thoughts on the Houston game

[Kestas <Kestutis.Kveraga@dartmouth.edu>]

I guess when you get outshot (including 52% from 3-point land),
outrebounded, outpassed, outthieved, and outblocked, you should expect to
lose. The Pitino-era defense until late in the 4th was mainly to blame, but
I thought the defensive game plan didn't help - continually leaving that
Houston's backcourt trio open on the perimeter to cover penetration is a
suicide. It also didn't help that Kenny couldn't guard anyone, Eric
Williams had to leave the game because of injury, and JJ contributed 1
rebound and 4 missed shots in 18 minutes. Vitaly didn't have a good game,
and Antoine, despite the strong numbers, has not been himself lately
(including cutting back on the 3 :>). 

Speaking of JJ,   I can't believe I'm saying  this, but it wouldn't be bad
to see Obie try Waltuh in his stead, unless he thinks it's going to totally
crush JJ's already not overabundant confidence.  EW and Kenny are hurting
now, and even if they can go, Obie probably wants to bring EW and Strick
off the bench anyway for that defensive energy boost. Walter's hit some
critical shots lately, and can really bother the SGs/SFs he's  guarding
with his length and energetic arm flailing (I thought he should've been on
Mobley when the latter went unconscious from the 3-land). Most importantly,
he hasn't been making the stupid mistakes that have been his hallmark in
the past. 
I would also like to see one of the injured players (probably Milt, who's
not playing anyway) replacing Forte on the IL. I know theyv'e been
ostensibly grooming him as a PG, but could he contribute any less than JJ,
Milt, or Kedrick right now at 2-guard? With Milt, Kenny and EW injured, JJ
floundering, and Kedrick unable to get off the bench, we need bodies at the
1-2-3 slots. 
I'm afraid tonight's game is going to be tough to pull out with the present
personnel situation and Detroit undoubtedly ready for a payback of the
flogging they received in Boston last week.