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Raptors Stampede past Rockets
July 24

Rockets 73 Raptors 83

The Rockets were unable to adequately regroup after Saturday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks and were subsequently ripped apart by the team in pursuit of one of our own, the Toronto Raptors.
The Rockets put up a better fight compared to the 18 point loss against the Mavericks, yet they wound up as the loser by a score of 73-83. Yet still, it didn't take long for the Raptors to come clear, as they led by 18-6 after just a few minutes.

Well, if Cuttino is going to go by this game, I can see why he would see the future as a brighter one in Canada. The Rockets played poor defense and (even though they put out a big lineup) could not come up with the rebounds.
Our rookies did not impress, although they did play a whole lot better than last time. Then again, we didn't have to look at a traded draft pick light us up for added negativity.
Jason Collier showed some flashes of his talent, yet he wasn't all too impressive with his shooting (3 for 9). However, he seems to have had a bit of trouble due to back injuries.
Moochie Norris was one of the few bright spots, as he showed us why he's our backup point guard and why Bryce Drew will be heading to a new home sometime soon. Kenny Thomas did a better job compared to the last game, looking more aggresive. His defense needs a bit of work as does his rebounding.

The Rockets' rebounding could be a cause for concern, as most of our big men out there are used to the perimeter game and even though we were playing with a big lineup we weren't able to take advantage on the boards.

In addition to a lack of rebounding, the Rockets were faced witha physical opponent, a fact that had the Raptors in control in the paint.

"Yeah, I thought they out-physicaled us," said Rockets assistant Jim Boylen, who is coaching the Revue team. "I thought they (beat us up), and then when we tried to knock them back, it was a foul every time. But they're a big team -- a very big team. "I thought we played better tonight (than Saturday's game), but not quite good enough. I think we're a better shooting team than 42 percent (30 of 71 vs. Toronto), but when you lose on the boards by 14, it's hard to win."

Our standouts from the game against the Mavs, Mark Pope and Mark Young, didn't light it up like last time but they did play a solid game each. Young contributed with 6 points and 6 boards while Mark Pope added 2 points, 2 boards, and 1 assist.

The Rockets are going to have to win their next game, as they face Jazzholes at 6:00 on Tuesday. The game will be televised on ESPN2.