The problem for us is that Nene injury allows the Spurs to protect better the 3 point line. We have to figure how to score in the paint.
D'Antoni likes that tight rotation. I think Montrezl got enough playing time this season that he can step in for 5-10 minutes and contribute. My guess though is that D'Antoni goes small the rest of this series(and against the Warriors if we reach the WCF). It worked great in Game 4.
I did emphasize at the end that we still need to take care of the Spurs. I am in no way assuming we make the WCF. But there's nothing wrong with speculating on how this injury would affect that matchup. BTW, on that topic, the fully healthy Warriors(their head coach notwithstanding) are guaranteed to face either a Rockets team missing Nene or a Spurs team missing Parker. And that's after they're done with a Utah team that's been without George Hill the last 2 games(and counting).
Agreed, was hoping for a Mutumbo type thing where he spent enough quality years here for him to be more than a blip in Rockets history. Was not hoping for the Mutumbo playoff injury parallel... Also, disagree with those who think this is Onuaku's time to shine. He hasnt' even been able to get garbage minutes, which there has been weirdly a lot of this series. I think we saw MDA's answer last night: Ryan Anderson is our nice backup Center, with three guard lineup getting more time, and Dekker possibly getting some burn but probably still not a ton. Harrell only gets minutes if someone gets in foul trouble or MDA has no other options, but no Onuaku.
I hope D'Antoni gives Montrezl a shot. Definitely shouldn't hesitate to pull him quickly if he's laying an egg, but I think his explosiveness and hunger could fit well with our bench unit. Montrezl seems like the kind of guy who would grab an opportunity like this with both hands.
I think even mentioning the Warriors is looking WAY too far into the future. Rocket still need to win 2 games. 1 game in SA.
This really hurts, NeNe was playing really well and was our enforcer too. Hopefully CC can give us extra minutes. Looks like small ball it is!! Just play fast fellas.
**** MY LIFE. MAN WE NEVER GET A GOD DAMN BREAK. ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhh not big d nene. man he has been huge for us. ugwr#@%#@%#% man.
Man... this sucks. Nene was balling. Great to have him back on a similar deal. In the meantime, I am in favor of Trez getting more time. He's at least a big that can play inside, unlike Anderson. And Kenny Smith had a good point in the post game. Capela and Nene have mastered rim running with Harden. And that rim running helps open up the thre point line as well. Small ball with Ryno isn't rim running. And small ball with Ryno at the 5 really kind of is a new offense they haven't run. There's absolute 0 players in the paint, rolling to the rim, etc at that point
