Pumping Up the ESA Crowd

If you were at ESA for the Jazz-Houston game, Wednesday, and you thought it was intense, you weren’t alone.

Asked about the rivalry, following Wednesday’s loss to the Jazz, Rockets swingman Ron Artest said, “I’m not really familiar with it; just a little bit. I know next game when we come here, I think we come here again this month (March 24), it will be another intense crowd…Unlike when I was in Sacramento, I had to get the crowd riled, all rowdy just to make it a fun, entertaining game. When I come here now, the Rockets are already entertaining.”

It’s hard to get opposing fans riled up when you’ve won just 13 games like the Kings.

At the same time, it’s not hard to get fans fired up against an opponent as good as Houston – especially when it has a 7-foot-6, 310-pound center like Yao Ming. (Wasn’t it Wilt Chamberlain that said, “Nobody roots for Goliath”?) Not to mention a controversial, outspoken player like Artest.

He’s right. Plan on another rabid crowd later this month.

***

Strange box score in the Jazz-Houston game.

On one hand, the Jazz’s rebounding was phenomenal. At the half Carlos Boozer alone had 13 rebounds – four more than the entire Rockets team. The Jazz were ahead 27-9 in rebounding at the midway point.

Yet the Jazz had a whopping 14 turnovers to just eight for Houston at the intermission.

At game’s end, the Jazz had out-rebounded Houston 45-31 but lost the turnover battle 19-16.

***

Are the Rockets better with out Tracy McGrady?

Probably. They certainly appear more sure of their roles. And considering their 8-2 run, recently, they certainly haven’t missed him.

With Artest and Yao Ming, they don’t necessarily need another player to score 20-plus points.

No question, McGrady can (could) fill up the basket in a hurry.

He just doesn’t necessarily make everyone else better.

Whether by injury or otherwise, here’s assuming McGrady’s days are numbered in Houston.