Clutchfans Game Thread: Magic @ Rockets 11/16/2025

Yeah, I was screaming at the tv. Alpi should've just turned and ran when Bane was coming towards him. Forget raising your hands or trying to block the shot. Oh well, we escaped with a win.

 

Some thoughts on Rockets/Magic:

Rockets 1st half defense was a joke against a terrible offense. Magic shot 50% in the 1st half but finished the game at 42%. Rockets totally turned it around on that end.

What kept the Rockets from taking control in the 2nd half was (1) TOs and (2) putting the Magic in the bonus very quickly in the 3rd quarter.

Are there any KD haters left? A lot of ignorant things were posted about him by many members here before the season started. Where are you folks now? Are you willing to admit he DOES impact winning (in a big way) and isn't a negative locker room influence?

Alpi was sloppy and soft in the 1st half, but he firmed up and became assertive and physical in the 2nd half and OT without fouling out. 30/13/8!

Reed continues the productivity and efficiency. He also showed increased aggression on offense. Incredibly fun to watch him. He's the kind of player that makes you almost want him to shoot every possession he's playing.

Amen was terrible, particularly in the 1st half. Second straight game he's struggled from the field. He did grab 10 rebounds.

Adams' 27 mins were his highest since the 2OT OKC game. I'm not sure, but it's possible he'll see the biggest increase in playing time with Tari out.

Holiday did well in his increased time. He has back-to-back 10-point games, his only of the season.

Jabari had just 9 shots in 43 mins while the two stars took over but he cleared 10 rebounds, some contested in traffic. I love this. In the past, he would often completely disappear in these types of games.

 

Did we win?

 

Just got back from the game. What a game. We struggled the whole game but KD and Sengun would not let us lose.

 

KD bobble head?

 

you bet!

 

What was said. Who got shot. Who got got.

 

An extra day off between tonight's game and the next game

 

My game observations : 1. with Tari's absence. Jabari needs to step up his effort and aggression (Put more arch to his shot) and okogie too 2. Aaron played well but couldn't replace Tari's defensive effort and impact due to his stature. Should consider playing Isiah Stewart who has equally good 3 point shot skill and better defense due to his measurement. 3 when reed is hot, the team needs to recognize and encourage him to continue shooting. This didn't happen in this game. We will loose badly against Denver if we continue playing Aaron as Tari's replacement.

 

It felt like he did it on purpose.

 

You mean to tell me all we have to do to get all these dorks to get in the building early is give them a toy with a large bouncing head?
What would they do for some free fries, pay for the ketchup.

 

It still adds up. Spurs already giving 21 yr olds load management.

 

Come on now, James was absolutely a closer. His shortcomings in the latter part of the playoffs in a few series should not cloud the fact that the closed a **** ton of games for the Rockets.

 

Gooooood night Houston!

 

Bing bop bang boom… we’re on pace to win 61.5 games. Not bad.

 

Disappointing win, was expecting another beatdown... Oh well, can't win emm all by double digits.... sigh....