ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Clippers 12/23/2025

Losses are terrible but what's worse is watching the Spurs look like title favorites when they're healthy while we inexplicably play down to and below our competition.

Something's changed w/ this team. Sengun had that few weeks where he was dominating elite, DPOY level, defenders in critical situations. I'm not sure but I think that might have nudged the offensive needle a bit much in Goon's direction wrt Ime's preferences.

I don't know how that explains the defense. I don't know how it explains the turnovers. I don't know how it explains the poor clutch FT shooting. It doesn't. But....searching for answers, gotta start somewhere.

 

Some games last year when Rockets turned up the heat on defense they seemed on another level and looked like they were playing offense on defense. They had an aura and locked down teams at times. This year’s squad doesn’t have that right now

 

played so bad a 7-21 team emptied the bench on us

 

If Ime's offensive scheme was a malady/ailment, it would be Athlete's Foot.

 

This team does not deserve to play on christmas

 

What about the jazz, kings, pels wake up calls?

 

The other end you just saw a superstar do what he does. you can't defend him most of the time.

 

No identity on offense or defense.

Too much deferring to a 37 year old player.

Our coaching is full of idiots with no ability to make proper adjustments.

Ask yourself this....If we switched Durant for Dillon Brooks would we be better?

YES...we would by a lot.

DD

 

Third “worst game of the year” this week

 

Are the Clippers shooting 90% eFG?

 

Fred tried to tell KD but he didn’t want to hear it.

 

We should have just ran it back. Last year’s team was super rough around the edges but at least they played hard.

The lack of effort and defensive intensity is appalling.

 

If Ime's offensive scheme was food, it would be the water left over after boiling asparagus.

 

You can double team.......you can go AT THEM on defense.

DD

 

That’s just not true….it was Stone’s call 100%.

 

Idk what’s been worse, the offense or the defense?

Kawhi looked like a top 5 player, and Harden got whatever he wanted with ease

Amen’s defense has regressed big time

 

Something changes with this team in the middle of the game lol.

Sengun was dominating and then...just stopped shooting. He was hitting every middie he took and looked like he'd go off for 40...then he just stopped.

It's super puzzling.

 

no disrespect to the Clippers who did beat Luka and LeBron.....................the way we are playing on offence is poor

 

Who’s the generational player in the next couple drafts ?

can we at least tank properly for once?

 

This team has become pathetic. Christmas day could be embarassing.

 

This year is better, but the West is better and more top heavy.

Rockets will win 54-56 games, then win maybe one round.