ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Pelicans 10/9/2016 in China (PRESEASON)

heck of a game. Yep, NENE is gonna be just great, Anderson is a scoring machine and Gordon really has a well rounded game and a little attitude. No 20 point blow outs starting this year off.

DM has done an terrific job switching out those "role players"..

 

I have to say that at this time last year I was quite sure it's going to be a disaster of a year.
This year has me optimistic.
I could actually see set ups of plays, especially in the first quarter. Nice spread pick&rolls, Harden as a facilitator from the elbow... Everything from Dantoni's playbook.
It went a bit messy after when the team became a bit stagnant, but definitely good summer purchases with Nene, Gordon and Anderson fitting perfectly with the team and the system.
Harden needs to learn how not to force it, he's one of the smartest players I've seen, like a mini LeBron with a good handle, he'll get it eventually.
I can see this unrealistic 50+ wins projection coming together, and it will be hell of a fun team to watch.

 

We knew that MDA does not hang his hat on Defense.

 

The character is similar to last year. Really Bad D and turnovers, lots of 3 point shooting and Harden creating

Difference is we traded Dwights D and rebounding for much better shooting

Will be interesting. The offense definitely has amazing spacing

 

We shot lights out and Harden had 15 assists and the rockets only won by single digits.

 

Didn't really give up Dwight's defense, as it was bad last season. Numbers and eye test supported it.

His rebounding will be the main area where we take a hit.

 

Well we'll see. I agree dwight wasn't his usual self but that still might be a lot better than what Capela and nene offer in paint defense

I guess we'll see

I didn't think harden could average 12 assists....but it doesn't look completely crazy anymore

 

Can anybody who watched the game give a recap?

 

The interior defense is decent with Capela in there but can be better. When he sits it's terrible.

Also concerned with Nene fouling out so early in the game trying to guard Davis. He will see PFs like him on a nightly basis in the West.

 

Nene is old. Love what he brings but yes we will continue to get torched at PF

DMo would be nice

 

Same as last year, just better shooting

 

It's being rebroadcasted right now on NBA TV. It just started.

 

This is what should keep sober skepticism for the upcoming season.

It's nice that there's something like an offense/shooters, but Rockets will have to win games 130-129.

 

D'Antoni is a genius for calling James the PG.

His role hasn't changed but the whole game last night, the Pelicans commentators were just going on and on about how good a playmaker he is now.

He has always been a great and willing passer, he just never got any appreciation for it.

But now he is the official PG, Harden might actually get props for his assists. Well played Mr Pringles. Well played indeed.

 

The defense was concerning this game but I will say that the pelicans did shoot and make quite a few mid range jumpers that were contested. Those are the shots you want the other team to take.

The TOs that harden had some are just the product of running the offense and having the ball in his hands so much but a few of them were him forcing the issues when he didn't have too and I think those can be corrected. Overall his passing has been really good.

They need to commit more to defense. The first 8 min of the game they did quite well it just went down hill after that.

There defense won't look as good as it did against the knicks the other night but I also don't think it will be as bad as it did this morning.

I think avg defense and the rockets win by 12+

 

james needs to be more careful with the errant passes.....way too many silly turnovers

the team on the whole needs to take better shots.....a lot of times down there wasn't even 1 pass in the possession before a quick shot got jacked up

closing out on 3pt shooters was nonexistent the 1st half

 

Yeah, it's kinda silly. Harden was running the whole offense 2 years ago when he almost won the MVP and we made the WCF (without Bev and DMo)

Difference now is we've surrounded him with shooters instead of defenders

 

I agree completely. For every hustle play that makes you think there's hope for the future, he does something that would be stupid at any level but is just flat-out unacceptable in the NBA. I see Montrezl being included in a trade-deadline dealrezl.

 

Really praying that we have an injury free season. This team can be fun to watch if the guys stay afloat.

But what's really the likelihood of that happening?

 

Into the 2nd half now. Offense looks really good, transition defense still highly questionable.