ClutchFans Game Thread: Mavericks @ Rockets 1/4/2021

Agree that switch everything forced GSW to play more iso instead of their preferred motion offense.

But Rockets PnR and iso offense was stressing the Warriors too. If Refs called that game straight up, Rockets would have won that series EASILY.

Refs allowed GSW to absolutely maul the Rockets on the perimeter and at the rim. It was criminal.

 

When you have 2 elite offenses and defenses going at it that’s going to happen. Any other offense and Golden State wins in 5. That offensive system produced so many open looks it’s insane.

 

Yea, the ideal running mate next to Harden is a knockdown shooter with some playmaking ability. But we keep paring him next to ball dominant PG with suspect outside shooting. Very weird.

 

Just lapses on defensive end late in the game like allowing Brunson to score back to back. Rox were right there till the end once again but those small things are what separates great teams and the rest. A lot of mental lapses on both ends. And I still say that it starts with wood. He is playing PNR better but can’t guard man and didn’t run back on D several times.

 

This game was not fun to watch at all. Maybe the first 5-6min of the 2nd quarter, but most of it was REALLY frustrating. I know we won't shoot like that every time, plus Harden's ankle will probably feel better later this week, but geez. Pretty deflating seeing us play with so little chemistry after Cousins was ejected. I really thought that run would spark something great, but we kept blowing it over and over after that, losing the end of every quarter.

 

Wood was a little gimpy last game. Could have been a reason he was a little off tonight.

But successful defense requires supreme effort.

 

So it still comes down to Klay or Steph.

Those are the best shooters.

Hardaway junior would be a good option for less money.

Playmaking is very hard to get.

If Harden can't get to Lebron's level in the Playoffs soon, it's not going to look pretty.

 

credit John wall for this lol

 

This like deja vu. We've swapped Westbrook for Wall and we're in the same situation. Wall and Westbrook need the ball in their hands or they won't be happy. We're sacrificing our biggest scoring weapon just so everyone is happy.

Unfortunately, we're in a mess and we can't do anything about it. We basically traded our future on a gamble. We probably have to think about either trading Harden before the deadline or struggle through the season and hope for the best. This Wall and Harden partnership will not work, as the Westbrook and Harden partnership did not. Not to mention, our role players are not good enough.

I know we'll make the playoffs, but we're not getting any further than the 1st or 2nd round.

 

Harden wasn’t why we lost this game. It was a collective effort and no coincidence.

 

Harden will get better. He can't do much with his hurt ankle. Nevertheless, there was little effort from the team and that's very concerning.

 

John Wall was playing iso ball. Forced a lot of things. Moved Action away from James. Really didn’t like how he started the game with either him or wood holding the ball. Wasn’t a balanced game for rox. Ball definitely wasn’t moving and too many lapses on both ends. I say if wood wants to be an elite player and a leader he needs to eliminate those small mistakes.

 

Mavericks outplayed us.

but the refs need to be severely disciplined — particularly goebels or whatever his name was. Did he call ALL of those techs? Joey Crawford-esque

 

It isn't a coincidence that Harden and CP3 worked much better. He could at least shoot the 3pt shot and mid-range shot. He could also pass the ball pretty well. Wall and Westbrook cannot shoot consistently, which makes our offense predictable. Also, Wall and Westbrook tend to make dumb decisions on the offense a lot.

 

But when Silas says "iso" was reason for loss then it is code to media and hating fans that he is placing the blame on James Harden.

Which is bullshyte.

 

I mean...as much as I hate to say this....Harden shooting really bad from three really hurt us this game. Harden had a significant part in why we lost. But you are right it wasnt the only reason and the team needs to look at themselves as a whole.

 

Not sure why you guys are targeting Tucker. He seems more hesitant in shooting but the man played solid defense today. Had a few fouls but his effort was still solid. The offense is different so he’s not getting the corner looks he once did. On that note wood took way too many 3s.

 

The thing I took from this game is that the Rockets game looked out of synch. In the bubble when House couldn't exercise self control, the team looked much like tonight. I'm beginning to think House may be the "oil" that makes the Rocket machine run smoothly....just like Ryan Anderson did. Both Anderson & House aren't great or smart players, but their style of play seems to helps the other players play better and excel. Puzzling??????

 

And him not getting corner threes is not a good thing. He's one of the best corner three point shooters in the game.

 

We all know that. But the problem is.... this Wall and Harden partnership will have a lot of problems. It's too similar to the Westbrook partnership. Wall needs the ball in his hands a lot or he won't be happy. If that happens, we're taking the ball away from our biggest scoring threat. Wall isn't a good spot-up shooter.... and I doubt he'd want to be that kind of player in any case.

This isn't going to end well. Not blaming Wall, but Harden and Wall are not a good fit.