Funny how split the polling is. Really do have 3 sides to every story (similar to LOH LOF and those in the middle)
I really have to say depends if Lin can play or not. Without the 3 rotating guards, nothing much has changed except now OKC will get less transition points, but in return higher % shots. Westbrook is good at giving pressure and penetrating, but he also takes a lot of boneheaded shots. So you give and take. Lost pressure and penetration, but also lose bad shots. Having said that, we really do not want Durant to take over the game. A lot of people thinks Westbrook is a big loss. It is big, but having Durant take over is going to be a serious huge surprise threat. This guy is almost like LBJ, and he makes smarter choices and plays a LOT MORE in control. (Which is why I'm a big fan of his) If not analyzed properly, I'd say pretty much nothing have changed in this series in terms of odds of winning.
Without Westbrook, Lin can return to his natural position and we can start playing our game. Westbrook just give Lin too much problem due to his quickness...defensively and offensively.
What was his shooting percentage last game? (40%) Has he ever broken 50% a single time in seven career outings against Chandler Parsons? (No.) I'll gladly trade Westbrook in transition for more Durant chucking in the halfcourt against Parsons.
Good point about the transition points. I certainly hope that you are right. Still the best play for the Rockets has been Westbrook shooting from outside in the half-court. Rockets should've played him for the drive every time.
I think a Westbrookless OKC may be just as dangerous in the short run as Westbrook takes a lot of ill advised shots so it may not matter in regards to our series, but if they make it to the next round, the sheer pressure Westbrook puts on opponents will be sorely missed. Let's win these home games!! I believe!!
McHale just said in an interview he's still going small ball even with the Westbrook injury. He said that means no PF and Beverley starts. He also said if Lin cannot play he is still not going to start a PF so I guess Delfino or Anderson would start.
The Dream lives on! Our path to the championship! Beat Thunder in 7 Beat Clippers Beat Spurs in WC finals Beat Knicks to win the championship!!! GO ROCKETS!!!
the way i see it is their best player is better than our best player, their current 2nd best player (Ibaka) is better than our 2nd best player and their current 3rd best player (kmart) is better than our 3rd best player. so they are still favored to win