ClutchFans Game Thread: Thunder @ Rockets 1/5/2017

I have noticed that these guys aren't good at this at all. They don't hit the rim which results in a dead ball.

 

Any idea why NeNe made the second FT with .7 seconds, up 1? They called a time out and advanced the ball with time to catch and shoot or tip it in to to tie or win the game.

I think you miss on purpose, give yourself a chance to grab the (long) rebound or touch it before they do to start the clock. Most likely it will force them to catch it and use a time out burning at least .4 seconds or they have to rebound and heave a full court prater.

I hope they don't make these kinds of mistakes in the playoffs.

 

Good win, way to pull it out after we lost the lead so late. Am concerned about our defense, after big improvements last month it is bad again, but I'm glad we've been able to close out these games anyway.

 

We're missing our rim protector.

 

I agree. Gordon seems to get too hung up on missed foul calls sometimes. Anderson, Ariza, and Harden seem like the most clutch Rockets followed by Gordon and Beverley. Like you said, they can all be hesitant at times. Oh, and Harrell seems to play well in late games too. I need to see more from NeNe.

 

Man if i controlled Westbrooks body I would be the greatest player to ever play the game. He is so good, and his basketball IQ is good. But he just continues to make mistakes that he shouldn't make. If he played smarter he could be the most efficient player in the game.

Not gonna take away anything from his talent, he works hard to be that good as well.

 

No Capella, and Bev's been in and out of the lineup recently too - 2 of our 3 best defenders.

 

I am fine with Nene making the second ft..too many crazy things can happen when trying to intentionally miss.

But seeing a lot of people saying the block was clean by Grant. Grant was totally clean up top but completely got Nene with his body below which is called like 99% of the time. No to mention grabbing the rim, but I was surprised that a lot of people thought the block was clean when he basically body checked Nene

 

Not sure about that. Both guys on Dunc'd On Podcast say Westbrook is the MVP because of the moving goalposts of "Harden's in a better situation", despite shilling for Curry in 2015 over Harden with little mention of "situations". This is the case with many others as well.

I would say 95% of those who will be voting have already decided who they will choose for MVP. Barring drastic changes in performance, I don't think many people are changing their minds on the situation, and this is evident by the constant changing of criteria regarding who should win.

 

Cheeky win

 

Good win, although it is frustrating, that our guys continue to blow leads in the 4th quarter. No field goal in the final three minutes...
Gotta be happy that the Refs called the foul on Nenê - and Westbrook being Westbrook again, playing hero ball, taking a contested three at the last play when the score is tied.

On the other hand: 3rd place and 28 wins in the first week of January - no complains.

 

Seriously, I was getting Lillard flashbacks and freaking out. Still, if he missed we'd only be up one. They'd be able to win it on a tip or alley oop play, which has happened before and almost happened last night anyway. Or they could draw a foul and win at the free throw line. If we were up by two already, then hell yeah miss the free throw. But I'm okay with the situation we put them in.

 

Seriously, I was getting Lillard flashbacks and freaking out. Still, if he missed we'd only be up one. They'd be able to win it on a tip or alley oop play, which has happened before and almost happened last night anyway. Or they could draw a foul and win at the free throw line. If we were up by two already, then hell yeah miss the free throw. But I'm okay with the situation we put them in.

 

Are you serious? Nene is old and his role is not to be a top 5 Center. I'm perfectly happy with what he has produced. Hell, we would have more losses without him IMO.

 

I mean I need to see more from NeNe to determine how he performs in the clutch.

 

A number of people asked about this. It could be the right strategy but I'm not sure it's clearly the right strategy. The thunder were killing us on the boards. If they got the rebound, it would immediately mean they can stock the clock and advance. That means a tip-in or any 2 pointer would win the game, not tie it. Also, what if a foul were called on the rebound against the rockets? Then they get two shots to win the game. So it might be safer to make the shot (and then defense the 3-point line) so you don't lose, or if the shot misses you can still get the possibility of killing time on the rebound. If we had big rebounders the strategy might be different, but we don't have good rebounders in there - the thunder were almost sure to get it. So better to make the shot.

 

is "nitpicking" your middle name?

 

Nene's body is better than most centers, he is an asset. I thought he maybe just longing to play for a contract, but this guy is doing his job as a basketball player. I would say he is part of the reason of the success, the whole Rockets crew is jelling.