ClutchFans Game Thread: Jazz @ Rockets 4/14/2019 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 1)

GO ROCKETS!!!

 

Another boring series win. Rockets in 5

 

Last year our defense was so good that it didn’t matter if the offense stagnated in the playoffs by elite defenses and schemes.

This year we have a large hole on the defense without Ariza and House being too fresh and Gordon being slower and not long enough. I think the guard penetration can be better this year, which was a problem in last years playoffs with younger bench players getting to the rim. Offensively we should be better espically with bench but doesn’t seem like it in OKC game besides Green, however, besides Harden the starters seem to have regressed somewhat.

 

Since the all star break we have a top 2 defense, so that's not a concern. I've seen other guys mention Harden exploiting Gobert in pick and roll, and that's a much more likely forecast. Enough of our shooters should come through in all but one game.

Rockets in 5. Bring on the Warriors in the real WCF.

 

Our defense has been great over the last month and a half. I don't know what they implemented after the All-Star Break, but it's working.

 

We are going to destroy the Jazz in 5 and then be well rested for the Worriers in rd 2

 

u do know we the 2nd rank defense since allstar

 

Sure hope this changes soon, there are a TON of seats available straight through the Rockets at all price levels:

https://www.toyotacenter.com/events/detail/nba19-playoffs-round-1-game-1

 

I'm hopeful that Harden will have a better series against them as compared to last season's performance.

 

having your entire team healthy

 

Sweep.

 

That's certainly a big part. Especially the return of Capela.

 

Yeah I get the ranks but those ranks don’t show holes in our defense. We just have more holes in defense this year against certain players and teams by starting Gordon on a switching scheme. House was receiving tacky fouls on George, for whatever reason. The switching defense relies on a versatile defender at SF and PF positions, and at times Center position when going small ball. That seems a huge drawback and unless House or someone else can fill the void, which House hasn’t had a chance to do for much time this season.

 

there's no such thing as a team that doesn't have some kind of "hole" on defense. the rockets have been an elite defensive team since the break. that's what matters

 

Warrior fans are disappointed that we aren’t playing OKC. Think that it will be a war in the 2nd round.

 

We are replacing Ariza with Gordon in the starting lineup in a defense predicated on switching everything. There are even more mismatches now with the starting lineup. It will be interesting to see how coaches make adjustments to resolve this in the playoffs, especially when Gordon isn’t playing well like the OKC game. Like I said before, the guard penetration was a problem last year but should be improved this year with Rivers, so that’s a plus.