Sending out 4 guards in the fourth quarter was a big strategic move. I've never seen that combo before. And it was very effective.
Pretty sure it was a counter for the zone defense, but yea high risk reward move. Ended up doing pretty good.
Actually, I think the game was pretty much in hand at that point, and that the TWolves had tacitly capitulated -- otherwise Dalembert would have been on the court. In fact, I think they went with that lineup in a secured win for two reasons: to help get Lowry the rebounding portion of the triple double, and to give some rest to their thin 4/5 position.
I don't think so. Adelman went small late in the 3rd and McHale had to counter (putting Parsons back in at the 4 to D up Williams, etc). I loved his decision to stick with Patterson on Love. Though he didn't really stop him he was much more effective (due to his lateral quickness) than Scola or Dalembert would have been. Adelman's decision to go zone with the Rockets playing with 4 guards was a pretty peculiar if not stupid maneuver on his part.
It was more McHale responding to Adelman's lineup. I actually liked the job Parsons was doing out there, and I wouldn't have minded if he finished up the game with him in instead of Martin.
Mchale responding to Adelman's lineup IS an example of good coaching, not sure why most of you are brushing it off. If this was boxing it'd be what you call a counter, Adelman comes up with this ingenious small man lineup, Mchale responds with his own, b****slaps RA and asks "What now?" Anyway RA showed another one of his flaws this game: he makes up these subs before the game and then sticks with them no matter what. The small ball was nice, but when we countered with our own lineup he should have adjusted accordingly. In typical slo-mo fashion RA didn't, and continued with his zone play against a lineup of 4 guards and Patrick Patterson (LMAO). Also I like the toughness/edge the Rox are showing lately, it must have something to do with Mchale because these same group of guys weren't this nasty last season. Rubio making game-changing plays the last few games? No problem, hit him all game long with hard fouls to the neck. Kevin Love demolishing the front court? Poke him in the eye a couple of times. LOL, this team is starting to bring back the old school, and I love it.
Anyone notice that the Rockets seemed to play a bit rough, did Mchale inject some hard fouls into recent practice? I'm not complaining, I like toughness.
