Rockets Shootaround Report

by Ben Golliver on Apr 28, 2009 1:49 PM PDT

Today's Rockets shootaround consisted of Houston reporters attempting to rile up Rockets players using Nate McMillan's comments about the inconsistent officiating (going so far as to bring paper copies of The O to practice.... give me a freaking break...) and Rockets players collectively rolling their eyes at the transparent attempts to incite drama.

The highlight, by far, was watching Yao read the article.

Yao said all the right things about the off-court back-and-forth over the officials: "Coaches try to protect their players and get any advantage they can... I didn't do anything wrong. I would say that if it's a foul, it's a foul."

When asked about Nate's comments, Shane Battier sarcastically stated, "I would love to let [Brandon Roy] get a free lane to the basket every time but I think he's a little too good to let that happen... It's all gamesmanship. It's all angling, trying to get a few more whistles, a few more calls. It means nothing to us. It means absolutely nothing to us. I've been called a lot of things in my life, I've never been called a bully."

Battier then pretended to flex and stated, "All this work in the weight room is finally paying off. I'M A BULLY!!!"

Ron Artest said, "We don't argue about [the calls]... I get hit a lot. I only went to the line not even 10 times this whole series. But [free throws and fouls] are a part of the game." Artest has been to the line a combined 8 times in the first 4 games.

The Rockets subs spent the open period after shootaround engaged once again in halfcourt shooting contests and impersonating each other's go-to moves. They are a loose, confident bunch and seem to have the same attitude and approach as they had last week.

Yao, Battier and Artest all dodged questions about what winning tonight would mean to them. They were taking nothing for granted.

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

PS Here's Joe Freeman's recap of Blazers shootaround.

PPS Tom Ziller looks at the fouls and sees some validation for the complaints being made.

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sounds like...

they might be over confident, lets hope they forget who they are playing!

-murhpi
"the secret ingredient is LOVE damnit"

by murhpi on Apr 28, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions

WOW,

Now THAT is reporting, very well done Ben, very very well done.

"Now I'm done"

by Screen Name on Apr 28, 2009 1:57 PM PDT reply actions

As a friend of mine said

“Sometimes you have to lose, to make history!” Good enough for me…

"Experience is that marvelous thing that enables us to recognize a mistake when we make it again" ~ Dupree

by Conraddon on Apr 28, 2009 1:58 PM PDT reply actions

i like the way Yao reacted to the articles.

he gets it. but overall, i would say yao, Artest, and Battier sound like guys who have been on the winning side of the whistle.

"So, then, I was like, it'd be really dirty if I put up 42. So I did!" -Brandon Roy, post-game comments after game 2 of the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs

by 5212872 on Apr 28, 2009 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

It is so funny how we as fans get so worked up over the officiating and the players...

… are just like: “whatever it is part of the games… either way I am a millionaire”

by Escrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

The players on the refs side feel that way

"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''

by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 28, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

...

Rockets are the perfect team, they never commit any fouls and if they do then the refs are wrong.

I love how bs that is “We never argue calls” whenever a call is made they freak out Tim Duncan style.

-brandonmitchell.org

by brandonmitchell on Apr 28, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

why

is Shane Battier so awesome. It is easy to be dismissive of Artest with his posturing, but Battier is just a funny and smart player. It is hard not to like that guy even when he is sticking daggers in your favorite team.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Apr 28, 2009 2:07 PM PDT reply actions

I agree Battier is a great defender and deserves his reputation...

Artest gets away with way to much BS.

by Escrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Battier is definitely cool.

I met him when he was a rookie at the Rocky Mountain Revue summer league. He gave my little brother the shoes he wore during the game.

by BlazerBen on Apr 28, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Class act all the way...

I keep wanting to get mad at him nailing those 3’s but I just can’t… lol

by Escrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate Shane Battier

but damnit I wish he were a Blazer

by cloudydays on Apr 28, 2009 2:09 PM PDT reply actions

I don't think the Rockets mail this one in.

I think they are going to come at us hard. It’s going to take all we have to pull this one out.

"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.

by blazermaniac32 on Apr 28, 2009 2:14 PM PDT reply actions

great news!!

It looks like somebody bought a hard-copy of the Oregonian!

by AverageJon on Apr 28, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions

probably free copies at the hotel. i’m not saying that to be snarky.

Blazers Edge.com

by Ben Golliver on Apr 28, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

That beat's a free copy of USA Today.

They don’t even bother reporting on West coast games. And the sports section is the paper highlight.

by NWfan on Apr 28, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Can't stand 'em.

I can’t believe how much the playoffs have made me hate the Rockets. And I mean absolutely DESPISE them. I didn’t mind them so much before and now they are one of my least favorite teams. Right up there with the L*kers, Celtics, Jazz, and Nuggets.

by Roybot on Apr 28, 2009 2:23 PM PDT reply actions

Why so angry?

Is it Adelman’s whining?

The calls?

Particular Rocket’s attitudes?

I’m pissed at the reffing, but most of the Rocket fans have been cool and the Rockets themselves seem like great guys doing everything they can that isn’t cheap (i.e. designed to injure the opposition physically or mentally) to win a series.

by staylost on Apr 28, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm not necessarily angry.

I just get annoyed by any team playing the Blazers. The reffing has definitely played a part in that. I haven’t had any problems with the Rockets fans or any of the players. I especially think Shane Battier is a great guy and it seems like he plays the right way.

I think it’s safe to say you start to hate any team that is playing your favorite right? I suppose it could just be me…lol. I’ll probably be bitter for a while if they do beat the Blazers (which I don’t think is going to happen) but I will get it over it sooner or later.

by Roybot on Apr 28, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, I get it.

I don’t like the Rockets right now for the same reasons. But if I look into the past, there are not many teams of this calibur of respectfulness that you meet in the playoffs. I really want the Rockets to lose, but they are an enemy I can admire.

For everyone else:
The Portland sucks chant is something most Houston fans thought wasn’t a big deal or were embarrased about. They didn’t actually mean to put down the city of Portland. Adelman whining about fouls: Nate just did it.

by staylost on Apr 28, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I should also note

Rick Adelman’s whining did get on my nerves a whole lot. Joel and Greg breathe on Yao and they get called for a foul. Yao gets a way with far to much for Adelman and the Houston papers to be complaining about how the Blazers are attempting to guard him.

From what I can tell, Joel and Greg can’t move Yao even with all of their strength. The guy is a freakin tree, nothing they do is going to move him. Give me a break, Rick, Yao’s not getting beat up!

by Roybot on Apr 28, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

they chanted Portland Sucks.

- Sam

by RipCitySam on Apr 28, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

How rude!

I also saw a sign on TV that said LaMarcus All-Brick. That made me sad.

by Roybot on Apr 28, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions

He is a brick.

A brick, H – o – u – s – e

by lethaldose on Apr 28, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

He's mighty mighty

Brandon Roy: Strengths-remarkably efficient player who appears to effortlessly score and facilitate. Weakness-he’s just a figment of your imagination. - Canis Hoopus

by 22baylor on Apr 30, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I will have no trouble at all getting behind the Rockets

if they win this series. After all, they’ll be playing the Lakers.

And it will be lovely to see T-Mac finally make it past the first round.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 28, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I will root for the Rockets over the Lakers if they beat us...

but I will also be laughing when their fans start to complain about all the calls the Lakers are getting.

by Escrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I will absolutely root for them if they beat us.

I just don’t like any team that is playing the Blazers. I’m a typical fan, I guess.

by Roybot on Apr 28, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions

There's your problem...

You should hating on the Blazers for taking so many damn jumpshots. That’s reason for the lopsided foul count, not the refs.

by wayno on Apr 28, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I've enjoyed the matchup

Yeah Yao has been getting away with moving picks, napping in the key and slinging Oden around like Jessica Simpson’s handbag, but the guy is a great player and hasn’t done anything against our guys to make me lose respect for him as a player. In fact, I’ve grown to respect Yao more than I did before this series began. We have been as rough with him as he’s been with us and yet he shows great respect for Joel and Greg in how he has interacted with them overall.

That also can be said for a lot of the players on Houston’s roster, save maybe Von Wafer. That one ticks me off completely. When he was on our team I saw that he could be a great scorer off of the bench but he hardly showed up except in a few games for us. Barrett and Rice have said that he showed no interest in being here and put forth little to no effort whatsoever in practices… and so he was cut. Now he’s putting in the effort for someone else and causing a lot of problems for us. I feel a little betrayed.

As far as Artest and Battier are concerned, I was impressed with their defense in the first few games, but since then Roy has really figured them out for the most part. They’re not nearly as much of a factor as I expected them to be.

"She turned me into a newt!
A newt?
...I got better."

by Seijeff on Apr 29, 2009 12:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Battier is a model of...

As much as I am wanting the Blazers to destroy Houston in these last 3 games, I can’t help but be happy to see Battier making the big plays… though it breaks my heart at the same time, since he’s doing it to my Blazers.

He is a model of sportsmanship, hard work, and just smart basketball (BBIQ). I’d trade our small forwards for that guy any day.

Nonetheless… Go Blazers! R.I.P. the Rockets!!

RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!

by sagebru5h on Apr 28, 2009 2:26 PM PDT reply actions

maaaan

i want to respect the rockets but come on now theyre just asking for greg oden to choke slam yao, then we’ll see what beijeng news paper says about “american dogs” and yao’s superior kung fu. How about we get some ruffin in to charles oakley ron ron’s other teeth right out that fat face of his.

if brandon roy played for toronto he'd be brandon waaaaah

by R1cEbUrNeR on Apr 28, 2009 2:29 PM PDT reply actions

Let's see, where did I put those chill pills...?

by MiledAnimal on Apr 28, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

that was a moch post dude...

"Now I'm done"

by Screen Name on Apr 28, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions

I like mocha.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 28, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions

post updated with...

PPS Tom Ziller looks at the fouls and sees some validation for the complaints being made.

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/04/28/are-the-blazers-getting-screwed/

Blazers Edge.com

by Ben Golliver on Apr 28, 2009 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Thanks, Tom. We needed that.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 28, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Water on the fire?

To put it out? Ziller solved it.

"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''

by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 28, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

That's a gas can.

I knew I should have painted it red and wrote GAS on it.

by MiledAnimal on Apr 29, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Yao Ming fan video

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/23588/loving_yao_ming,r.kelly_style

by Norsktroll on Apr 28, 2009 2:44 PM PDT reply actions

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

lololololololololololololololololololoololololloollolololololololololololololololololololololollolololololololololololololololollolooolololololol.

was. funny.

this vid should be posted on the rockets blog, no other text, just the link….

"Now I'm done"

by Screen Name on Apr 28, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Those are some mighty thighs that Mr. Yao has.

From Russia With Love

by L-TrainFTW! on Apr 28, 2009 2:51 PM PDT reply actions

hahahaha

gross.

by Roybot on Apr 28, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

who wears short shorts?

yao wears short shorts…

by #10 on Apr 28, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Dude

A 32-inch inseam hits him right above the knee. – Elgin

Brandon Roy: Strengths-remarkably efficient player who appears to effortlessly score and facilitate. Weakness-he’s just a figment of your imagination. - Canis Hoopus

by 22baylor on Apr 30, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah I'm not sure how the Rockets are supposed to respond

to something like that. Are they supposed to spill their guts about all the holding and and flopping they’ve been doing through the first 4 games? Not likely. I also wouldn’t expect them to be super bothered by it either since it should be expected and they have to know that Adelman tried the same tactics after Game 2.

SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.

by MrGrinch on Apr 28, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions

It's easy for the Rockets to avoid the question

and answer globally players would like more free throws than they get. But it would be fun to answer what they have to say about some specific calls, like the early ones on Oden and Pryzbilla for example.
It shouldn’t be hard for Yao them to answer “I admit Oden didn’t do anything but I was happy the referees called a loose ball foul anyways”.

by chuky on Apr 28, 2009 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

Well, he could just the 20 times or so

Oden/Prizbilla/Aldridge fouled him but were NOT called fouls. The majority of violations in the game are never called. Or we’d have a call every single possession: traveling calls, moving screens, 3seconds, touch fouls, fouls trying to get position, etc.

So bringing up individual instances is pointless. Because there are literally hundreds of instances where players on either team “technically” broke the rule but didn’t get called for the violation.

The only thing one can do is hope for fairness. Not 100% correctness.

by baubo on Apr 28, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions