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ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Cavaliers 1/5/2013

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Clutch, Jan 5, 2013.

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Arthurprescott2 Member

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shuh said: ↑

Overall, it was not a beautiful game that displayed our full potential. Also was not ugly. Was a competent game, on the road, in a back to back. We showed good control of the match, nice clutch plays and confident team. Really, it seemed a much older team out there, knowing how to win when it is supposed to. That, more than anything else, was what I appreciated. By comparison, the Cavs are also young but didn't seem to have the proper nerves to close (usually they keep losing close games, as tonight's). Lin and Harden are very calm under pressure, and perform the best down the stretch. That is remarkable and another positive feature from our backcourt.
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SPOT ON, shuh! The team in general is getting much better at the close of games.

#1421 Arthurprescott2, Jan 5, 2013

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Harden is closer. I believe Lin is a closer too. Glad we have this DUO.

#1422 Viola, Jan 5, 2013
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From the words of the great Kelvin Sampson, if everything is going in they look good.

#1423 TheMystery008, Jan 5, 2013
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iJHolmes said: ↑

Not to mention the whole linsanity phase was against the worst teams in the league lol except for LA, who are arguably terrible.
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Man, you're such a hater. Yea Linsanity happened, for the most part, against somewhat underwhelming competition. But he was winning these games with the likes of jared jefferies and steve novak. Lin's game doesn't solely involve scoring a bunch of points but also making everybody around him step up their level of play. He did this in HS, college, and even the d-league. FYI u forgot he also dropped 28pts on Dallas last year during Linsanity, who at the time, had the #5 ranked pts allowed defense.

#1424 JMG524, Jan 5, 2013
solid Member

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Rockets be rolling! Surprise, surprise, surprise!

#1425 solid, Jan 5, 2013
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TheMystery008 said: ↑

From the words of the great Kelvin Sampson, if everything is going in they look good.
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but not everything was going in tonight...on contrary....and we still won in a relaxed and confident manner...

#1426 BraveFox, Jan 5, 2013
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iJHolmes said: ↑

Thank you. I've never once said something along the lines of trolling like "Lin sucks" or "Lin is terrible" those are what i call negative. Saying lin needs to stop turning the ball over or shoot better, or that he's not a top PG is NOT negative. i just think some of you are realistic. Lin is a great guy as a person, and he's a decent basketball player that has a lot of learning to do.

The same guys that are riding lin are probably the same ones who think he should make the All star game.

so according to that are 61% of those people trolls too?
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Those people are just being realistic, I don't think Lin deserves to be in the all star this year. Yes I agree he could make it in the future, but not this year

#1427 Rockets12, Jan 5, 2013

zdrav Member

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split41 said: ↑

So much Lin talk, he did well tonight, sure, but there's a bunch of other players on this team, and why are people talking about his NY days - can't we have an actual post-game discussion, like talking about 2pat's good game and or Parson's shooting slump or G Smith's game or Harden's clutchness. If we have to talk about Lin can we at least talk about Lin in the context of this game, like how he stepped up when Harden was off, helped him get back into rhythm and then let him take over (I think the cavs commentators also mentioned this) - good point guarding.
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It's really impossible to not talk about Lin. He's much more than a player, for better and for worse. He's a test of the D-league, the NBA's scouting prowess, America's racial bias, the potential of Asian athletes, etc.

#1428 zdrav, Jan 5, 2013
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theaesirsfinest said: ↑

Anybody else have CSN? They replayed that possession with a great angle, and I could have sworn Irving's head hit Lin's face.
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Yes. It was a HIT.

#1429 Viola, Jan 5, 2013
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holly1985 said: ↑

The push, and the hit to Lin's nose. It's clearly a foul and not a flop.

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See...Definitely NOT a flop.

#1430 Viola, Jan 5, 2013
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Viola said: ↑

Watch the replay bro... That was NOT a flop.
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FDIjcw0qELg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'll watch it when Lin highlights come out. He did get hit just not sure was it enough to send him flying that far. Maybe exaggeration but fouled still.

#1431 SuperStar, Jan 5, 2013
y2Joem Member

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asalways, nice analysis shuh..repped!

shuh said: ↑

A competent game tonight. We didn't blow them out, nor were too much in danger. It seemed for the most part a well controlled game, after a slow start from our side. We kept a distance and the moments when the Cavs put us at risk, some player was efficient to score, either Lin, Harden, PPat. Even Delfino and Parsons, who had a quiet night, scored in clutch moments. The Cavs put some pressure on our bigs, with a strong paint game, and Asik, Morris and PPat were suffering to get defensive rebounds against Thompson who grabbed 8 offensive boards. In the first half, Lin was our best player and kept us going. In the second, Harden was the one.

The bads:

- Game in the paint: Asik looked tired and was having a very hard time fighting for the rebounds with Zeller and specially Thompson. Morris was not tough enough to help out nor PPat. They outrebounded us offensively, and the Cavs looks like a good rebounding team even without Varejão. A lot of hustle from their side. They scored also several points with post plays, and penetrations. On the offensive end, we were not able to get inside their paint often. Even Lin scored most of his points out of jump shots. We lacked a secondary presence in the paint tonight, and it would have been interesting to see Smith and Asik together. Not happened though.

- Game start: we did start slow tonight, allowing the Cavs to build a lead of 10 points. Out 3 pointers were not falling in, and PPat joined the airball club (Lin, Parsons and Douglas are on board). These games on the road are tough since the visual reference is all different from what our team is used to have. So, perhaps it takes some time to adjust, specially because we are young and lacking some mileage on several courts around the country. When our 3's aren't fine, and the opposing team has quickness and a good post presence, we struggle.

The goods:

- Controlling the game: We are really looking like an experienced team! Even if some of our players were not sharp, the team still managed to control the flow of the game, keeping distance. It was not a huge lead, so they had to be attentive all the time, but despite some tension due to the risk of a run from the Cavs' part, the Rockets looked calm and on control.

- Closing the game: one thing is becoming clear: this team has some closers. Harden, Lin, Delfino, Parsons, PPat all made important plays down the stretch. Harden scoring several points in the last 4 minutes. Lin drawing a foul and scoring an and-1. Delfino and Parsons with a 3. PPat making those midrange jumpers. And, we kept our composure even if the officiating was a little bit dubious tonight.

- Bench: our bench outscored theirs by a large margin (41-21) and we were able to keep the quality level through the whole match. We have scoring threats and good defenders on our bench and that is a very nice asset.

The players:

Lin: very good game, hitting his jump shots. He was the most efficient 3-point shooter of the game, 3-5, and overall 7-13 with some jumpshots there. It is unusual that most of his points tonight came from jumpers instead of layups and FTs, but that is welcomed news. Moving the ball well, with purpose, and active off ball. On D, I think he did a good job on Irving. Despite Irving's 30 points, he did those with not a specially good % (10-24), and a lot of them when Lin was not on him or out of dubious fouls called on light touches. Also, 8 TOs from Irving show he had some pressure on him. Down the line, Lin had a nice layup, and a crucial play when he emphasized a contact received from Irving. It was foul but if Lin didn't made that clear perhaps the referee would not have called. It was very smart from Lin's part because he read the moment and knew the referees were under pressure because all the complaint about the fouls on Irving.

- Harden. He was having a quiet night, and at some point it seemed that he was not going to score more than 20 since he was missing several shots. Even on D, despite 7 steals (most of them were pokes from others), he was not so solid one-on-one, and Gee and Waiters were scoring on him with certain ease. However, by the 4th, he took over. Clutch 3-pointers, FTs, tightened the D, and showed he is a star. Man of the match.

- Parsons: another quiet night, not hitting 3's, and his man on D was not quite a threat anyway. So, no positive impact other than an important 3 in the 4th. Our offensive game really needs him, and even if he did not get us to lose, is subpar production is one of the reasons why we didn't win by a larger margin.

- Morris: started well, with confidence, hotting his shots. But then he was fading. On D, was neither handling Zeller nor getting defensive rebounds against him and Thompson.

- Asik: Outmatched tonight by Thompson. Thompson ended with 8 offensive boards (16 total), which was more than Asik's total (6). Omer was not able to score, and was seeming lost under the heavy bodies of Cavs' bigs and seemed tired also.

- TDouglas: not particularly good tonight, but provided that energy level on D and the long range threat on offense.

- Delfino: a competent game on offense, scoring a clutch 3 in the 4th, and a good presence on D. His presence improved out team overall.

- PPat: another good game, hitting his mid-range jumpers and ending with 15 points on 7-13. He is really trying hard on D, and seemed more energized to go after the rebounds. However, the Cavs made it hard to him on that facet of the game. Overall positive game and a very nice punch from the bench.

- GSmith: after sitting out the last game, he entered this one with nice focus and energy. Ended with a double-double of 11 points (5-5 FG%) and 11 rebounds. He was our only big to put some challenge to Thompson and Zeller, and even though he still uses his hand too much on D (getting to foul), his defense was good. Could hit his FTs better next time, but very good game.

The coach:

- McHale: good job tonight. He put PPat early when Morris was not holding well on D, and the defense was better than the last time, with more energy since the first half.The Cavs were having trouble hitting midrange jumpers this time, and they had to rely on post plays, tips, and Irving skills. I noticed a more adjusted halfcourt offense tonight, with more effective screens and some faster ball movement. Still not the oiled machine we hope for the future, but better. Using Smith was a very good call, as it was, now I see, to sit him in the last game. Good 9 man rotation, no one playing more than 40 minutes even in a close game without garbage time.

Overall, it was not a beautiful game that displayed our full potential. Also was not ugly. Was a competent game, on the road, in a back to back. We showed good control of the match, nice clutch plays and confident team. Really, it seemed a much older team out there, knowing how to win when it is supposed to. That, more than anything else, was what I appreciated. By comparison, the Cavs are also young but didn't seem to have the proper nerves to close (usually they keep losing close games, as tonight's). Lin and Harden are very calm under pressure, and perform the best down the stretch. That is remarkable and another positive feature from our backcourt.
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#1432 y2Joem, Jan 5, 2013
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SuperStar said: ↑

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FDIjcw0qELg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'll watch it when Lin highlights come out. He did get hit just not sure was it enough to send him flying that far. Maybe exaggeration but fouled still.
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Lin was pushed off by Irving.

#1433 Viola, Jan 5, 2013

Damion Laverne Member

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14-2 against the East!

#1434 Damion Laverne, Jan 5, 2013
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SuperStar said: ↑

I'll watch it when Lin highlights come out. He did get hit just not sure was it enough to send him flying that far. Maybe exaggeration but fouled still.
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Do you notice Irving's left hand? There is even a piece of red sleeve on it. You shall not miss it.

#1435 Viola, Jan 5, 2013
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Viola said: ↑

Do you notice Irving's left hand? There is even a piece of red sleeve on it. You shall not miss it.
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I'll watch it when it comes out in better quality thanks though.

#1436 SuperStar, Jan 5, 2013
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Jedster said: ↑

Are you serious?
Go watch it...right after Harden scored to make it 108-103.
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Dude, it was obviously a flop. Yes there was contact, but not nearly enough to knock Lin over like that. C'mon man, if Irving did that same play on Lin everyone would be calling it a flop. It was a clear over-embellishment on Lin's part. That kind of contact happens every drive. Whatever, it's not like I'm gonna lose any sleep over it, as long as the call goes the Rockets way, lol.

That being said, Harden and Asik also flop occassionally. And anyone who followed the Rockets in the last few years knows that Martin, Scola, and Lowry were noted floppers. Unfortunately it's very common, but just because Irving touched Lin doesn't mean it's a foul. There is no way in hell that Lin was hit that hard.

AlbanyFan said: ↑

Steals is a BS stat. If a guy pokes the ball away, the guy who is lucky enough to pick it up gets the steal. Lin gets many pokes but not the credit. Just sayin'
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Don't be ridiculous. This doesn't only apply to Lin, you could say that about any other player in the NBA.

Anyway, now that I got that out of the way, wow what a great game that was! Rockets started off slowly as usual, but it's great to see how they pulled through at the end. I thought Harden was in real danger of not extending that 25+ point streak, but 25 in the second half? Incredible. Also it's good to see Lin playing a good game, I want him to play with the same confidence every game, hopefully he learns to do that. Parsons and Mook were disappointing, Asik seemed pretty quiet. All in all good team effort though!

It is a little concerning to me that we have such a poor record against our own conference, we need to learn how to beat Western Conference teams as well. But I think that will come later in the season.

#1437 mfastx, Jan 5, 2013
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Viola said: ↑

Do you notice Irving's left hand? There is even a piece of red sleeve on it. You shall not miss it.
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C'mon man give it a rest. Most people would agree that it was a flop by Lin. Big deal, get over it. Players flop. Irving's hand pushed off very casually, if you play basketball you know that that's not enough to knock someone over like that.

#1438 mfastx, Jan 5, 2013

iJHolmes Member

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Rockets12 said: ↑

Those people are just being realistic, I don't think Lin deserves to be in the all star this year. Yes I agree he could make it in the future, but not this year
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thats EXACTLY what ive been trying to get across. So many people here are unrealistic or just delusional. it blows my mind. im not saying the kid wont ever get there, he's just not yet to prove anything. I think its disrespectful to the great players that he was put on a pedestal for doing good for 6 games when you have players like TMAC,Kobe,And lebron who put up numbers like that not just for 6 games, but for an ENTIRE SEASON.

A lot of people here just aren't being realistic and it seems like it takes stats like those to put a dose of reality in. Those people that said no arent haters, they're just being realistic.

#1439 iJHolmes, Jan 5, 2013
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jocar said: ↑

Translation: Lin would've been the hero if Harden wasn't such a ballhog.

Ugh.
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raskol said: ↑

You guys are tripping and I guess this is how LOFs are, always defensive. No other person on the Rockets should iso for the last possession imo than Harden. But, to do it for the last 4 minutes?
It doens't matter. I give up. I'm gonna erase the comment, that was not what I intended. Sensitive freaks.
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Hahaha, wow, these 2 posts are classic. jocar is accusing raskol of being a LOF and it seems like raskol is saying jocar is one?

C'mon guys, you are both better than that. Maybe we should all put our "Lin-foil hat" down and just enjoy the team :grin:

shuh said: ↑

A competent game tonight. We didn't blow them out, nor were too much in danger. It seemed for the most part a well controlled game, after a slow start from our side. We kept a distance and the moments when the Cavs put us at risk, some player was efficient to score, either Lin, Harden, PPat. Even Delfino and Parsons, who had a quiet night, scored in clutch moments. The Cavs put some pressure on our bigs, with a strong paint game, and Asik, Morris and PPat were suffering to get defensive rebounds against Thompson who grabbed 8 offensive boards. In the first half, Lin was our best player and kept us going. In the second, Harden was the one.

...

Overall, it was not a beautiful game that displayed our full potential. Also was not ugly. Was a competent game, on the road, in a back to back. We showed good control of the match, nice clutch plays and confident team. Really, it seemed a much older team out there, knowing how to win when it is supposed to. That, more than anything else, was what I appreciated. By comparison, the Cavs are also young but didn't seem to have the proper nerves to close (usually they keep losing close games, as tonight's). Lin and Harden are very calm under pressure, and perform the best down the stretch. That is remarkable and another positive feature from our backcourt.
Click to expand...

Another great analysis as always shuh! Seriously, you should at least start a free Tumblr or Wordpress blog and collect them on there.

JMG524 said: ↑

Man, you're such a hater. Yea Linsanity happened, for the most part, against somewhat underwhelming competition. But he was winning these games with the likes of jared jefferies and steve novak. Lin's game doesn't solely involve scoring a bunch of points but also making everybody around him step up their level of play. He did this in HS, college, and even the d-league. FYI u forgot he also dropped 28pts on Dallas last year during Linsanity, who at the time, had the #5 ranked pts allowed defense.
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Even if they were bad teams, the simple fact was that the Knicks were losing to bad teams anyways. Also, without their 2 main superstars I wouldn't really say the Nets, Jazz, Lakers, and Mavericks were much better than the Knicks at the time.

Anyway, it's pointless to talk about it now. Some trolls are just trying to anger people. He's in Houston now and all that matters his how he plays at this point forward.

#1440 cfansnet, Jan 5, 2013

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