ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Warriors 1/21/2015

I really don't think it's that simple. More formidable opponents shouldn't cause a complete lapse of defensive fundamentals, like getting back, closing out on perimeter shooters, and not ball-watching. The emphasis on those basic things just isn't there anymore.

 

Only reason Warriors lost the last game is because they didn't have Iggy and Bogut playing.

 

Harden has been less selfish and his offense is more within the flow of the game. I didn't call him selfish this season. Now for the last 2 seasons Harden's ball hogging (holding the ball), standing around when he doesn't have the ball and not playing defense to conserve his energy on offense to pad his stats. Harden had so much talent but just didn't play the game the right way. I credit team USA last summer for helping Harden grow as a player. I also give a lot of credit to the Spurs for proving once again that unselfishness team play, ball and body movement does beat talent sometimes. Warriors, Hawks and Raptors taking a page out of the Spurs.

 

Being compared to one the greatest teams in NBA history. Is that supposed be a diss?

 

So... Just saw the rumor on Dwight and microfracture surgery... If true, the season is only going to get worse.

 

Not really.

Rockets have been okay against other good teams not named the Warriors. I mean the Warriors and Clippers are the only two teams in the west we lost against.

It's also hard to imagine we barely lost to the Hawks in a game that most people here agree on featured corrupt refs.

They are not THIS bad. If Howard decided to play tonight, then maybe they could have made this one a game.

 

Exactly. We're giving up transition layups and playing p-sspoor interior D against everyone. Whether it's Orlando or Atlanta or Golden State or New Orleans or Indiana. The Rockets are simply not trying on the defensive end over the last 6 weeks. When it's happening against both good and bad opponents, on nights when they're well-rested and nights when they're not, then one can only conclude it's due to a lack of effort.

 

Depends on Durant and Westbrook. If OKC have a healthy Durant it will be hard for Golden State to win first round especially if OKC wins one of the first two games in Oakland.

 

or better. What was the Rocket's record while Dwight was injured? At this point just trade him for Dragic and some picks.

 

I'm not so sure GSW would be an easy out vs. OKC. No doubt KD and Russ would be the best players on the floor (IMO), but I think the odds of Kerr coaching circles around Brooks are pretty good.

 

You smart. You loyal. I appreciate that. Say my name.

 

So i looked at all of Houston's loses just now and a pattern has emerge. Houston sucks against teams with legit bigs. This only furthers my argument that Dwight is a soft ass b****.

 

Dammit.... I feel bad for cackling at this. I'm going to bed. x_x

 

I, too, lul'ed at this although I disagree with the sentiment.

 

We all know what's going to happen. We are going to probably lose in the first round again for stupid reasons. Then we are going to let everyone that helped us win this season go except Harden. Then next season we will have the same winning start but still get eliminated in the first round. Mchale will eventually get another extension while Harden's beard starts turning grey and we end up not ever getting anywhere for another 50 years.

 

Haha, yeah, I'm becoming more pessimistic lately too, but the good news is Harden can use Just for Men on his beard!!! Best news all day!

 

I don't think OKC will win a title with Brooks as the coach. They play too much 1 on 1, rely too much on individual talent. Waiters fits perfectly within OKC's system because he is talented and plays 1 on 1 (doesn't know how to play without the ball). OKC is very good on defense because of the length, size and athleticism.

 

The Rockets played like a team earlier in the year, now they don't, especially on defense. All gambling, committing stupid fouls, out of position, not closing out on shooters, no rotation etc. Howard is not cleaning up anything back there so when Beverley, Harden, Ariza & Brewer try to be thieves, we get smoked.

It's safe to say that if we continue to play like this, you can say hello to 8th seed soon.

 

But look what Dwight did to Boogot in Houston. He was getting Boogot into foul trouble. Howard was moving a lot slower today and was not getting fouls called his way especially when Boogot hit him in the face earlier in the game. Howard already had a stupid tech and Mchale was either sleeping or having his arm wrapped around J.B. Bickerstaff's chair.