Black Sports Online spent a few minutes with Rockets G/F Corey Brewer, pre game before his team faced the Rockets. Brewer was watching the Packers v Cowboys playoff game when I sat down and asked him a few questions.
Jarod Hector: Corey, the Rockets have won 8 of 10. You’re only a game back of the Spurs and four back of the Warriors. Are you guys pleased with being top 3 and how much are you pushing for a top 2 spot in the conference?
Corey Brewer: We’re not satisfied. We’re playing well, but we want one of those top 2 seeds. Home court advantage for as long as possible is key. We really like the way we’re playing and if we continue there is no reason we can’t get into the top 2.
JH: How has the team adjusted to year one under Mike D’Antoni? You can see how the spread pick and roll is benefiting the team on offense but, defensively things are looking better.
CB: We brought in defensive coach (associate head coach) Jeff Bzdelik and we are keying in on defense. Last year we gave up too many layups and uncontested shots. This year we are hardly doing that, if at all. We are focused and paying attention to detail.
JH: We’re at the midway point of the season. The all star game is in a few weeks. What is key during that period and the upcoming slog of the NBA season when most players can’t wait for the playoffs?
CB: The key is to get healthy. Use that time to recuperate and gear up for the stretch run. Get rest, recover both physically and mentally, because this is the heavy stretch of the season and if you want to make a late playoff run, you’ve got to be healthy.
Brewer and the Rockets have every reason to be optimistic. D’Antoni has the team playing well offensively and they can score with any team in the league. The bugaboo for the Rockets will of course be on defense and what to do when they’re playing the league’s best SF’s. The trade deadline is approaching, maybe there is a piece they can add for the stretch run. There probably isn’t any available move the Rockets can make that will solve these problems, but don’t put anything past GM Daryl Morey.
Our thanks to Corey Brewer for spending a few minutes pre-game with Black Sports Online.