While I understand that we want the Rockets to be tested some so are ready to go game 1, I'm not sure they are anywhere close to the best sparring partner. The personnel between Utah and Warriors are so different that the schemes and game plan will be night and day.
Even if we win game 2, all we've done is take care of business. Seven is such a long series. We need to end this with as little effort as possible, coz you know GS will be making short work of LAC.
We blew them last year in G1 and lost in G2. So nothing is given. But from basketball stand point of view, we should be alright.
I see what you're saying but I'm not so worried about that. schemes don't matter much in preparation. remember these nba teams usually have only a morning shootaround to prepare for a new opponent during the regular season. having 2 days between games feels like a year to prepare. they'll pickup the difference in strategies easily. what takes longer to prepare for is the intensity and execution. remember last year when we rested guys before the playoffs? it took about a round and a half to get back in rhythm. if the jazz force the rockets into tight games, they get to prepare for the 48 minutes of intensity and execution it will take to beat the warriors. its hard to keep that level of effort and focus sustained for 48 minutes. if they are beating the jazz without playing their best for the whole game they won't be as prepared as they could be to play the next round.
**** that . I'm down for like 1 close game to help get us warmed up for a tougher round I was Clark and hartenstein to average 10mpg in garbage time lol
The Jazz rolling over and keeping our elderly players well rested, is what'll best help the Rockets prepare for the Warriors. There's no rust the Rockets need to knock off.
As other have said, nothing is a given, and last year's series a great example given that Houston blew out Utah in game 1 only to drop game 2 at home. However, here is the counter-argument: Utah basically had no time to prepare a game plan for Houston between first round and second round, were caught flat-footed in game 1, and won game 2 after adjusting their game plan. This time around, Utah had all week to game plan for Houston. They shot their shot and game plan failed. Not sure they have ability to adjust this time and reap benefits. Their only hope is that they execute better, and Houston executes worse. That's usually not a great recipe for a win.
I think it will be a competitive 1st qtr. Followed by 3 boring Rockets qtrs. If the j*zz hopes rest on ingles going off... then this series is officially over.
As long as we play lock down D, i can live with us not hitting some shots. It will be tough but we will win. Rockets in 5.
Far"weed' going 80 percent from field was a surprise. Austin rivers can get dealt for draft picks, and rockets can sign Nick young this off-season!
Utah will double Harden, full court pressure, along with denying the ball. That’s the most effective way to guard the Rockets and Utah better start defending well so Rockets are prepared for next series.
Completely disagree as long as the Rockets are blowing the other team out. It’s absolute joy to watch them annihilate.
