PrintSecond-Half Of The Season Awaits
Rockets' goals still well within reach after completing first half of the schedule
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Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON - Chuck Hayes’ message was simple, straightforward and to the point: Have fun, stay focused and don’t let a solid start to the season go to waste.
This wasn’t Al Pacino spitting fire or Gene Hackman raising goosebumps. It didn’t need to be. With the Rockets’ players and coaches gathered around him at the end of Wednesday’s practice, Hayes simply stepped forward and delivered an impromptu speech poignantly designed to remind his teammates of all that has gone into getting the club this far – and everything it will require to get them where they want to be.
“I just wanted to let them know we only have half of the season left,” said Hayes. “We’ve done well thus far but let’s kick it into another gear. You have the summer to rest. Everybody’s tired, everybody’s got bumps and bruises but that’s why you’ve got the summer and that’s why you’ve got the trainers.
“We’ve come so far and made great strides as a team, so let’s finish it out. Early in the season we were just having fun. We were playing well and, even though there were some games we lost, we were having fun competing. I know the season is long and you can (lose focus), especially at this point of the season, but if we can inject that fun level back into us, we’ll be ready to play every night.”
Hayes also emphasized the importance of ignoring distractions and having each other’s back. He touched on the notion of team and togetherness. It was an affirmation of sorts; a renewal of the fundamental principles which have guided this club for the last few years.
“It was a little midseason maintenance to remind ourselves where we are and what we need to do,” confirmed Shane Battier. “We need to get back to playing good basketball. We worked hard all summer and have put so much time and effort into the season and getting 5 games over .500 – it would be a shame to let that go to waste.”
With a record of 23-18 at the halfway point – just two games off the pace they set one year ago, despite lacking names like Yao, McGrady and Artest – the Rockets have largely exceeded any and all preseason expectations thus far. And yet, the club’s 3-5 mark since the calendar flipped to 2010 has many within the organization viewing Houston’s current record as a bit of a mixed bag.
Yes, there is a certain amount of satisfaction which comes with posting such a mark despite the long odds and strength of schedule (the Rockets continue to rank No. 1 in that category) but the players also understand that a playoff berth won’t be achieved unless the team elevates its play. Houston currently ranks just 16th in the NBA in defensive efficiency and 18th on offense, signaling the fact plenty of room for improvement exists on both sides of the ball. Still, the mood surrounding the team is one of confident optimism, as Head Coach Rick Adelman revealed by reiterating his belief in the club’s current rotation.
“I think it’s a matter of everyone on our team stepping up,” he said. “During this stretch, some of the guys who have been really good for us have had tough times. But I’m not going to lose faith in them. I just think they have to refocus and play better.”
That, in essence, is what prompted Hayes to take a stand. It’s not the first time he’s done so and certainly won’t be the last. His steady leadership has been a guiding force behind this team for years now, both on the floor and off, and though Hayes is clearly a perfect fit for the role, he’s also quick to emphasize the fact that the Rockets’ leadership responsibilities – like every other aspect of the club it seems – rest not on the shoulders of any one individual, but upon each and every member of the team.
“Anybody can say anything they want. We’re not going to hold it down to just myself or Shane. There are no true stars on this team, so we’re all in this together. If you’ve got a problem or something to say, say it. Words of encouragement or constructive criticism, it doesn’t matter – just let your voice be heard.
“We just have to stay committed in our preparation. Back to backs, four games in five nights, you’re going to be tired and you might have some slippage physically but mentally you have to be there. I’m happy where we’re at but I’m not content. We feel like we can get better.”
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