Disappointing loss, but I thought that game was encouraging. Harden didn't do well, but it was awesome seeing some of the other guys pick up the slack. Really wish they would have gone with the hot hands and stuck with Asik down the stretch. With Parsons on fire, as well as Delfino and Morris shooting well, I don't think an ISO 3 pointer is your best option, but with 7 seconds you don't have much time to run anything else. Lin has been playing good defense and has been scrappy, but his offense isn't as explosive and his shooting needs to improve. For a young player, he has looked good an has a lot of room to grow. Because of the whole Linsanity thing people treat him differently, but if he was a highly touted top draft pick and was playing like this people would be happy. Also, congrats to Marcus Morris. After a dismal start people pretty much just counted him out here on Clutchfans, but he has really played well.
I am really disappointed in Lin on how he's so scared of the Miami Heat. That pass to the middle of nowhere after driving in and then getting bailed out by PPat and then that airball. I am speechless. Man up and ball up!
Was a pretty good game all around. Lost by 3 points. There were errors, but considering we weren't expecting a win, it was pretty solid for the most part. And we already knew Lin's shot was off, so it shouldn't have stunned anyone. Yah, the airball sucked, but those can happen to anyone. Overall his game was pretty good. 9 points, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 2 TO is far from a horrible statline. Cut the team some slack. We're still building chemistry and players are finding their rhythms. The team is young and inexperienced. And we're only 7 games into an 82 game season. The season is looking promising. :grin:
What I take away from this game: Rox played a helluva game. Sampson can coach at this level (plus I like his rapport with the players) Asik seems to have a bright future (practice your layups big man) Marcus Morris could develop into a super-sub. Lin is not ready for prime time yet. Harden hasn't learned the nuances of being "The Man" yet. ...and the refs still love treating the Rox like a $5 w****: no love, no respect.
How many of those makes are from spot ups and how many are off the dribble? Creators and playmakers shoot better with the ball in their hands than off a pass.
The ISO plays worked when Harden dished out to Morris/Delfino/Parsons ... It was the bad decision to keep the ball and expect to get fouled that cost them the game. That's what I didn't like about KMart; he would expect to get fouled and not really give any attempt to make the shot. Harden needs to go in looking to finish, not go in looking to get fouled.
Lol, a good coach would know when Iso plays aren't working. Also, the coach called a time out for this play: "Hey Harden, forget the team, just jack up shots at the end of the shot clock, I believe in you." That's a **** play.
A few things I learned from this game: 1. Jeremy Lin is not a post-up three point shooter (Lol). 2. Harden is not the PG, and his hero-ball is not clutch. 3. The coaching is terrible. McHale is not the only one. Fix these and we are actually awesome, even contender-like. We have lost 3 very close games to contenders, and if the coaching is half as good as our players, we might even have seen upsets.
I hate it when Harden runs the clock down, fakes the drive, pulls up for a contested jumper. It's so predictable, and it was the worst play for a game-ending situation when you're down by 3 because the other team knows you have to take the 3!! Coach should've drawn a play to at least get a screen for Harden.
If this is what you learned tonight, you probably don't need to watch any more basketball...ever. People need to quit jumping to conclusions so damn quickly. It's just stupid.
