ClutchFans Game Thread: Spurs @ Rockets 12/20/2016

Nice win for the Spurs.

The Rockets need to be prepared for teams that guard their 3-point shot so attentively. I think they could have done a better job of attacking the basket rather than forcing up perimeter shots.

 

Watched the 4thQ, Harden was terrible in the end, like 3 missed jumpers, 2 TOs, standing and watching defensively.... terrible. That's your leader again. And obviously it's not a lack of talent issue with him.

 

They did a good job of taking the shots the Spurs gave them in the first quarter. A lot of drives to the basket for layups

 

we lost, our unforced errors, sloppy passing at the end did it. and, maybe punishment from the gods because james stopped playin 1:30.
but man do we hang tight in spite bad shooting- throughout the game, the part where they led, i couldnt decide weather they re a bad team or we re an excellent one.

 

A tough loss but I have a somewhat different opinion than everyone else. Even when the Rox were up big at the end, I never felt that they had this game put away. So when the Spurs made their final run, I was not least bit surprised. Unlike those here who are proclaiming that the Spurs are done and that the Rockets have passed them I'm just not feeling it just yet. To me this season boils down to one big science experiment on whether D'Antoni's system that forgoes defense in lieu of a wide open up tempo that places emphasis on offense (read 3pt shooting) can carry a team to an NBA title. The Spurs' system under Popovich is tried and true and has produced 5 NBA championships. D'Antoni's system enjoyed its greatest success what:10/11 years ago? As such, the jury will be out until we see how this all transpires in the playoffs. For now, this year's team is a feel good story for long suffering Rockets fans but the real test will come when the season is done and there are no more Brooklyns on the schedule. Until that time, I will reserve making any declarations until then.

 

I think it's a mistake for MDA to have KJ completely out of the rotation. Up 13 late in the game, you need defensive players that can contain Spurs' shooters. The 3pt shot was the only way the Spurs could've come back and we gave up open look after open look, and they happened to be unconscious from deep.

I said it yesterday, huge mistake for D'Antoni to put Gordon in there when you needed stops, not points. I would've played Dekker more with his length, and KJ as a defensive specialist would've been a good option there too.

 

KJ would have committed stupid turnovers for sure, and Gordon was in for ball handling unfortunately he should have milked the clock instead trying to hit the dagger 3 and we win.

 

Aren't we only middle of the pack as far as pace? We were 14th last I heard. Also weren't we 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency for December? I'd say your premise for our "experiment" is flawed.

Also, I'd say what we're doing is just the logical progression of what most other teams are already doing: pace and 3 point shooting is going up every year league wide.

Watching the Wolves was almost painful now that I'm used to our PnR heavy / space loving offense. Wiggins had to work so hard just to get a tightly contested long two point jumper off the dribble. And he made only 1 of the 5 or so that he took. That contrasts so much with what we do and I can't help but think we've got the right idea while Minny doesn't.

 

The offensive system is designed to maximize the potential of the team on offense with the players we have on the roster (mainly, a bunch of shooters). I don't think that is worthy of criticism. Sure, the team isn't balanced enough to win a title with his mediocre defense (though you cannot ignore that we didn't have our starting C in the Spurs game) but I don't think anyone in the organization could've wished for a better outcome than what we're seeing right now, coming off a disastrous 2016 season and losing Dwight, who was one of the most notable free agent acquisitions in Rockets history.

This season is a stepping stone to next year. This team is clearly fun to watch and the most important thing about it is we'll be able to recruit big name free agents unlike last year where a superstar like Durant wasn't even willing to visit with the team.

 

I disagree. I think arrogance (costly end of the game turnovers) is what lost the Rockets the game and the fact that the Spurs were allowed to be physical and foul way too often.

 

Just finished watching this game on the link here(was in CO last week). We had tons of opportunities to seal the game. Closing down the stretch against top teams is the last piece of the puzzle we need to find

 

I think it comes down to two things:
1. Don't start trying to slow down the game too early. 2-3 minutes left - probably OK. 4-7 minutes left - not OK.
2. If something has been working, or someone has been hot, don't switch things up and go away from what's working.