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!

Linsanty vs. New York

Linsanity came to New York last night. His team (Rockets) beat his former team (Knicks) for the 2nd time this year. When Jeremy Lin entered Madison Square Garden, he got cheered. I bet he was relieved that he didn’t get booed. But as the game progressed, he started getting booed. The Rockets had the lead by as much as 25 points in the game, so the Knicks fans were mad. Jeremy Lin ended the game with 22 points and 8 assists. His 22 points was his second highest season total. I hope they keep playing like this.

We are visiting Houston for Christmas break, and we landed yesterday night. We are staying here for a week, and six days. Tonight, we are going to the Rockets vs. 76ers game. I am really excited to be here to see my friends, and to eat the good food I haven’t had in a while. I hope the Rockets can beat the 76ers tonight. 

Rockets Update

     When I woke up this morning and saw the stats from the Rockets game last night, I was disappointed that they lost, but also happy that Jeremy Lin tied his career high with 38 points.  That now puts his season average in points at 11.4 a game.
     Even though Jeremy Lin hasn't put up a lot of points this year, he put up 38 last night, which I think boosted his confidence. Also, maybe it was because James Harden didn't play because James Harden is their leading scorer on the year.
     Now that Jeremy's shot seems to be back, he and James Harden should balance their shots more evenly. James Harden is taking 17.2 shots per game and Jeremy is taking 10.5 so they should balance it more evenly.  I hope that Jeremy Lin will shoot like that every game, and the Rockets will play like a team.
                                                LINSANITY IS BACK!!!!!

If I were James Harden against the Thunder

     Last game, the Rockets got destroyed by the Thunder 120-98. If I were James Harden before and after the game, this is how I would feel.
     Before the game, I would feel nervous because all of the pressure on me to do awesome. I would also feel excited to play against, and see my old teammates. I would also feel like I had to take over the game and score all of the points, so I could show my old coach that he should regret trading me.
     During the game, Harden couldn't get any shots to go in, so he finished 3 for 18 shooting for 17 points. After the game I would have felt very frustrated that I could not get a shot to go in.  I would also have felt relieved that the game was over because of all of the pressure that was on me.
    The Rockets had a full day that day. They had a game the night before, and they also had to go to Minnesota for Sasha McHale's funeral before the game, so they probably didn't get much time to prepare for the game, or much sleep. Also they had to travel and play on the same day which I think threw them off a little bit.
    Tonight they play against the Jazz, and hopefully James Harden can get plenty shots in to help the Rockets win!!! 

Rockets Thanksgiving Updates

    Happy Thanksgiving! My family did not travel anywhere during Thanksgiving Break. Instead, we had dinner with family, and my Dad's cousins came to visit from Cleveland. 
    I could not write on my blog lately, because I had basketball practices and a tournament this weekend. I have been busy lately.
    If I were Jeremy Lin before the game against the Knicks, I would feel very nervous to play against my old teamates. I would also feel like there is lots of pressure on me to play my best. During the game, I heard that he chipped a tooth. I hope he feels better verry quickly.
   I also heard today that Kevin McHale's daughter died at the age of 23, by the disease called lupos. I feel sorry for him that his daughter died so young, but I hope he comes back to coach soon.  Hopefully the Rockets can start winning like they did against the Knicks.