McHale shows frustrations in Rockets’ loss to Raptors

TORONTO, April 2 (Xinhua) — Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale showed his frustrations on and off the court in the team’s 107-103 loss to Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night in NBA action.

This was Houston’s third consecutive loss, tying the team’s worst losing streak of the season when they lost against Oklahoma City, Chicago and Miami between March 11 and March 16.

“We were terrible, letting them (Toronto) do whatever they wanted to do and gave them a big lead,” said McHale during the post-game press conference with reporters.

During the press briefing, a dejected McHale responded to reporters with brief replies.

“We didn’t play hard. We took it too easy,” said McHale.

As the briefing wrapped up, a Houston reporter asked about injuries and their effect on the losing streak.

“I have no idea,” answered McHale in a sarcastic tone.

A typical post-game press conference with a coach lasts three minutes, sometimes as long as ten minutes. Wednesday night’s conference with McHale lasted 70 seconds.

During the game, McHale also displayed his frustrations.

In the final seconds of the game, Houston closed a Toronto lead to 106-103 after a Jeremy Lin three-pointer.

On the ensuing inbound, Lin stole the ball from Toronto but Toronto regained control after committing a potential foul.

The officials did not call a foul against Toronto, costing Houston a chance to tie the game.

McHale was in disgust as he crumpled the piece of paper he was holding in his hand and tossed it on the floor.

Despite the negative attitude displayed by McHale on Wednesday evening, he did share with reporters his thoughts on how his team can finish the season strong.

“We got to go play, play harder for 48 minutes. That’s a good start.”

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-04/03/c_133235852.htm