The records don’t matter anymore.
Neither do the winning and losing streaks. Playoff experience has been proven to be overrated. Forget about the silly statistics and their secret meaning.
Two things, matchups and killer instinct, determine the second season.
Disregard the ‘experts” reasoning on how the Rockets haven’t made it out of the first round since 1997 and without a proven scorer like Tracy McGrady, that streak will continue. Look at their notions: Portland has one of the NBA’s premier shooting guards leading one of the youngest, most athletic teams in the playoffs.
What those experts and analysts at ESPN failed to realize is that without Tracy McGrady in the rotation and Aaron Brooks running a fast-paced offense, the Rockets dominated the Trail Blazers in their last two meetings this season.
Brooks’ 27-point, seven-assist performance night in Houston’s 108-81 win against Portland on Saturday proved he provides a serious matchup problem for that young, athletic team, led by Brandon Roy.
Steve Blake and Jarryd Bayless haven’t proven they can stay in front of the Rockets’ version of Speedy Gonzales. Brooks’ showing Saturday proved the same would be true in the playoffs. It was nostalgic.
Speedy, seeing his hungry friends in need, goes into the cantina and takes all the cheese he needs. Sylvester the Cat is too slow and constantly remains a step behind. Then with an, ”iexcl;’Aacute;ndale! ‘iexcl;’Aacute;ndale! ‘iexcl;Arriba! ‘iexcl;Arriba!’ Speedy dishes out the cheddar to his gracious pals, who take the offerings without a second guess.
Aside from not being able to contain Brooks, the Blazers have another issue to address if they plan on extending this series: Who is going to guard Yao Ming?
They haven’t figured that one out, yet. Yao dropped 24 points and picked up nine rebounds in only 24 minutes Saturday before he was benched in the third quarter with the Rockets holding a huge lead.
The Rockets shouldn’t expect each game to be as easy as Saturday’s massacre. They wouldn’t be professionals if they did. The Blazers will feel it, and Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge won’t miss from the floor in at least three games.
Houston’s killer instinct will be tested in these games. Game 1 established that the Rockets provide more matchup problems for the Trail Blazers than vice versa.
Portland may have Houston one-upped in the killer instinct category. During past two seasons, Roy has proven to be one of the most cold-blooded, clutch players when games are on the line. The Blazers know who their go-to guy is in those situations.
Toward the end of the regular season, the Rockets had a few issues with finishing games. They have potential candidates to provide the killer instinct. Perhaps Brooks and his ability to create separation with his speed and handles will take the reins. Ron Artest’s ability to post up smaller guards is another option.
The Rockets ability to figure this out on the fly will be their key to advancing.
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