ClutchFans Game Thread: Thunder @ Rockets 4/4/2025

In the 3 games the Rockets have played OKC this year, Dillon has averaged 15.7 PTS and 43% from 3PT. Udoka needs to let Holiday, Cam, or Reed get some run this game to make up the loss of Dillon's shooting.

 

Sadly we can expect Tate getting in before Cam

 

I didn’t say what team.

 

Surprised OKC is playing all their main guys. They literally have nothing to play for.

 

70 wins

 

Need to distract the referees for this match.

 

They are still playing for home court adv against the Cav.

 

I heard it was every 2 techs after this is a Suspension plus a $5k fine

 

Considering the Cavs next 3 opponents, the Rockets beating OKC tonight would force them to continue playing to win in their two consecutive games at home against the Lakers.

 

The double big lineup takes away the dribble drive. This is how OKC beats teams between SGA, Williams, and Chet. Rockets have played a variety of defenses with the double big including a 2-3, switch zone, and man giving teams different looks. As long as the zone is disciplined and not over-extending it can defend the 3. We get in trouble by missing zone assignments on the perimeter or over-extending when they overload.

I don't advocate playing double big the whole game but it should be implemented to take away the paint scoring which they have dominated in the 3 games they won against us this year. If we can control the paint and prevent them on the break we have a good shot at winning. Teams usually beat us in these 2 areas. our double big lineup didn't lose us that laker game. it was poor transition defense and too undisciplined on defense collapsing on lebron and luka whiile giving shots to vincent and finney smith. maybe that was udoka's game plan but it didn't work and defintely wont work against OKC.

Again, if we play man or switch zone we need to get aggressive on the perimeter. This means trapping and hedging/showing. no more dropping back. And when we go 2-3 this means staying disciplined in perimeter responsibility moving and helping.

I also like the double big with Smith at the 3 going against a smaller OKC team. They have a small bench and I take Smith posting against cason wallace or heinrich williams any day.

 

Captain America's been torn apart now
He's a court jester with a broken heart
He said, "Turn me around and take me back to the start"
I must be losin' my mind, "Are you blind?"
"I've seen it all a million times

 

Someone get that man an Iron Maiden shirt. Please!

 

This is how I distract referees!

 

Cam and Reed played great against OKC last time. Reed 25 pts and Cam 27 pts.

Don't tell me they can't get any minute this game.

 

If this is the case, Alpi better not start the game playing like a weak sissy on offense "because length bothers him" and Jalen needs to show he can play well against this team. Both guys have fallen flat against OKC and they need to flip the switch tonight.

For the record, I really don't like starting double bigs. IMO, it's a recipe for a slow start on offense unless Adams grabs a bunch of offensive rebounds.

If the Rockets get off to a great start and have a good 1st quarter, I will happily admit to being wrong.

 

Wish Ime would have gone with Jabari over Amen if FVV is playing. But I like that Ime tries things