There's always concerns, but the 2nd point I don't get at all. I'm very happy with the Spurs-Clippers match-up since they will at least get the best out of each other and make it a tough series.
Hacking strategy and free throw shooting won't be a concern against Mavs. They have no resourses to foul. They can't foul with Dirk on one-on-one plays for obvious reasons, they can't foul with Chandler because they have no rim-protectors outside of him and once Tyson will be taken off the court the paint is open for the second best team in PPG in the paint in the NBA. Dwight whatever form he is now will simply destroy their reserves with his size and offensive rebounding & most importantly, Rockets will be in the bonus for the whole second part of the most quarters if Carlisle'll decide to play this way, so Harden would live at the line. They won't be able to deny his penetration. They also can't use any kind of Hack-a-whoever strategy once Rondo would play good, because we would use it against him in the next possession immediately, so he won't be able to finish games in the clutch situations. Sometimes it's good for them, sometimes it's bad, but that story won't be the case in this first round matchup. And if Rondo wouldn't play good, they have no chance. Brandan Wright will be missed
1. Defense. 2. Defense. 3. Defense. 4. Freethrows. 5. Turnovers. Finally, Prigioni needs to confidently shoot his threes.
The biggest concern is finding other scoring options besides Harden. The whole "live by the 3, die by the 3" thing is only successful if you can hit 77 in a row during practice -_-
Biggest concerns: 1. McHale in game adjustments or lack thereof and thinking on his feet. Not 5 possessions later. His usual late reactive changes could cost us 2. Whether Harden will be RS Harden or playoff Harden of last two seasons
A lot of people already looking at 2nd round opponents. Shame how some clutch fans never learn. Let's try and beat the Mavs and shut up about anything else. Carlisle will know how to contain Harden just like he did to Lebron in the Finals. Brewer Josh Smith and Ariza aren't efficient shooters. This series won't be easy.
All the more reason to attack the basket. Taking a ton of shots in order to conserve energy on defense won't work. No doubt it will be a tough series.
Overuse of the 3 ball is another concern I'm having. I know its a vital aspect of what we do and our identitiy, but I think it needs to be reigned in a bit for the playoffs. Its going to slow down and McHale should be drawing up set plays in the half court to be ready for the grind. On that same note if this team gets hot from 3 point land watch out.
I will go a step further and reiterate what I've posted in various threads dating back to yesterday. I believe the Rockets set roster (without DMO and BEV) is good enough to win it all. FOCUS I believe is key in addition to Harden/Howard beasting in the 2-man game as the primary offensive game plan in EVERY SERIES. Spurs/Warriors/Clippers....tough in their own rights. But Rockets can beat them and if the Rockets face either one of those teams in the playoffs, I would expect the Rockets to overcome and prevail. Rockets are due to make a strong statement in the postseason this year. Last year was wasted. They need to remember what happened last year every series and just be the World Beaters that they should be. David
I respect Carlisle as a coach. BUT, Lebron got contained because he ALLOWED himself to be. Harden has shown this year that he has "it". He has that rare special DNA to be clutch. you think Coaches never schemed to "contain" Kobe? Kobe would NEVER allow for that to happen...I don't care who it is. If Harden is the great player we've seen him grow into this year, then he shall not allow himself to be neutralized.
