ClutchFans Game Thread: Blazers @ Rockets 4/23/2014 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 2)

Imagine if Harden got good at drawing charges like Lowry. He has a lot of opportunities to draw offensive foul but he almost never sets up for it... plays matador defense instead and goes for a half-hearted swipe.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-specialty-the-art-of-drawing-offensive-fouls

 

Mchale never has a game plan. His game plan is nodding his head when we make a basket and shaking his head when we miss a basket. He is just a spectator on the sideline.

 

At the beginning of season, they talked about how great Harden and Lin playing PNR with him.

Watching back it seems to be wishful thinking.

 

Time for the claws to come out.

 

I'm thinking he was reserving judgment for the end of the season. DH didn't perform particularly well in game 1, so now they dig into him.

Listen to what they talk about in this bit from before game 1...(first attempt at an embed on here)

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/V6ojc4p4EXg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Anyway, they actually state both of our key factors as Harden's clutch shooting and Howard's ability to rebound and defend. Not that these guys are soothsayers, but that kinda breaks down our major downfalls of game 1--at least in terms of closing the game out.

I can't sleep...looking forward to tomorrow night.

 

Keys to win:
- Harden HAS to play defense, it's that simple!
- Howard HAS to commit to rebounding, boxing out and defending better (not going for blocks so much)
- McHale HAS to make adjustments when any player is not giving his all and just have faith that a D-Mo or a Daniels can perform.

 

Sorry, let's just stop this. Not really you specifically but...

A lot of talk in the Dish threads of "Well the Grizzlies, Pacers, Raptors and Clippers bounced back so this gives me hope Houston will do the same!!"

Uhh what? Sorry, what the Grizzlies, Pacers, Raptors and Clippers do has no effect on what the Rockets will (or won't) do. Stop it.

 

Just saw this roach escape a spider's web. Rockets are definitely going to do the same and win.

 

Guys and gals, I'm scared. I can't deal with this uncertainty. If we win, thank the lawd jay-sus.
If we lose, I don't think we can pull off a clutch city.

 

Big win

 

Just broke down and got some tickets... this is going to be a big one!

 

Does anyone believe the Rockets can win the series if they start 0-2?

 

Im trying not to think about that right now!

 

depends on who the refs put their money on.

 

does the sun rise in the east and set in the west?

Always hold the faith.

 

Harden NEEDS to show some effort in denying Matthews the post pass. It was too easy for Matthews to score down low on Harden.

This game is going to show James Harden's desire. His talent is unquestionable and his heart obviously belongs to the game judging by how animated he becomes.

But this is his team. Apart from the media ripping Dwight, Harden's defense is what's going to be having a big spotlight on it. This game he needs to take note from Bev and show the heart necessary on the defensive end.

It's 10:09pm in Australia and I'm already raring to go - again the butterflies are going crazy.

I'm confident we can win this series. The way Harden comes out this game will show whether I should have the faith or not.

 

No. The Rockets lose tonight and the series is over on Sunday. So is McHale's coaching career, BTW.

 

The only bright spot in what would be a heartbreaking moment.

 

I'm obviously rooting for the Rockets to go as far as possible this postseason. But I can't help but think back to the Clippers a year ago and how they were upset in the first round by the Grizzlies. In retrospect, that was the best thing that could've possibly happened for that franchise. It sealed Vinny Del Negro's fate and forced them to go after Doc Rivers who made defense a priority for the team.

 

Officials for tonight: James Capers | Jason Phillips | Zach Zarba | Leroy Richardson(alt.)