ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Spurs 12/28/2012

Spurs played Lin / Harden very very well. They threw all sorts of different defenses against them, and waited until the 2nd half to do so in order to catch them off guard.

They switched the defenses like mad - and it really worked in the 4th quarter and gave SA the edge.

I think it shows that we can't just be a pure guard oriented offense and do need an inside player who can take a lob and do something. So many times the spurs threw four guys out on the perimeter and left one guy in the middle to defend the paint. If we had a post-up threat it would have prevented them from using that strategy.

 

good game. we're young they are old. give it a few years

 

Ok thanks for clarifying that I was trying to listen to the game over the radio but I was in and out at work.

 

we beat them after the first quarter.....just need a better start...

 

Honestly, the Rockets played well.

116 points scored in regulation on the SPURS.

We lost by 6 points. A few calls go our way, a few more FT's made, one or two open shots and this is OT or a win.

As for complaining about defense, it's REALLY hard to play great defense when you're nearly always in transition. The Spurs are a good defensive team. You think they Wanted us to score 116?

Let's not forget this team has been together only TWO months. How fast do you think good defense gets built? We won't see decent defense until at least after the All Star Break, and probably won't see good defense (if ever) for at least another year or more.

And let's not forget Asik got in foul trouble early, Harden picked up his 5th foul in the 4th... those impact our efficiency in terms of defense and scoring.

This team is 24. We did well considering the Spurs are a championship contender AND we were playing them in their House on the 3rd game of a 4 in 5.

Really, some folks have ridiculous expectations...

 

Box score says DNP-CD for Delfino. Is he injured, taking a rest, about to get traded, or what?

Man, I hope we can shock OKC 21 hours from now.

 

I freaking HATE the spurs. We always lose to them. Always! I hate when the outcome of the game seems predetermined..Rockets vs. Spurs at home? Automatic loss. Vegas says so, the SPurs home record says so, everyone says so and then it happens. Ugh. Sad Face. Frustrated Face

 

There was stretch in the 4th where, even though the spurs were hitting everything, Aldrich was missing EASY rotations that got them easy looks in the paint and he was getting TOs. I think he had 2 in a row at a crucial point in the game.

 

Agreed. This coaching staff needs to show more confidence in their players and not overcoach. You don't stick a guy in the game against the Spurs who has barely played all season just because Asik and Smith get burned by Tim freaking Duncan and pick up some fouls. Keep them in the game and let them play through it.

 

Yeah I can understand a few minutes for Aldrich, but 18??

McHale got outcoached by Pop tonight, too.

I feel like a lot of things went wrong, yet it still wound up being a 6 point Spurs win at home. That's a good sign, except that tomorrow could be ugly.

 

Again, Green was the xfactor that killed the Rockets again. The Rockets seemed to stop attacking the rim in the 4th...SA was just shooting lights out. Close and entertaining game but I have a feeling the 2nd meeting was going to be the closest the Rockets will come to beating SA this year.

 

We lost because of defense and free throw shooting. Failing to shoot a better percentage from the free throw line than the opposing team did from the field is not going to win many games.

 

The trainers better massage those tired legs well tonight.

 

He was ill apparently

 

Good game. Didn't give up and played hard. The bad start killed us and Manu got hot. Spurs are tough for us

 

Imagine if we had Popovich coaching this team...

Only positives I can take from this game is that Jeremy and James once again both had good games playing together.

Harden played too many minutes tonight however...hope he isn't sluggish at OKC.

 

That game seemed like it went on for five quarters.

We got ground down by a more efficient, more experienced team. Happens.

At least we were competitive and didn't get totally blown out. Missed Delfino's height for 3-pt shooting. Duncan can still feast, albeit in slow motion. When you've got Parker, Ginobli, Duncan, and Popovich, you're in contention each year.

 

We need a Power Forward - STAT!

 

That site's game threads are full bball noobs who hate on everyone on this team (especially Harden or Asik) when Lin doesn't put up good numbers. Avoid it at all costs!

 

We can't be playing at this pace game after game. We won't have any gas left towards later in the season. What this team needs to do outside of solidifying the balance between Harden & Lin, is to get a better #4, and learn to set better picks, especially for Lin. He's already a good playermaker for others, with decent passes and looks. With a good setter, it would make it even easier for Harden & Lin.