I was all for the James Harden show last year, 39 PPG on 64 TS% for the first few months of the year... ...until they started double teaming him. It was basically game over from that point on. Sure, Russ got his inflated 30 PPG on decent efficiency. But even attacking 4 on 3 situations, Russ attacking vs retreated defense and 3 Rockets players standing around the 3-point line wasn't nearly as effective as the best 1 on 1 player of all-time iso'ing the other team to death. This year is different. We have WAY more playmakers on the floor now. Our center rotation has gone from one dimensional centers (and then PJ Tucker) to Wood and Boogie. Both of these guys can attack mismatches and punish teammates if given an advantage. John Wall is more effective than Russ when left wide open, by the sheer fact that he can actually hit an open shot. Even Tate can attack closeouts just fine and create for teammates when attacking advantage situations. No more House, Tucker, Covington, and McLemore all on the court together like deer in a headlights when they catch the ball and actually have to dribble. Our offense is much more balanced now. Teams can't just send two guys to Harden every time. We have Harden playing off-ball a bit, with some DHO (dribble hand offs). Wall is a better and more willing passer than Russ so he can find James open now. In a nutshell, our offense is more varied, diverse, and balanced and I feel like we have possibly found a great counter to the annoying double team Harden shtick. I hope this balanced attack continues going forward.
I like that James can still get 40 and 3 other guys can get 20 any night and 2 more can get an occasional 20
We just have smarter players on the court this year. The passing and offensive involvement from every player on the court so far has been impressive. If the team can hit 3's consistently they'll be tough to beat.
This. Its not about being anti-Harden. A team can't expect a single player to carry the team night in and night out. That is why stating 44 pt Harden just raised his value is ignorant. It doesnt matter if Harden needs to trust his teammates or if the team needs to get Harden help. Regardless, a team can't go into a match with the opposition knowing exactly what to expect. It might work in the regular season but its a sure fire way to be 2nd round play off fodder.
I said this once we had our roster locked in. We have 5 guys that can get you 20, that's big. I know people are so quick to trade EGO but if it ain't for a key rotation guy I don't want to do it. We just really have to work on the defense, even average defense makes this team elite.
I remember at some time during this game i was looking around the court and i was like " yeah, that guy can take 2 dribbles and blow by his defender", just for him to pass it to another guy where i thought the same. This is easily the most skilled team the rockets had in years. For me, this is all about building chemistry, defense and most importantly health. There's not many anti-ballers who aren't capable of even pulling off one dribble left. Even guys like sterling brown and Tate can dribble a bit. Just look at the big guys - they're playing basketball, not hot potato (unless in front of the rim) like capela always did.
Thank you Mr. Stone for a team full entertainment every time we play someone or something new can and/or will happen.
I can agree with this. But this defense needs so much more work. A system improvement is not enough, Rockets need a longer player than 6'6 next to Wood that can defend 1-5.
We need both. And both should be 6'6 or taller that can be secondary ballhandler as well as defend 1-5. This addition is critical. The sooner the better.
Rockets are +7 with Harden on court (no wall). Rockets are -5 with Wall on court (no Harden). +1 with both Harden and Wall. It is hilarious that CF is saying Rockets are better off with Harden being less ball dominant or even not on team. LOL Harden is the BEST playmaker. Harden is the BEST scorer. Harden is the MOST disruptive starter on defense. Harden is FAR from the problem. The problem is the DEFENSE.
Seeing Wall play his first real NBA game after 735 days, I was expecting something on him in the first few threads, and surprised to see nothing on the first page dedicated to him. The guy may never be what he once was, but I am always curious to see how players come back from Achilles related injuries. The guy deserves some credit, he wanted to keep the game ball for himself since this was a big game for him personally, but he decided to give it to Silas since it is his first win as a HC, that says something about who he is. The fact that he may be a better fit than Russ is a huge bonus. Also, currently Russ is crying on the bench after going 0-4, hopefully James sees that the grass isn't always greener.
What a limited myopic point of view. we know harden ball is effective in the regular season. We also know that in the playoffs it’s needed that we have a team of multiple playmakers.
