ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Spurs 5/1/2017 (Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)

In some ways, OKC was actually a tougher matchup. The Spurs have no one offensively like Westbrook. Even Kawhi when he's hitting everything like he did against Memphis isn't as difficult to guard. And the Thunder had the size to really make things difficult for the Rockets. Adams and Gibson gave them problems. Gasol and Lee are too old and soft, and Aldridge is more of a finesse guy(and he's not even doing that well these days).

 

Last night was a big contrast from How Anderson and Ariza approached 3s in the first round. I was saying that in this Round, Anderson especially just needs to let it fly. He needs to just have the mindset to catch and shoot and be assertive. He needs to take around 10 3s a game. He did that last night and you could just feel his confidence with each shot make or miss. That's the Ryan Anderson that we're paying almost $19 mill/year.

 

4 to 5 spurs players will guard harden next game

 

It's the playoffs. They are the SPURS. I'm sorry but I don't give any one the benefit of excuses or fatigue. Rockets don't get those benefits...why should any other team? Injuries even are part of the game.

Rockets took care of business more than the fact that the Spurs "weren't ready". I give ALL the credit to God, and then the Rockets and coaching staff. They took it because they knew it was paramount to at least split in SA. There was not a team in the NBA that would have stopped the Rockets last night.

 

If the zebras don't interfere, Spurs don't stand much of a chance. But I bet Zebras will have a huge say in one of the games soon

 

On a side note, this is why KD and Ibaka, if they had just stayed with the Thunder...the Thunder would be talking potential Finals runs every year. The Thunder have the personnel for defensive schemes. They have Abrines and McDermott for sharpshooting. Just add a couple more deep threats and they would seriously be in business (had they kept KD and Ibaka).

 

I mean, aside from the admittedly really big loss of Durant, isn't that basically the same team that should have eliminated the Warriors last year? They're not total chumps. If Westbrook had just played smart and trusted his guys more, they could have at the very least extended the series.

 

Not quite the same team. They did trade Ibaka for Oladipo and Sabonis. But Oladipo is a talented player, despite his struggles for most of the first round. I remember him always torching the Rockets when they'd visit Orlando.

 

and Ibaka

 

I've been rock hard since about 7 min into the 2nd quarter. Should I go see a doctor?

 

They ejected Nene Game 1 for such a bs reason, just 30 points too late.

 

I absolutely love the rockets fans reactions after every made shot behind the rockets bench. Particularly the one guy on the aisle, who jumped up in excitement everytime.

 

Normal. But let's get a 2nd opinion.

@Pen15clubber what do you think?

 

LOL this video is hilarious. I must've missed that Wiltjer 3. What a beatdown.

 

Better don't get over excited and think the series is already over because I'm sure Pop will adjust in the next game.

 

It would EASILY be the most difficult championship run of all time:

1st Round - MVP
2nd Round - 60+ win team, 2014 champions, 2xDPOY, legendary coach
3rd Round - most stacked team of all time, 2015 champions, 4-5 all-stars
Finals - 2016 champions, Top 3 player of all time

Harden would be automatic Top 15 of all time at least.

 

the rockets MDA offense plays the same way regardless of whatever adjustments other teams try to make. it's been that way all year. MDA doesn't typically allow you to change what his team does. you try to take away the 3, the rockets now have guys who can get into the paint and cause havoc. even then the rockets will still get looks on 3s based on the personnel/system alone. it's just about knocking them down. you take away the drives and layups by crowding the lanes, the perimeter will be filled with shots. The offense is going to score no matter what.

Defensively the rockets are well locked in right now. that's the difference