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Have the Rockets abandoned the "only 3s, avoid midrange" philosophy?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Zergling, Jan 15, 2014.

  1. Zergling

    Zergling Member

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    I think we're seeing a adjustment in offensive philosophy for the Rockets. Even though we average about 26 three point attempts per game and about 53 two point attempts per game, check out the last few games:

    vs Hawks: 19 threes, 51 twos
    vs Wizards: 18 threes, 55 twos
    vs Celtics: 19 threes, 60 twos
    vs Pelicans: 13 threes, 59 twos

    Granted it's a small sample size and that opposing defense schemes could attribute to the below average attempts, I do think the Rockets also have realized that jacking up a bunch of threes isn't the best strategy for this team as currently constructed. Consider that the Rockets:

    • are shooting 34.4% from three for the season (ranked 22nd in the league)
    • more recently, shot a league worst 29.9% from three in December
    • A few players in particular significantly regressed from three in December -- Lin (31.8%), Jones (19.4%), Garcia (29.7%), and Casspi (28.3%)

    I don't think it's a coincidence that Lin and Jones have started playing a lot better lately now that we're not heavily emphasizing floor spacing and forcing threes up. The Rockets are doing a better job of taking what the defense gives them and running plays that fit the skill set of the players instead of forcing the players to fit into a system. There's no way we come back and beat New Orleans today if we just jacked up threes.

    I believe this is a very positive development we're seeing and proves that we're not just some gimmicky run-and-gun squad that can be shut down just by defending the three point line. Now we have a more diverse offense that can win in multiple ways even when we're short-handed like we are now. A more diverse offense like this is one that can have more success in the postseason.
     
    3 people like this.
  2. Play07

    Play07 Member

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    Great post dude !
     
  3. Dgn1

    Dgn1 Member

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    I can dig it, nice home work.
     
  4. hardenisaboss

    hardenisaboss Member

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    And then you have players using the midrange more, especially Harden. Them step backs too nasty.

    Good post Zergling
     
  5. Alvin Choo

    Alvin Choo Member

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    2 point shot?
    And whats the ratio for midrange and in the paint?
     
  6. Nook

    Nook Member

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    The Rockets never had an aversion to 2 point shots.... Only those far from the basket.
     
  7. meh

    meh Contributing Member

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    I'm honestly surprised that fans after watching 1 1/2 seasons of this Rockets would still have such a misconception about our offense.

    Rockets mid range jumpers in those games. Numbers courtesy of ESPN shot chart.

    NO: 13 (19% of total shots)
    BOS: 6 (8% of total shots)
    ATL: 11(16% of total shots)
    WAS: 8(11% of total shots)

    For reference: The Rockets on the season average slightly less than 20% of total shots from mid-range.

    The most important factor in determining whether the Rockets shoot 3s or not is whether they can take the ball to the basket. If they can't shoot in the paint, they shoot 3s. If the Rockets aren't shoot 3s, it's not because they shoot mid-range shots, it's because they're getting to the basket.
     
  8. finsraider

    finsraider Member

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    Just adjusting to personnel, ie below average 3 point shooters. It's not ideal, and is probably not a good long term solution.

    Also, I would assume a large portion of these 2s are drives.
     
  9. yummyhawtsauce

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    I think so yes. The team could also be shooting more 2's because simply, well it's working. Why change something that is working? Since their 3's aren't falling anyway, and Lin's mid range jumper isn't that bad. Nice to see as you said, positive development in the team, so that we can see the team maturing into something better. Hope to see it continues.
     
  10. RoxDC

    RoxDC Member

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    According to NBA.com Stats:

    For January (5-1), 50.3% (of all points scored) were in the paint and 5.2% were from mid-range. So, roughly 10.3% (of all 2-pt shots) were from mid-range.

    In December (8-8), it's 50.8% in the paint and 7% from mid-range. So roughly 13.8% (of all 2-pt shots) were from mid-range.

    Honestly, it looks like our success stems from getting and making more FTs, and getting more points on fast break and off turnovers. And just shooting better in general.
     
  11. htwnbandit

    htwnbandit Member

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    They better start getting a midrange game. If the 3s aren't falling, they need to move a bit closer.
     
  12. WinkFan

    WinkFan Contributing Member

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    Great post. I think it's wasted on most people, though. Some people just can't understand anything more than 2point and 3point attempts.
     
  13. chenjy9

    chenjy9 Numbers Don't Lie
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    Like others have already mentioned, are those two pointers also including drives, because that is where the vast majority of the 2pt attempts come from. Also, Rockets are not averse to taking a midrange shot, they just prefer to take a 3pt shot over a 2pt shot when both are open. If a midrange jumper is the only option or the best option, they will shoot it.
     
  14. HardenWay

    HardenWay Member

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    First of all the offensive theory is not 'only 3's '

    It is actually to take as many 3's or shots in the paint as they are the best shots to take.

    Now the reason you see more mid range jumpers is because...the opposition, ya know..scouts us and plans to stop us from making 3's and getting to the basket.

    Most of you need to understand the opposition is trying to stop us from playing our game.
     
  15. Remii

    Remii Member

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    Good point.

    And McHale could have also simply told them to stop taking so darn many.
     
  16. hubeijames

    hubeijames Member

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    Wide open 2-pt mid-range shots are still better than contested 3's. We aren't getting as many wide open 3's this season as we got last season, so it makes sense for our players to adjust and rely more on closer shots.

    But don't be fooled, we still shoot among the fewest mid-range shots in the league.
     
  17. Carl Herrera

    Carl Herrera Contributing Member

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    1 person likes this.
  18. just a word

    just a word Member

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    Just to spell it out further for people, the Rockets still take less threes than the rest of the league BY FAR.
     
  19. Obito

    Obito Contributing Member

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    The only players that can consistently hit the mid range on this team are Harden & Parsons, & even then it seems like they try to avoid it. So far both of them have improved their 3 point percentage this month but Parsons has been out for a couple of games therefore sample size.

    Guy's aren't hitting 3's & they finally realized they need to drive the ball more. Jones, Casspi & Harden have also all developed a mini hook shot/floater down the lane & it's helping the team tremendously.

    I don't think we've reverted to a mid-range happy team but we have stopped jacking up 3's, mainly Lin & Jones. Brooks is solid, Casspi has been looking for his stroke since early December & Garcia is just hopeless. We need a serious upgrade on the bench.
     
  20. don grahamleone

    don grahamleone Contributing Member

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    If long range twos are the worst thing for this team, then why do we have Jeremy Lin on the squad? He steps on the line for a third of his 3pt "attempts".
     

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