ClutchFans Game Thread: Spurs @ Rockets 5/7/2017 (Playoffs Round 2, Game 4)

Not allowed and even it was, heck no to Smoove.

Other players will need to step up - especially Dekker. Rockets have played all season with Nene in and out of the rotation to give him rest and the Rockets have done fine. Big loss if the injury is serious, but I dont want any others from the MilkHair days other than the 4 keys guys - Harden, Bev, Ariza, Capela.

 

The main issue with this team seems to be which one shows up...the good one or the not-so-good one. I know...that's deep. Factors to me seem to be:

a.) Is Harden being aggressive, making his shots, getting to the rim, and creating (distributing the ball) well? If Harden is having an off night scoring, then it's a tough night and the score will be lower. Role players can't be expected to make up for Harden's scoring ability. Therefore, if Harden is "on", then the Rockets are in great shape compared to when Harden's shot is off and he is just playing facilitator.
b.) Are the role players doing what they need to be doing, making 3s, playing D, rebounding, etc. ?
c.) Are the Rockets dictating the pace? This means are they rebounding well, running fast breaks, getting to the rim, and hitting 3s.

IMO, this series outcome depends on which Harden shows up. The Harden who shows up to play eases the burden on the role players and they tend to thrive off of Harden's mojo.

The problem still seems to be consistency. Which team comes to play?

 

whats the status on nene? Im hearing it could be a few day thing to a few weeks/month thing.

 

tickets for game 6 sold out fast for my price level

 

status on nene?

we only have one center on the roster and rest assured Greg Popovich is going to be ready to exploit that next game. Ryan Anderson at the five, if we are not scoring and playing our pace… They will be.

 

It was never watchable. Maybe 20 years ago.

 

I hope D'Antoni will play small. Literally it was how we pulled away in game 4.

 

****, that hurts.

 

Noooo nene!!

 

No surprise....it's never good when it's non contact and he pulls himself out.....

 

do you think harden showed up in game 3?

 

Could be the closeout game in the series. Could also be the last time the Rockets play at home this season.

 

He showed up scoring-wise but his assist numbers were down (5) and the role players struggled. There's a balance there where he does a bit of everything and we're better when he finds it. Admittedly, when Aldridge and Leonard are on, San Antonio is a tough team to beat.

I honestly thought that...early in that game 3...Harden was going to get T-ed up and/or tossed. He seemed to argue every call he didn't get it when driving by throwing his hands in the air and barking at the nearest ref under the basket. I was amazed at how patient those refs were with Harden there. Albeit, I'm not sure what Harden was saying but it seemed like borderline whining to me on several plays he drove on and didn't get anything out of.

 

Who is this Twatson clown? And why should we care? Is he the dude on t he left or right?

 

So......Did anyone notice Harden running the ball up the court even after makes.

I wasn't holding my breath for him to cross half court before an 8 second call. It was nice to see and I think had a big part with the Spurs scrambling and having more defensive break downs.

 

Absolutely, noticed this too. It was more difficult for them to set their pnr defense

 

Yes, that was great to see.