This was our fricking 48th game of the season (2 more games than any other team in the top 5 in the west) with how many back to backs? It's been a tough schedule. We've exceeded expectations to this point of the season on what should be an easier schedule on the back half of the season. BUT.... now is where we should hopefully see MDA earn his money by getting tough where needed and making changes (if needed).
The Rockets needs a layoff bad, too many games into the season. On offense they are high octane, but on defense they are on fumes. They looked like they were a step behind, with so many baskets in the paint for the Bucks. They didn't defend much when you allow a team shot 58% for the game. Even the Brooklyn Nets that shoots 58% will beat the Warriors. I'd be worry if they start losing more than 2 games which they have not done this season. If they were in the East they would be 2nd place behind Cavs and now the Rocks are sitting in 3rd place with 3 game lead. Even the Cavs in the last 10 games have a worst record than the Rocks.
These recent struggles may be symptomatic of a fatally flawed team, or they could also likely be a product of a loaded schedule and the typical pre all star malaise that many teams suffer from. We really just need to get to the all star break. If we are still struggling in every game after that, then I will be concerned. The season is just too long to concern yourself with every up and down a team has (although that doesn't stop many here from doing just that)
Stupid loss. We seriously need to trade for a big. Capela/Nene/Harrell and Ryan/Dekker ain't cutting it. None of them protect the paint and ball hawk for rebounds.
When we go on dry spells we need to at least buckle down on boards and protect the paint. This is where a legit big can help us. He doesnt have to be a scorer for us. That will keep us within range to strike back when ready. Tyson Chandler pls or the likes.
I really don't understand this love for Tyson Chandler to be a Rocket. Yes he can board, but he is old as dirt, a bad defense player even at 7'1, not the athlete of his past, and an ugly contract. If he gets worse(which he will), he may be as bad as Brewer. Rather have fresh, athletic legs.
It's more to do with our lack rim protection and length then an infatuation with Tyson.Nene is just to old, Clint is still developing and Trez is a really 4 but is playing out of position.
Each game I cross my fingers that Anderson ends his shooting slump. Each game my belief grows that Dekker needs to be in the starting lineup. Each game I question why Anderson doesn't get more ball closer to the ring. I know we're anti-mid range. But when you're in this bad a slump you need to do something different.
The main problem I have with a game like today is our body language in case of a TO or a scored basket. The first thing they do is look around for a call or someone else to point the finger at. Harden is prone to do this, but also noticed Gordon and others doing it. My guess is being tired and losing lately hasn't helped. I'm a bit disappointed by the team and mainly our coach not to make adjustments. It seems we are doing the same things over and over, haven't seen us adjust when the three is not falling nor some different sets to throw teams off. We are getting predictable which is definitely worrisome. Harden's careless TOs are an example of that and a big problem. I wouldn't really mind them as much if he cared. Many times he just stands there or walks back. I still don't think he's a great leader yet. He's improved, but still needs to get better. I also think it's time for D'Antoni to figure out that he might need to play all 3 of our bigs like 20 minutes. Harrell was doing too well to get only a few minutes in a game. I'm not too worried yet, because our schedule has been pretty bad and other teams have lost to the Bucks - who are pretty darn good - the Heat and others prior. Still, adjustments need to be made and we cannot blame injuries.
i was more irritated by his 1 rebound in starter's minutes accomplishment. plus his abominable red carpet defense in the paint
Rockets aren't a contender unfortunately. This team is designed for the regular season type of basketball, not the playoffs.
I do not think they can string together 3 seasons of the same play. It was not necessarily McHale that much, although MDA being much better on O. This is a Harden centric team from the start, and it will go as far as one guy can take them, but it is only one guy with Gordon as Plus One and inconsistent Defense.
