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We need to find the Clippers Series X-Factors, 2017 Edition

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by napalm06, May 11, 2017.

  1. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    As pointed out in the 538 thread, and various others, the 7 man rotation sputtered at the end of game 5 and I definitely don't want to see D'Antoni risk it for a second game, especially an elimination game.

    First let me say that I was disgusted by Harden's late 4th and OT play in game 5. Some of it can be chalked up to fatigue but I think it's indefensible; you can't be too fatigued to pass. Nevertheless... success from here will be based less on Harden and more on Josh Smith and Corey Brewer - whoever they are in 2017.

    While D'Antoni is reluctant to play "unknowns", the way Houston beat the Clippers in 2015, famously, was the insane play of the bench players. Even Pablo Prigioni had some big moments with key steals and 3 pointers.

    We need to find those players this year; and we can't if we don't even try. Whether it's Sam Dekker or Montrezl Harrell, someone can play that garbage-man / energy role that we desperately need in the front court when one of Anderson or Capela is sitting.

    In other words, we need one of Sam/Montrezl to be the Smith role, and Lou Williams or Eric Gordon to step up into the Corey Brewer role. Something no one has ever said before. :p

    Heck, at this point I don't even care if it's Troy Williams or Bobby Brown. Remember when Troy Daniels got thrown in a playoff game and nailed some big shots?
     
    #1 napalm06, May 11, 2017
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  2. Os Trigonum

    Os Trigonum Contributing Member
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    Trez is the X-Factor
     
    #2 Os Trigonum, May 11, 2017
  3. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    Great - let's call D'Antoni and get him on board. Anyone have his cell number?
     
    #3 napalm06, May 11, 2017
  4. swyyyguy

    swyyyguy Member

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    Who will step up and be our Josh Smith this year because Harden clearly isn't getting it done?
     
    #4 swyyyguy, May 11, 2017
  5. TMac'n

    TMac'n Contributing Member

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    How about just asking Josh Smith? He's already at the game

    [​IMG]
     
    #5 TMac'n, May 11, 2017
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  6. Mr. Dominant

    Mr. Dominant Contributing Member

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    Idk why we didn't pickup Josh Smith, I'm sure he would have taken the vets min with us....... would he not?
     
    #6 Mr. Dominant, May 11, 2017
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  7. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    Well #1, Harden is playing fine - for 3 quarters.
    #2 It's less about someone stepping up and more about D'Antoni putting people on the floor (and giving rest to the weary).

    I got burned at the stake for suggesting this a couple of times during the season. He'd be an excellent emergency post defender and garbage man. Been saying that all along!
     
    #7 napalm06, May 11, 2017
  8. Pizza_Da_Hut

    Pizza_Da_Hut I put on pants for this?

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    We don't need an X factor. The Spurs aren't exactly destroying us. It boils down to execution early on. The Rockets keep having these slow starts and that comes from attitude. If they start stronger (which comes a lot from James pushing the pace and taking care of the ball) we have this. If they don't, it's a bare knuckle fight that often devolves into an 8 vs. 5 brawl. We won't get those calls down the stretch, so just avoid them all together.
     
    #8 Pizza_Da_Hut, May 11, 2017
  9. Easy

    Easy Boban Only Fan
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    And clone Corey Brewer.
     
    #9 Easy, May 11, 2017
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  10. bigred77

    bigred77 Member

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    #10 bigred77, May 11, 2017
    napalm06 likes this.
  11. CertifiedTroll

    CertifiedTroll Member

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    Cool. Another Bobby Brown thread.
     
    #11 CertifiedTroll, May 11, 2017
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  12. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    Absolutely true, I hate the way our starting 5 comes out and has lazy first quarters. But I wonder how much harder they would go if they knew that Corey Brewer would come in to build the lead in the third quarter. :p

    What the heck do you know, Keith Jones?
     
    #12 napalm06, May 11, 2017
  13. Mr. Motiejunas

    Mr. Motiejunas Member

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    Lou Williams needs to have an epic game soon. I'm talking 30+ points.
     
    #13 Mr. Motiejunas, May 11, 2017
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