Pop started doing that when the core trio had immense experience playing with each other for multiple seasons winning rings. This team as successful as they are now still needs to hash out some minor issues and get used to playing with other to the pin t that they memorize their teammates tendencies. That's how you limit turnovers also.
Pop started resting guys when they were old as dick. When our guys are cleared to play, they should play. Mental toughness is a work in progress and we are not there yet.
Amen, judging by the 20pt lead we gave up last night to lose the lead late only to rally, we have to continue to work on that killer instinct. DD
Actually he started resting guys in his very first season as head coach when he saw an opportunity to rack up ping pong balls in the Duncan sweepstakes.
Eric Gordon in my humble opinion is the other MVP of this Rockets squad. His importance can't be emphasized enough. Many have said (and I agree) that Gordon is that elusive 2nd playmaker/scorer we've been coveting for years. He is absolutely critical to this team's success. With him out a few games, I do have a bit of a concern because we are down to one stud (albeit extremely good and durable) to weather the storm of the next few games. But Gordon, the way he's playing this year, the Rockets will not go far without him. Hope he can recover soon and sustain the season and deep into the playoffs, because in my opinion, Gordon is the most important/valuable player next to Harden on this team.
I'm very conflicted on the rest situation. Particularly with this team that relies SO MUCH on shooting, I do worry that tired legs will be a problem in the playoffs. I see both sides of the argument.
Not so much rest as opposed to limiting the game minutes of the rotation players. I think if the workhorse Harden's minutes can be managed down to the 36 mpg territory, that would be sufficient for him to remain "fresh" into the playoffs. In fact, this year Harden has played the entire 1st and 3rd quarters of games (non coincidentally when he's freshest), and then rests the first 5-6 minutes (on occasion a bit less) of the ensuing quarters 2 and 4. That time management structure seems to work...yeah?
I read like two days ago that he was still in pain and playing through it. Yup, he has not shown toughness in his career. I'm fine with him sitting out a couple games, although it will cost us an opportunity at the #2 seed if he misses any length of time (like it did tonight).
sits out because he stubbed his toe, no wonder this guy is injured all the time. Any sign of pain and he'll sit out instead of playing through it.
Oh lord. No wonder this guy is injured all the time - because he sits out and rests for one game to ensure he's fresh and to minimise the chance of serious injury. So what you're suggesting is an injury prone player, to play through an injury. That's.... that's something.
Dicks don't get old, they age gracefully. Please show some respect to cocks around the world. Thank you.
What does killer instinct even mean? We are one of the best and most competitive teams in NBA. I know this term is thrown around all the time but it means absolutely nothing other than for some bullshit for espn to bullshit about.
Rox lay an egg on a back to back with both Capela and EG out along with Bev not 100%...9 game winning streak snapped...great to see Rox winning and learning thru some adversity
Really need him back. This team is a handful when healthy, but it's a very delicate ecosystem. Also, it seems to me that Bev wants less and less to do with the ball as time goes on. That doesn't make me feel great about the state of his wrist.
