Clutchfans Game Thread: Rockets @ Lakers 9/12/2020 (Playoffs Round 2, Game 5)

Yes, defence hard on 1st 2nd quarter, and then lose energy due to lack of rotation in 3rd and 4th quarter and then lose finally

 

Ha.

 

Aaron dragged the Lakers to a game 7 almost by himself. That's the least that you can do.

C'mon Guys, You can do it!

 

All I know, is if James Harden fizzles out, I'll be heated!

Nuggets against the Clippers down at the half by 12 in a do or die game down 1-3 in the series, came back and won!

I understand that Harden is facing LeBron. That's a mountain of a task. But I want Harden, as a fan, to take over. Completely. Call for picks. Post up. Step back 2s and 3s! Drive hard to the basket because he is the free throw king. Harden is the offense. Own it! Double team? Pass, Run through it, or Stepback 2 or 3. Simplify the choices. Be efficient.

This is the turning point. Harden has the skill. He says he's a dog. And he is the alpha dog on offense. Get mad like Jordan. Remember how LeBron's Heat beat Harden's OKC. Well...Durant's Thunder. But this Rockets is Harden's. Next individual award goal needs to be Finals MVP. So that's the fire that's needed to win 3 straight elimination games.

Win or lose, leave it all on the floor.

 

Season last game.

No Band Brothers, no Kevin McHale, no miracle.

Our superstars just have no desire to win the game. Harden will pass the ball to teammates and disappear. Another choking playoffs.

*** the Lakers!

 

Perhaps NBA think our poor play doesn't deserved that senting Tony Brother and Scott Foster.

 

Which one of their players was sent home?
Which ones are playing through injury?\

I am just curious

Rocket River

 

Milsap - 17 +2
Jokic - 22 +13
Murray - 26 +9
Porter - 7 +13
Morris - 12 +2

If Harden gets 26 and is +13
Who gets those other numbers?

Rocket River

 

Harden will produce as always and attract the double team. We need our other guys to step up and shine in the moment. Beat those ****ing traps

 

We lost three in a row. Three games.

Need to fight for pride here. Let it all hang out and see what happens.

One more thing, we are really disappointed in you, House.

 

The Nuggets winning worries me. I wanted them to lose because the Lakers will see that the Clippers laid an eggg and see this as a chance to get rid of us so they can get some extra rest.

Also, the Clippers losing is a reminder for them to keep focused, keep playing hard, and get the job done.

Rockets are going to have to play well in all facets of the game. Give 110%. Because I don't think we'll be getting a bad lazy game out of the Lakers.

 

Do you guys think our stubborn MDA will have new strategies for rotation, offence and defence? I dont think so. Existing rotation is not able to beat Lakers for sure.

Another way is to play selfish basketball for Harden to shoot only, but it requires Harden to have good rest and energy for concentrate on shooting.

Or ask Chandler to take up center position to use harden style for playing alley loop basketball.

 

We can still beat the Lakers. They are not lighting us up. They have just been smarter. But our patterns and impatience have been consistent for years now. So to think anything will change at this point is ludicrous speed. Harden literally has to shoot 30 plus each of the last three games, and right now, he's only shooting 15 shots a game in kitten mode.

 

Defense:
For rebounding, there should be a clearer role, which Rocket player is boxing out AD and which players is going for the defensive rebound.

Review the plays they run to get AD's his entry passes. See if it can be disrupted before he gets it.

Don't over front AD. Mix it up. They are countering with lob attempts. Especially with the Rondo / AD lineup combo.

Watch out for Lakers had other guards/forward cutting in for offensive putbacks.

Lebron mostly stick to whatever game plans they have by quarters be it pass first or score first. After a few possessions, should be able to see what that is and adjust defense accordingly. Stay with your man and play the passing lane secondary. Don't just over play the passing lane, especially if that person has success cutting.

If Lebron's driving to the hoop, foul him hard. Nothing dirty; like on his junk or above the neck; but enough to make him take jump shots next trip.

If defending "bad lakers" perimeter shooters, at least put arm(s) up when they shoot. Putting an arm up is not going to exert that much extra energy. They are not good shooters, but you also don't want them to heat up.

Rondo is looking to show he can stay in the league. If on switch defense, you get Rondo, he will look to score x % of time. Stay with him.

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Verbally remind the refs to keep an eye on Laker's offensive interference and goal tending. Few missed in past games. Because of the height mismatch, Lakers more eager playing above the rim and on block attempts.

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In Laker's mind they may be saving themselves (plays / energy) when they later face the Clippers and eastern final team. Rockets should go all out.

 

I suggest use more pick and roll to help harden.

Increase the defence on Rando and Casuro.

 

Rockets need to get like Lil John Q and have a change of heart tonight.

 

Wondering how many open threes Westbrook will completely flat out miss.

 

Let's go to Overtime.