Adams is still going to need to defend on the perimeter...... The Rockets can keep him off the floor by hitting their 3's. The bad is that Covington (31%), Gordon (22%) and House (32%) have not been hitting their 3's since the break. The good is that McLemore (48%), Green (37%), Rivers (42%) Westbrook (38%) ....... have hit their 3's. Overall the Rockets have been remarkably consistent from 3 ....... at 35%..... and the team has been slightly better offensively since the trade deadline.
Actually it does matter for what we are discussing. I said Utah was going to tank away no matter what. That was quite clear to observe for anyone paying attention to who they did and didn't put on the floor. That's not assuming. That's paying attention to what they actually did.
and it's an assumption which is quite clear since every single team did the same thing they were doing
Gallinari is an extremely talented and efficient offensive player. He can score from the perimeter, in the post and even pull up. However he literally brings nothing else to the table........ the Rockets have to exploit him at the defensive end. He will likely be playing a lot of small ball 5 if the Thunder are in a shoot out.
I probably know the answer but thoughts on LMM being able to realistically crack the playoff rotation at this point?@Nook man I miss the original LMM
The only way I see him getting in the rotation is if there is another bad injury or there is someone on the Thunder we just cannot cover so we go to him trying to catch lightning in a bottle. He did not play a lot, but I did not think he looked that bad in the bubble. The instincts are still there. My best case scenario is he slowly gets more minutes and by the time we are deep in the playoffs he is part of the rotation. The playoffs this season are going to be sink or swim for some of the Rockets role players like House and even McLemore...... they need to step up or they will find themselves largely marginalized going forward in their careers. McLemore is going to be very important in the playoffs, especially with Westbrook out...... he is going to get open looks and he needs to make them for the Rockets to do anything.
One thing I noticed about LMM was that yeah the instincts are there but dang being out so long and not playing games showed. His instincts wanted him to do something but his body couldn't react in the same fashion lol. that drive to the basket where he kept losing the ball but ended up with it for the layup was like two different things going in opposite motion . He definitely isn't in the game shape he was when he was originally here and getting to the bubble late has to be hard on him. Man wish he could have gotten a full summer before officially joining to at least prep himself A defensive lineup of PJ, LMM, RoCo in spurts and certain situations
If CP3 gets to knock off the Rockets after Harden wanted him out despite a half quarter away from defeating the most talented team ever and likely being champs.....ooof...put a nail in Harden's career reputation coffin. He's 31 in less than 2 weeks and still hasn't been able to sway popular opinion about himself as a rare all time great. "Flopper" and "Rule bender" and "Travel machine" and "Boring ft shooter" and "playoff choker" are still his main keywords to the general public at 31 years old. Drexler was 32 when he came to the Rockets to join Hakeem and his career was trending down as was his rep as a star despite leading his team to 2 finals appearances and a first round loss(to the Rockets) at 31 years old. Not that Harden would seek a trade with Russ on the team w/ both contracts same length, but he could say F it and just play for #'s from now on.... Harden needs to start putting in playoff work NOW and no better place to do it than the no defense video game style bubble. Westbrooks career rep won't be bothered by a 1st round loss. This is all on the beard. Who cares if this years champ will have an *, it'll still be massive for Harden's career reputation and a much easier path to tell people "Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion" when we run it back next year on a mission.
This is really great news! team is 24-1 when hitting 37% from 3. I would expect someone like Gordon absorbing Westbrook minutes can push us to hit the benchmark. We have the best player in the series and the strategic advantage. Most of our concerns can and should be addressed via gameplan.
Great point. If Mclemore is hitting his 3's, he can replace about half of what Russ brings. But if he's not hitting them, he terrifies me as a defensive player. He can't be unplayable defensively and I've seen him be that a few too many times this season. Rivers can replace a decent chunk of what Russ brings and tbh I think we should start him over Ego until Ego finds some rhythm.
If the Rox lose to the Thunder in the first round with or without Westbrook, they need to dismantle this thing and start over. By dismantling i mean fire Morey, make Tilman sell the team, trade Harden, tank for picks. I dont give a ****.
No excuses for Harden in the playoffs this year. He’s had plenty of rest he’s not had to carry this team and be the only playmaker. Beard needs to finally have a playoff run with consistent energy and effort. Not like Spurs game 6 2017 where he basically gave up. Not like Clippers game 6 2015 where he had to watch from the bench due to his lack of energy. Not like GS game 5 2015 where he set a playoff record for turnovers and shot 2/11 in an elimination game. This is the opportunity to put all those demons to rest and solidify your place amongst the best ever James. Go Rox!!
Hate to interrupt the pity party guys, but could Donovan really think that Roberson - a guy who's only played 5 games all year (so called Harden Stopper) is ready for the Ninja Harden? Please let it be so. https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com...-roberson-can-play-vs-rockets-in-first-round/
