Losing Streak

During the Rockets' season-long 7 game losing streak, they have been playing horribly. I have some thoughts why they are doing so bad. First, they have had a tough schedule and have been playing teams on hot streaks. The Hornets were on a 3 game win streak when they played the Rockets (the wins were all against teams in Texas), the Celtics were on a 4 game win streak, and almost all of the other teams they played also had win streaks.  Second, James Harden's shooting percentage has been way down lately. One important stat is that he is averaging 12% lower field goal percentage during losses than wins. He is also averaging about 6 points lower in losses than wins. Over the last 10 games Harden is averaging 24 points, but shooting only 41% from the field. Finally, the Rockets as a team have also had a huge drop in scoring during the losing streak. They scored 22 more points per game in their last win streak than their current losing streak.  During the winning streak they averaged 115 points, but during losing streak they are averaging only 93 points.

I have some ideas on how they can improve.  First, they should take higher percentage shots. They have been averaging 41% from the field in the past 5 games (which is 25th in the league). Next, they need to limit turnovers. Finally, they should work on more pick-and-roll and cutting plays. Jeremy Lin and Greg Smith were doing it yesterday and it worked.  I hope the Rockets start winning tomorrow against the Bobcats.  If they win, they will lift their record above .500 again.

One other thing, I think Patrick Beverly has been a good addition to the team because he can fill up the stat sheet. Scoring, rebounding, steals, and assists.  He also wears my number 12.

FaceTime'ing with Jeremy Lin

At 10:15 last night, my mom woke me up. She said, "Justin, look at the phone." I was so shocked to see Jeremy Lin's face on the iphone screen that I didn't know what to say! It was so exciting to FaceTime with my favorite NBA player, and it was nice of him to call. I told all of my friends at school, but none of them believed me. It would've been alot easier to talk to him if I knew he was calling.

If he calls me again, I would ask him these questions.

• I would ask him if he is going to be at the NBA All-Star Jam Session (because I might be there for my birthday)
• How it felt like during the whole "Linsanity" thing
• If he thinks James Harden should cut his beard

I would also give him some advice on his game. He should drive and dish it to Marcus Morris or Carlos Delfino more because they have the highest 3 point shooting averages on the team that take a reasonable amount. He should also dunk it more because it would get all of the fans pumped up, and give the Rockets more momentum.

That's what I thought about talking to him and what I would say to him if I was ready. I wish him and the Rockets luck tonight against the Lakers. Thanks to my Uncle Peter for giving me a chance to talk to him.

Great December and starting lineup issues

     Who do you think should start, Marcus Morris or Patrick Patterson? Well, my answer would be Marcus Morris. Because, Jeremy Lin and James Harden like to drive to the basket, so they need someone that they can kick it out to. Marcus Morris can shoot WAY better than Patrick Patterson, and Marcus Morris is a better scorer. Patrick Patterson can probably post up better, but the Rockets are a shooting team. They made a season high 16 three pointers on New Year's Eve against the Hawks.That is why Marcus Morris should start instead of Patrick Patterson

     The Rockets have also had a great December winning 10 out of their 16 games. James Harden has had 14 games in a row that he has scored 20 or more points, which is almost a franchise record! At one point in the month, the Rockets had a five game winning streak, but snapped by the Spurs in a 116-122 loss. December has easily been the Rockets best month with wins. In November they only won 6 of the 14 games, and I think the Rockets are getting better fast! I hope they keep getting better, and can have a successful 2013!