay, and take off the pressure for Yao in the inside. Most of the foul problems for Yao has happened when he switches off the pick & roll and gets out of position on the driving man. We need to secure our rebounds, especially the offensive rebounds, better. Juwan Howard has given us a good 3 months, but our depth at that position is sorely lacking.

We can't live and die with open jump shots. Our size disadvantage at the shooting guard position needs an upgrade. So does the inconsitencies. While Wesley has had hot streaks, he is that: a very streaky player. He is also prone to bullheading his way into an offensive foul situation and often cannot pass well on a fast break. Jon Barry is great for his hustle, and when he is stroking the three, we're unbeatable.

Our point guard position has been such an upgrade from the season's start -- and from the Stevie & Moochie Era. With an creaky Sura, however, we lose valuable playmaking. Mike James is a great scorer, but when he's not giving us the points, the ball is in his hands too much (see Game 7, 2005 W. Conf. 1st Round), and he is prone to forcing the issue.

We desperately need some speed at the guard positions. We can't compete effectively when there is dribble penetration each and every time, forcing Yao to switch and leaving the opposing teams' big man open for an easy flush. The vulnerable perimeter also causes our defense to scramble and raises the possibilities of early foul trouble for our big guys.

Finally, it's Yao. He needs to step up, big time. The moving screens, the stupid touch fouls, the weak charges --- he needs to see the game in slow motion and make his adjustments at warp speed. There is great expecations on his wide shoulders, because there is immense talent there. He needs to show up for each and every game, and not pull the dissappearing act every other game. He needs to demand the ball, and punish the smaller guys inside. Quick moves. Keep his elbows up. Soft layups are not an option. Don't give your hand to pick the opposing player up when you just knocked him down. Spin, fake, juke. Dunk. Move your feet. Rest up and improve your stamina. The weak fouls happen because you're tired and get lazy. Own up to your responsibility. Take your aggression out on the court, not on video games. Rebell. Scream. And be a gentleman and abassador off the court. There have been countless times where I've seen him make the mistakes over and over again.

It' s amazing and a testament to our coaching staff and McGrady's abilities that we have gotten his far with the worst lineup of power fowards in the NBA. But throughout all this time, we have not given up, and we have shown the toughness and the smarts that, when given better playing chips, will make us -- no, will give us that shining trophy soon. If not next year, then at the very latest in 2007.

From what I've seen this year, I'm a believer.

So my thanks to all the boys in Red for a great and entertaining year. This is the best game in the world, and thanks for making it fun again. I'm excited about our prospects, about the support that the players and coaches are getting from management, and about the noise level of our fans in the TC for game 6. It's been a while since Houston got that amped for basketball.

Rest up those weary bones, ye scrags, ye princes of the hardwood. There's no excuses for the loss, but thank you for the wonderful season, if not for the last heart rending 48 minutes.

Now at least I can get some work done and not stay up til 2 am watching the game and post-game coverage on the East Coast! Whoever is left or not left next season, it was a great journey.

We'll see you Dallas next year -- you and your flopping whiny ass "star", your ugly-ass brace wearing punks, your fatass owner and your "got a Hemi" fans too.

I'm proud of our guys.  I hope you are too.

Peace out & Rocket Red forever,