ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Pacers 10/10/2013 in Manila, Philippines (PRESEASON)

Who's "we"?

1. There were already thousands of CF posters before Lin came to the team. The Rockets will not be ignored if Lin leaves.
2. Saying that promoting the NBA or satisfying Filipino fans is most important is not about the Rockets.

Why is it so hard for some posters to like all the players and coaches on the team?

 

I knew that Casspi is a good rebounder who can also block shots and steal. I think he feels at home in Houston getting the trust from McHale and also his teammates. That's when he plays his best game. I think the Rockets can get a lot out of him. Excellent move from Morey.

 

Well, Indiana has the strongest center/wing defensive combo in the nba, the best pnr defense and the best transition defense. Their transition defense was a bit weak by their standards (or was it just us?), but this team were always going to be the test for our big 2 and they seemed to sort of outclass them.

 

I dont mind that Lin will be a sixth man but honestly i like it better when he is with the starting unit. You guys are forgetting Greg Smith and Asik are injured and not playing with the second unit.

 

People who think Lin makes the bench a beast is delusional. That lineup is good in 4th qtr. because 2nd unit of the Pacers has not yet learnt the defensive rotation.

Also, Coach Mchale hates fancy plays, e.g. those failed bounce passes made by Lin. If there is someone else on the roster willing to make the simple play, Mchale would be happy to promote that person and demote Lin even further.

 

Solid game. My take from this:
- Both Jones and D-Mo looked okay and though I tend to lean towards D-Mo starting, he's more suited as a scoring option off the bench. D-Mo was great and Jones had his moments and even though West took him to school, he contested shots, went straight up and didn't really get beat. I give D-Mo a pass on defense though because it was mainly Scola who abused him, even took some of his rebounds away. The guy can still play, gotta love Luis!
- Team defense by the 2nd unit was not good (at first). Much better when we had: AB, Lin, Brewer, Casspi & D-Mo.
- Me thinks there's plenty of scorers on this team and a defensive vet like Brewer has a good chance of making it over Reggie Williams.
- Very good passing in general though the hand off outside the 3pt line became way too predictable and resulted in a couple of (near) steals
- Offensive is still not very diverse but it's effective. Once people start cutting more and know where they have to be on the court - saw some guys lost in there like D-Mo & Jones and some new guys - it's going to be very pretty.
- We scored a lot on a great defensive team, that played physical at times, that means something.
- D-Mo and also Howard at times seem to make up their mind about what going to a certain post move, instead of reacting to what the defense is doing. This will get cleared up though, no doubt.
- Harden played better defense again, a couple of steals here and there.
- Beverley looked poised, Lin was aggressive. The debate is silly, both are doing very well and McHale just looking for what combinations is working. I rather have him seriously considering starting anybody then be a loyal fool like Adelman was at times.
- Parsons again very under the radar but very good.
- Casspi is here to stay, he's everything Delfino was and then some: faster, quicker release, better shooting form, better rebounder, taller.

 

Lin takes risks. That's what young PGs should be doing. It's how their court vision and playmaking skills develop (and explains the main difference between him and Bev).

 

Keep being delusional.

 

Did Casspi play PF or Sf today?

 

Neither of them can create shots.

 

We good yall! LOL

 

^ its all about fit.

 

Roasted and bagged.

 

Would you rather Lin score less! make less plays or score more and make more plays?

Lin could be the next Manu Ginobili!

 

He's defending better than Beverley? Parsons? Lin? Brewer?

Yup ... gotcha.

Harden is definitely giving much better effort and much improved. But in my opinion, Beverley was outstanding in game 1 and very good game 2. Lin was very good game 1 and good game 2. Brewer is only on the court for defensive purposes and he's pretty much good all the time on D when on court. Parsons is better than Harden defensively also.

So, in my view, minutes adjusted Harden has been the Rockets 5th best defender this pre-season so far. Behind Howard, Beverley, Parsons and Lin.

And, you tell me, was Harden defending Paul George or Lance Stephenson in game 2? If it was George, George did quite fine offensively if you ask me. If it was Stephenson, you know he's just a defensive stopper and is limited offensively right?

And no, I'm not a Harden hater. I'm ecstatic Harden has improved his mindset on D this season. If he gets back to average or slightly above average this season, he's top 8 player and easily all NBA second team at least.

But no, Harden has not been better than Beverley on D this first two games, and not better than Parsons/Lin yet.

 

I actually liked watching this lineup, Casspi is definitely going to get playing time this season.

 

Did Reggie Williams play today?

Was Howard pissed that he didn't get to play more with Lin?

 

Kevin McHale too.

 

Yup, very objective. Pacers second unit has not learnt the defensive rotation? And Lin has been playing with the 2nd unit on offense for how long?

Cassipi and Brewer has been a Rocket for 2 preseason games, DMo didn't play much last year, ditto Brooks, and the problem is the Pacers not having learnt the defensive scheme?

Why don't you say Lin is a scrub and should be playing in the DLeague?

It's people like you who can't see any good in anything Lin does that is as much of a problem on this site as the LOFs.

 

So you mean McHale secretly sees Lin as a PG version of himself, sacrificing and doing all the little things to help a team win as the 6th man?