ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Thunder 3/11/2014

I like having you back on the BBS but this should be a one month ban.

Think about what you have done.

 

I checked out at the half time; had seen enough. I was surprised the final score was a close as it was. The Rockets just looked like they were running in mud. OKC's interior defense made Howard look terrible. Too many minuses to overcome. Did I mention what a horrible performance from Howard. He has to show up big time against the big time competition. Didn't happen tonight.

 

Can't win them all. Just ran into a better team tonight.

 

I don't think we will win a championship this year, but I think we could have a better chance next year if Morey just get us better role players. I know he is trying to hit the lottery with these min contract guys or NBDL players, but right now we have two really good players that could get us to the promise land if we just surround them with talent that can be consistent.

As much as I love some of our young players and bench players, there is not one guy outside of Howard/Parsons/Harden that I feel is dependable day in and day out.

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Patrick Beverley on his matchup with Russell Westbrook: &quot;No message. That's how I play against everybody. No personal battles.&quot;</p>&mdash; Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/statuses/443587596581478400">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Idk what happened to Dwight, but he needs to get his head back in the game and start playing with some passion and seriousness.

That aside, the Rockets have spent this entire season growing, showing glimpses of Championship-caliber teamwork, taking a couple steps back, learning and reflecting on those missteps, and growing even stronger. This season still has 18 games left. We still have plenty of time to continue learning and playing better as a team.

What can we learn from today's game:

1) Success can breed selfishness and entitlement.. ball movement is what got the Rockets rolling at the beg of 2014, and today, it looked like working for the open pass was an afterthought to ISO. Also, you have to put forth intelligent effort from the GO and adapt to what is working, not expect everything to come to you the same way every game. Fouling 3-point shooters three times is not acceptable. BACK OFF a little.... adapt! Make smart passes and be deliberate.

2) Success also takes a toll mentally. After such a successful run this past week, the Rockets' were bound to have a letdown in terms of effort and energy (esp on the boards and off-the-ball movement). Because of that, I thought we actually gave a rather valiant effort tonight, considering we don't match up too well vs OKC. BUT, they were w/o two of their toughest defenders, so let's not get too excited. Hopefully, the Coach is prepping them for these grind-out games, night-in and night-out. But, this is human nature, so let's judge harsher on the next game.

3) Rebounding takes awareness and effort. ESPECIALLY from the perimeter players. If you don't body your guy, it makes it harder for the bigs to grab boards. Nonetheless, I felt Dwight's energy was lacking tonight and he looked a bit lackadaisical out there. Def did not look like the best, athletic big in the game. He got outhustled and resorted to complaining rather than toughening up.

 

It took Hakeem years to learn how to pass out to his perimeter players when double teamed. Dwight has the same problem. The ball really doesn't move in and out very well at all. I don't think this is going to improve anytime soon. When Dwight gets double teamed, someone is open, but the ball rarely finds him.

 

No he doesn't. He might show up every once in a while but most of the time he has some really bad 4th quarters. Lin is a Rocket and I want him to be successful, but his consistency is just not there.

 

I think even with the current post up skills of Howard he's able to do alright posting up against most teams. The Thunder did a good job just pushing him a few inches outside of his comfort zone and he missed a lot of shots and kept us from establishing an inside game tonight.

 

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Matt Thomas making good point on Rockets wrap that Rox, especially Bev, got too caught up in his battle with Westbrook and didn't really concentrate enough on just playing quality basketball.

 

Howard is exactly the reason why we lost this game.

 

i doubt it, if thats how they feel about us than they are dumb... and I don't think KD is dumb.

 

personal battles

 

I'm with you.

 

I put this loss on McHale and Parsons.

Parsons was just schooled, like he always was, by Durant who scored 42. In my opinion, Parsons has no business guarding Durant on any day. Parsons is an average or below average defender, who is useful for covering some guards when they are hot.

I mean, what is McHale thinking? Playing Parsons 46 minutes? Plain garbage

 

Harden and Parsons (and Garcia?) are the only ones in double digits?!?!? Blow the team up and start over.

 

To be honest it wasn't Howard but the Thunder defense. They were able to push Howard just far enough out that shots he usually makes he was missing. Maybe Howard also had a sub par game, but OKC's defense does deserve a little bit of the credit.

I want the Rockets to play OKC in the playoffs and win. I'm getting a real kind of grudge match feel against those guys. Of course I hate Fisher more than any other player in the NBA.

 

lol, Durant does this every night, no point in trying to blame Parsons for Durants exploits.

HE EXPLOITS EVERYONE!

 

Rockets can't defend the 3 and gave them open looks throughout the game. That's the reason for the loss.