Houston Rockets Space Center

It Takes Two
November 2

Rockets 115 Bucks 93

By: The Cat

In the last few seasons, the Rockets had lived and died by the three point shot. Opening night Tuesday was a little different look for the Rockets, as they did not attempt many threes in their 8 point loss. Would Thursday's game against the Bucks continue that trend? Not a chance.

Walt Williams and the Rockets took over the 3 point line, shooting 12-27 from the outside for the game in a 115-93 win. Walt poured in 28, while Shandon had 25, Mobley 14, and Bullard 14.

The game, however, came at a costly price to the victorious Rockets. Both Kelvin Cato and Maurice Taylor went out of the game with sprained left ankles, and Cato had to be sent to the hospital for x-rays. Neither player returned. It's unknown what their status is for this weekend's road trip against the Clippers and Suns.

The Good

Walt Williams. Looked sharp out there. Sure helps Ace with his "surprise of the Year" prediction

The Bad

Steve Francis. Sure, he didn't have a bad game but he wanted a big one against Sam Cassel and didn't get it.

The Ugly

Hmm...doesn't really apply. I guess this bit will go to a positive, Shandon Anderson. 25 points and 7 boards. Decent. Very decent.

Cato sustained his injury early in the 2nd quarter going high for a rebound. He landed on the foot of Milwaukee power forward Jason Caffey and twisted his ankle. He immediately fell to the ground, clutching his ankle, and required assistance to get off the court.

Taylor apparently injured himself making a cut on defense in the 4th quarter against Tim Thomas. He came up limping, and as soon as the Rockets crossed half court they called a timeout to get Taylor out of the game. He too required help to get to the lockerroom.

The first half was simply magnificent for the Rockets. Francis kept the game in check and did not turn it over all game long. Shandon Anderson got in the scoring act and got Ray Allen in foul trouble, eventually fouling him out. Walt Williams came out absolutely on fire, making every shot that came his way. He scored 23 in the first half alone.

In addition, Taylor and Hakeem also looked very nice offensively and defensively. Both players crashed the boards on defense against Milwaukee's subpar big men, and Taylor in particular was a force on the offensive end, draining jumpers and hook shots at will on the smaller Darvin Ham.

However, the main difference in the team was the team defense by the Rockets tonight. Everyone, and most particularly Francis, Anderson, and Williams, was aggressive and playing D at a high level. They stole the ball repeatedly from the Bucks big 3, and set up many fast breaks for the Rockets the other way. If the Rockets can sustain this kind of defensive effort for the season, they will be hard to beat.

The Rockets face a tough weekend schedule against the renovated Clippers and the Suns, both on the road and possibly without Kelvin Cato and Maurice Taylor. But tonight was the first win of the season for the Rockets, and it came over a very good Milwaukee team. If they can keep the turnovers in check again and play good defense, they should be fine, with or without Cato and Taylor.