ClutchFans Game Thread: Timberwolves @ Rockets 4/15/2018 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 1)

No excuses.

Lets fukn roll!!

 

Just got some last minute tickets for the game tonight, it's lit!

 

Getting closer and closer to game time peeps!

 

http://www.espn.com/nba/injuries/_/team/hou

 

Definitely nervous about Game 1. This could've easily been a semifinals matchup if Butler didn't get injured. Instead, this is a first round matchup.

I just hope we don't fall behind early and spend the entire game trying to climb back.

 

Heading to the game

It's finna go dineeeeee

 

For those going to the game, please be loud as ****. I'm watching from enemy territory in SA and will be screaming in my apt.

Nervous about this one..

What the f is up with Ryno?

 

Rockets 3 biggest weakness:
1. bench offensive rebounds
2. bench defense
3. bench passing skills and court vision

3 things needed to defeat Rockets:
1. Jimmy Butler will need to stick to Harden like glue, as does Jeff Teague with Paul.
2. Never allow Rockets to score over 110 points (season at 123 points)
3. Someone come out of bench to completely dominate the Rockets benches.

 

If I'm being honest, I'm a little surprised by how many Rockets fans think we will crush the Wolves handily....proclaiming it will be a sweep, etc. It's arrogant and foolish. We're talking about a team with arguably two future hall of famers who are both ultra athletic young stars, two other all stars including Houston native Jimmy Butler, a good coach, a solid 6th man in Crawford, and a hungry fan base. Now obviously I am picking Houston to advance, but don't be surprised if it goes 6 or 7 games. The Wolves will come out focused tonight, I just hope the Rockets do the same.

 

This. I really hope we don't come out complacent or take them for granted. HCA helps a lot, but I wasn't satisfied with the last month that we lost to the Spurs or the Thunder in that fashion. We need to come out the gate, and keep the foot on the pedal. Really wish Ryno was playing.

Also, it's disrespectful if Johnson gets more than 10 minutes tonight.

 

@MarkBermanFox26: Mike D'Antoni says Ryan Anderson is out. Game 2 is up in the air for Ryan Anderson but it does sound positive for game 3. Mike D'Antoni says Joe Johnson then Trevor Ariza will get the backup minutes at power forward.

Sigh ... old man Joe.

As said above, no excuses! Just win!

No not showing up, no quitting, no choking, no collapsing,...

 

Twolves not your typical 8th seed. Healthy they are easily a 3rd or 4th seed.

This will be a great championship run.

 

Plus one on this. Pisses me off that some guys here thinks the first round will be a cake walk.

 

I understand, but I truly can't see the series going more than 5 games

 

If Minnesota wins one of the first two at Toyota Center, I could see us splitting in Minnesota and ending up in a 7 game series. My prediction is Rockets in 6, but I'm not as confident and cocky about this series as others.

 

It’s not just the Rockets fan base as many Minnesota sports talking heads are saying the same thing. That said I agree with we shouldn’t take the Twolves for granted.

 

It's arrogant and foolish. We're talking about a team with two future Hall of Famers who are both point Gods, another should-be all star including Switzerland native Clint Capela, a good coach, a solid 6th man in Gordon, and a hungry fan base.

 

Because the Rockets are a number one seed in the league and not a gimmicky offense only team.
We have a large sample size of winning in different ways.
Plus the playoffs are where matchups is vital and our style and philosophy projects to fare well against the Wolves.

Simply put...
1) we are the much better team
2) the matchup is favorable (3pts > 2)

Wolves may be good but it is really hard to win a 7 game series when in addition to 1&2, you are a young team without much experience.