Josh Smith throwback game....not sure if that's a good thing though. Rockets win with the backups and give two big middle fingers up to the league. Feel bad for the fans (both Hawks and Rockets) in Atlanta though. Was probably going to be a hype game if Harden did not get suspended. May still be with the return of Smith on a contender.
I actually think this Atlanta game, without Harden, will be good for our team. They're gonna have to learn to score and make plays for themselves. They've been spoiled with Harden. We might even see KJ and some interesting lineups.
key to this game is defense. Keep the Hawks to under 50 points at the half and feed the ball in the post to DMO/Smith to draw the double teams and then kick it out to the 3 point line for the open 3. Pray the 3 ball is falling. Otherwise, will be interesting to see who steps it up. I see big games from Smith, Dmo, Jones ,and Brewer.
I think the players will be ultra motivated to show that they are worthy of being part of this team even in the absence of Harden. Motivation is one thing. They will also need to make baskets and defend at a high level to beat the Hawks at home, not an easy feat. Calling for a W.
If we win, we'll have a chance to get the 2nd seed in Western Conference. That also help Harden get MVP.
Hmm.. Right, but I'm pretty sure he was just stating how close this is to Houston being 2nd (only 1.5 games back from Memphis). Obviously Memphis game is more important but it'd be nice to win both and pass them sooner.
Might be a blessing in disguise with Harden out. We need ball and body movement, a lot of different guys to be involved because the Hawks are too good to just play much 1-on-1 against. Hawks are still playing great defense and are 4-1 post-ASB, but if Beverley plays like he did against Cavaliers and Brewer starts, we might pull it out. We need a lot of energy from the start, cannot afford to be stagnant and lose because of a lack of effort and hustle. Watch McHale do something weird and start Terry at SG or something though...
I'm glad Harden gets some well deserved rest, we need to feed Dmo more and. Aye KJ will even get some action.
Think we'll unfortunately lose by a wide margin, Harden is the key peice of this team and the game revolves around him. Hope we don't get blown out and the other guys still have a strong game and don't give up. I predict something like 110-92 Hawks victory. __________ If you want to join the legendary CF fantasy draft with the brehs, you're welcome! http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?p=9594854
Maybe the others will step up like the Rockets did when Dream went down and the team won 15 straight without him. DD
This game has to be a defensive struggle. And even then, someone has to get hot and drop 25+. Those of you that want JVG back, prepare yourself for a reincarnation! 78 - 74 Rockets!
It's crazy how there are people here who think this is a win-win for us in that Harden's MVP accolade is on the same scale as winning. I don't give a **** if Harden wins MVP or not. I would much rather get the wins, and if we can do well without Harden tonight, that is promising for the playoffs. Let's face it. James won't get the calls in the postseason, and guys will have to play their minds out to keep us afloat. Let's keep our focus on prioritizing the team/wins over James' individual praise. It's well deserved, but anything can happen.
