This was a good test game for this young bunch. Second night of back to backs against the champions without a major rotation player (Delfino). I think we did well. A good indicator of where this team is right now. IF....we acquired a legit 7 foot backup center that could defend the paint somewhat on par with what Asik does to cover all the minutes that Asik isn't on the floor....right now.....we would create hell in the playoffs for whomever we played. We need a little bit more experience, especially big game pressure experience. We need to get a little bit stronger defending on the floor, probably need one more perimeter guy in the 6'6" to 6'8" range who is strong, athletic, with quick feet to help on more skilled perimeter guys. But mainly we need a legit long 7-footer that can defend the paint and rim on par with Asik so we can have at least one of them on the floor all 48 minutes.
I know I am silly about this, I think it was Morris who missed that dunk which lost this game. If he made it, it would have been a game change, gave Rockets the monument they really needed.:grin:
hopefully portland loses against dallas i believe we will be tied for 8th spot not sure though if they win.
Actually I think it's more that the Rockets have been blowing out a LOT of play off teams. 140 points on GSW, 45 point blow out of Utah, blow outs of Memphis, the Knicks x 2, Chicago x 2, the Nets, Boston... and we took it down to the wire last time in Toyota Center. And let's not forget the game plan against the Rockets is always the same since OKC. Trap Harden and Lin hard, then force Parsons and Co. to beat you. This is why they need a legitimate Star/Superstar to put beside Harden. The Heat basically doesn't respect the rest of the Rockets enough to NOT double team Harden and Lin, even at half court. I think the days of flying under the radar are long over. The upper level teams are just NOT going to take the Rockets lightly for the rest of the season.
The Heat can do that to the Rockets because they have zero threat on the inside. Other teams have good bigs that would make them pay for doubling up on the perimeter constantly.
all teams have to do is trap Lin and he turns it over,he doesnt protect himself when he attacks the basket, and he cant go left with average ball-handling skills.. what else am i missing
Proud of the Rockets for keeping it a close game. This is a scheduled loss game (b2b game against the championship team). The Heat were focused on shutting down Lin and Harden since the beginning. Harden did a good job on running the team when JLin is getting pressured. Hope the Rockets learns from this experience and keep improving as a team.
Im not upset with this loss. You knew Heat was going for us this game, from there coach and players talk, it seems they have analysed us very well coming into this game. Apart from Asik and Harden, other players played sub to average tonight (i.e. looked tired) and plus it was heat home court and rockets from a b2b, i was happy we kept it close. Observations during the game: - Harden played an excellent game, can't really fault him and he pretty much kept us in the game in the 4th qtr especially. His D still needs a bit of work, but i think this game he did ok with a nice few steals, nothing u can do much against Wade. - Lin seemed very passive and scared at the start of the game. I could tell his game and his composure was different (from recent games) right at the starting buzzer. I think he has inferiority complex against Heat with superstars Lebron and Wade (which i'm sure he would have watched in awe) as he was going through high school and college, but im sure he will get past this in time. Once Lin can master his confidence, he will be a consistent great player. - Team Defense still needs work. Our paint D was up and down and was almost non existent when Asik is not in the game. Our PF's has to step up and own the paint. There was some crucial defensive rebounds which we didnt contest. This was the major factor tonight. - Miami Heat experience played crucial in this game also. They just know how to work the fouls, and made crucial defensive and offensive plays. - McHail's coach was good tonight. I can see he is starting to understand the players strengths and weaknesses. Overall, our players were slighly off tonight (except Harden), and we still kept it close against a fresh and determined Heat. These are good signs.
