reflections
May 5th, 2008 One and Done for Tmac and the Rockets

“It is what it is,'’ said McGrady after another first round exit, making it seven straight post-seasons where his team has failed to advance. Despite being “a one-man wrecking ball out there'’ as described by Rockets forward Shane Battier, Tracy McGrady and the Rockets were bounced out by the Utah Jazz in six games. Despite having won game 5 by 26 points forcing a game 6, the Rockets came out cold from the start and never really got themselves going. Their only run came late in the second quarter, were the Rockets, in large part due to 28 first half points by McGrady were able to erase a 16 point Utah lead, and bring it to one just before half time before Okur hit a 3 to stretch the Utah lead back to 4. However, after halftime the Rockets lost all momentum they had gained and were outplayed on both sides of the court. Despite McGrady’s 40 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists the Rockets lost by 22.

Despite the loss the Rockets were positive about their future, not a surprise considering that this team was not supposed to make the playoffs after Yao went down halfway through their historic 22 game winning streak; much less force a game 6 against one of the contenders in the West.

From here the Rockets can only move forward. With a healthy Yao next year the Rockets will have another scorer accompanying McGrady, taking some of the focus of the shooting guard star. However, the Rockets do not to address certain needs. This series showed that the Rockets still need a relievable back-up point guard, as it is obvious that Bobby Jackson is no longer the player he once was. The Rockets also need to find another shooter, as they were unable to knock down open 3 point shots this series. Luther Head struggled dramatically this series leaving his future roll up in the air, and unless Steve Novak learns how to play defense anytime soon, he will continue to play limited minutes.

-TMG

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