Prior to the last 2 games, the Rockets led the NBA with averaging 42 three point attempts per game. That's insane for a team full of non shooters, therefore they were losing so many unnecessary games. Now, let's look at the last 2 wins vs playoff caliber teams. Rockets vs. Blazers 29 three point attempts 56 two point attempts Rockets vs Lakers 34 three point attempts 51 two point attempts That's a big difference compared to the past 42 three point attempts per game. By the way, Rockets were only hitting 34% of those...so that's a lot of misses. The Winning Formula.... Rockets + More 2 Pointers = Wins Rockets + More 3 Pointers = Losses Maybe???
It has more to to do with House, Nene coming back and Green playing better. House and Nene Hilario naturally attempt 2s. With Gordon starting, those guys have the freedom to get out there and score. The bench seems to be rejuvenated and invigorated. Harden also seems more motivated.
No, the Rockets are still going to take and make a lot of three pointers. The three pointers open up high percentage two point attempts. Last night the Lakers did not want to give the Rockets a lot of three point looks and they paid the price. The reason the Rockets have won the last two games has been increased effort, bench production and having healthy stars. If the Rockets get bench production and healthy stars, the effort will improve. The Rocket players want to win, but it is difficult when you have no bench and bad health at the top.
All true. Another thing to think about is Gordon now has to play more minutes with Harden AND Paul together, instead of coming off the bench & just playing with one. His freedom of jacking up so many long bricks from three has been neutralized. I think that's been a huge factor in why the 3 point attempts have dropped...which is a good thing, imo.
For a guy shooting horribly as he is, he takes some of the most ill advised 3s I've ever seen. No wonder he can't find his stroke. Not even Curry attempts as many long bombs as Gordon haha.
hes taking the same 3's hes taken since hes been here. only difference is whatever happened in the offseason has carried over to him being a terrible shooter thus far. the dropoff is just puzzling
The last 2 teams dont defend the rim good enough to stop dribble penetration and drives. Sureeee javale has been "amazing", lulz, but he still cant do **** when switched out on the perimeter. Same thing with nurkic. What we have seen is just more aggression in attacking the rim and THAT opens up our 3 pts offense. This year we have lacked that aggression and have tried to open the lane with 3s when we should be opening the 3 by attacking the rim, which is what we did last year.
By moving Gordon to the starting lineup they neutralized him so he can no longer bring down the bench with his shitty play.
Agreed. And from Feigen's game article today......Harden asked to be rested so he could be fresh to "close the game" (which he did with fresh legs to hit the 3pt shots). Harden was comfortable "resting" BECAUSE of the BENCH PRODUCTION. These are all ripple effects.
Jaren Jackson is a rookie hes gonna get baked. Marc isnt the defender he once was but he can still hold down the paint when motivated. The Grizzlies as a team tho are very stout defensively and very good at preventing points in the paint. Will be a much bigger challenge but if harden stays uber aggressive I dont think it will be an issue. The biggest potential problem is if he starts settling for a LOT of step back 3s because that's what the defense is giving up and he decides not to attack.
Agree, BUT they were taking too many three's, and from players that aren't that good at them. Which then leads too often to fast breaks from the other team from long rebounds. And speaking of rebounds....Rockets HAVE to improve on that. Nene helps there, but too many people not blocking out, like....at all. Doesn't make any difference how good your defense is (and the Rockets certainly struggle in that department) if you keep giving the other team more chances, eventually they will score.
The ESPN matchup Predictor has us as favorites against Memphis in their building and in most other games now.
Recognizing some of the other things that happened: - starting lineup change - Nene back - House playing I think it at least worth noting and following this trend. Very small sample size, but in particular their offensive rebounding was still strong (15 last night, 12 before... both above their average). There is obviously a % as a team where you will say shoot less threes. 34% is still good enough to keep jacking, but just barely. If it's leading to transition buckets the other way on long rebounds, or whatever, it's stressing your defense as well. Most obviously, it's "easier" to play half court defense than transition / semi-transition defense. And also most obviously a team shooting more threes than 2s, at a lower % of makes, even if a higher offensive efficiency, is going to have more misses that lead to more transition or semi-transition points the other way. So it's at least worth watching if the Rockets can slightly decrease their 3PA per game, keep their offensive rebounds up, perhaps lower turnovers slightly, keep offensive efficiency up, and improve defensive efficiency. Also worth noting, increasingly, is their need to shoot at least SOME mid range jumpers. There were multiple times where Harden or CP3 or whomever was open or wide open at the FT line area and either went in for a tougher (or blocked) shot or dribbled in back out. The best shot, imo, is the open one.
