Criticism Follows Francis

In the NBA it doesn’t take too long to go from Franchise to trade bait.

Steve Francis has had his disagreements with Coach Jeff Van Gundy during the season, and has heard the criticism from the media and fans. There’s some sentiment that for Yao Ming and the Rockets to flourish, erstwhile Stevie Franchise needs to be shipped elsewhere.

Francis played the pivotal role in Houston’s first playoff victory in five years Friday, with 27 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the Rockets’ 102-91 victory over the Lakers.

“I’m not really a big statistics guy with him,” Van Gundy said. “I think he’s done a good job involving his teammates. When Steve shoots he gets criticized, when he passes he gets criticized. People talk about his scoring numbers going down; at the same time, they talk about he should pass more. Well, if you pass more you’re going to shoot less.

“You can’t get caught up in how people perceive you, other than if your team wins you’re going to be perceived well and if you don’t win you’re not going to be perceived well.

“I think Steve’s done a good job all year making sure we have five guys in double figures.”

Francis was animated as well, hopping around and pounding his chest.

“As far as our team in general, not Steve particularly, I think emotion and passion is good,” Van Gundy said. “I think if you get emotionally drunk, it’s bad. I think in general, what’s more important than emotion is belief, intensity, concentration, discipline and poise.”

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Yao has the duties of battling Shaquille O’Neal in the low post every game. Francis does it by choice, driving into the lane and going right at O’Neal. They’re both the worse for wear after three games in the series.

When asked about the numerous scratches on his arms, Yao said: “Those are only the ones you can see. There are a lot you can’t.”

Francis said he hurts “everywhere.”

“It’s been like that all year for me,” he said. “I’m used to getting beat up. It’s the price I’m willing to pay.”

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Francis had some sympathy for his point guard counterpart Gary Payton, who has sat out the fourth quarter in the last two games.

“He’s very competitive,” Francis said. “It’s hard to maintain defensive intensity if you’re not playing in the fourth quarter. I remember one game I didn’t play in the fourth quarter. I felt like everything was spiraling down for me.”

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Former Clippers are in abundance in the playoffs, including Maurice Taylor and Eric Piatkowski with the Rockets, Earl Boykins and Andre Miller with the Denver Nuggets, Michael Olowokandi with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lamar Odom with the Miami Heat.

“It’s good to see guys have success in the playoffs, coming from a situation like that,” Taylor said.