Win or lose, this playoff experience is significantly helping the Rockets grow as a team. Not only are the players benefiting, but McHale is starting to learn to make adjustments when needed. You could tell at the beginning of game 1 how intense OKC was and that they knew exactly how to win a playoff game. The physical nature of a playoff game and the focus needed to win a series is something that OKC already learned. I remember when OKC came back to beat the Spurs last year, and everyone was saying that was when they grew up as a team. I think the Rockets showed signs of that tonight. The lessons learned from this series are more valuable to the team than advancing to the 2nd round. You can tell that even after just two games that the Rockets are understanding what it takes to win in the playoffs. Our players and coaches raised their intensity level as the game went on. For example, even though he got t'd up for taunting, it was great to see how intense Greg Smith could be since he is usually mild mannered on the floor. That is how he needs to be all the time in the playoffs and maybe other players will follow his passionate play. Parsons probably learned that the refs aren't going to call a lot near the end of the games, even if it is as obvious as Perkins holding him from closing out on a three point shooter. These are just a few examples, but hopefully experiences like these mold the Rocket's mindset going into game 3 and the future.
Definitely needed more spacing tonight. How are they suppose to "read and react" when theres no spacing in the post? Talking about your thread.
You could see Bev's confidence growing that you could play toe-to-toe with one of the best PGs in the world in Westbrook. Harden also got better at attacking the lane. He got stronger as the game progressed. Asik also started to come on strong in the 4th after flubbing so many shots at the rim earlier in the game. Smith was able to operate with more space down low. Lin was more under control before he got injured. I hope Delfino gets his 3pt shooting back. This is the next test for McHale. What are his counters for OKC's counters to our small ball and 2-3 zone next game?
I completely agree with your post. Some simple indenting and paragraph creation would go a very long way. Due to the above, I have chosen not to read the OP's post. That hurts my eyes. In closing, spacing is your friend. Have a good night.
Playoff experience is only beneficial for those still here next season....and other than Harden....... DD
Cant believe the Rockets are right there...smh...wow...just a year removed from being a lottery team, and a complete team overhaul...and pushing the destined Western Conference champs to a terrific game...The Rockets are almost there...as we all should be excited...Asik, Lin, Harden have all panned out...and contributed significantly to this excellent season...go ROCKETS>..
In the end it all comes back to getting PF and back C for next years addition. This team will ready to really contend next season.
I hope coaches are growing up too. McHale really surprised me with the way he played the defense tonight. He actually called some timely timeouts and drew up some nice plays. Ball movement was beautiful for the most part tonight. Lots of time the ball ended up in wide open shooters' hands. Had we knock a couple of more open shots down, we could've stole the game. oh and I ****ing hate Kendick Perkins.
If Houston continues the plan for Game 3, I would think the counter is what Barkley said. Pound the interior with their bigs. The 2-3 zone was great tonight plus the small lineup attacking the interior before OKC could setup were the difference tonight. Houston needs to keep that up. Even tho we may still lose, at least it will be competitive and not that embarrassing 30 pt blowup.
IthinkitisbesttospaceitoutlikeyouwouldduringaGregSmithinterviewandjustforgetaboutspacingaltogetherbecausewhoneedstodothatwhenyouspewwordsoutatsuchaninconceivablerate.
If it is not Dwight Howard, that second star will definitely be a PF. Nice to organically raise your own players, but Morey will not patiently wait to see if one of the 4 PF pan out.
We should a couple of games in Houston. I really think Morey should look for trying to get LMA or Klove soon though. We have a huge blank spot at PF.
LMA, KLove, or even Al Jefferson could definitely be the difference on a game like last night. Right now, we just have a major, major glaring hole in the 4 spot. Shoot, even Patterson or Morris would have helped in a game decided by 3 points.
I'm loathe to give mchale credit, but he actually did a solid job with adjustments in his lineup. Having said that, let's give some credit to the players, who seemed 10X more confident compared to game one. The rockets have an amazing group of players, in terms of basketball IQ. Are the players simply rising to the occasion, or is mchale showing signs of coaching ability? Could be both.
