I agree that Rockets are studying tendencies but Rockets also emphasize taking ball away and look for players who do this well. Harden and RoCo are top 3 in total steals in NBA this season. They didn't just start taking ball away in the playoffs.
Welp, guess he figured it out Not sure what's next other than to hope a Laker breaks quarantine James Worthy style
Render Tucker tired and also Rob and half the work is done. Just as Chris Paul and guards targeted Covington to the extent of throwing up. Let Harden beat you with his improved defense, it wouldn't be enough.
Well, the Lakers are second best at steals in the postseason, so it's pretty much negated. It's really taking care of the ball and Turnovers, it's really easier said than done IMO.
A lot of people blame the coach. But I don't think there are many options we have to adjust, given the personnel we have. We are fully committed to small ball. We are also fully committed to Harden's style and Westbrook's style. Did you hear MDA's comment about going away from PnR? He said "players" don't like having people close to them. They want lots of space. Pretty sure "players" means Harden and Westbrook. So the coach can't really force the star players to play a different game. What else can you do but pray that your guys can hit shots and their guys (Rondo!) can't.
Is not as if the Rockets have not been able to compete. Mike should realize that James Harden sitting down to end the third and to start the fourth is not a good idea. Sit James earlier, leave Westbrook in, then take Westbrook out and put James in. If Harden needs some more rest, give him like 2 minutes, plus call time out around 7 minute mark of the 4th. I know it's a subtle adjustment, but it's no surprise this is when the Lakers went on their runs for both game 2 and 3. Maybe we still lose, but I'll live with those results rather than being stubborn about your set rotations. Come on Mike, innovate a little.
Fair enough, but the Rockets lose a major advatage when the Lakers bench Dwight who was -3, -11, -8 against the post-Capela Rockets.
I agree with you. There is no doubt that this is a tough team to defend considering that Davis and Lebron present huge match up issues for us. It sucks that Vogel woke up and went small. It also doesn't help that Rondo has played really well games 2 and 3. So much for "the Lakers guards suck" narrative. Seems like they are passable to me. I still think we can win this series, because at the end of the day, we been in the games. We came back from a huge deficit and even took the lead and we also played really well last night, except our offense took a nosedive in the fourth (credit to Lakers D, although we were still finding good shots).
I agree, MDA needs to tweak rotation minutes. Harden may even have to rest LESS. 40 MPG Harden will be needed Game 4 and rest of series. And MDA has to challenge some of the early BS calls or at least get in officials ears more. Early blocking foul on PJ when he was set under rim on AD charge (2 point swing), Lebron reversing ref call without Vogel having to challenge, PJ touch fouls, EGo travel, RoCo block, etc. What is he saving the damn challenges for? Prevent the runs, first and foremost.
Rockets had 6 steals in first half. Lakers had 6 total steals, 2 in 3.5 quarters. Rockets ended up with 8 total steals for whole game. Rockets have lost 4th quarters, and the games, in last 2 games. Energy, turnovers, rebounds, decision making, 3ball all go to **** in 4th.
G2 Westbrook really screwed us by playing so poorly, we could've been safely in the lead right now but now G4 is pretty much win or go home game. Down 3-1 and the series is pretty much over.
RoCo not only best defensive player in playoffs, easily. RoCo is also now Rockets 2nd best player. Rivers offense AND defense is alarming. Or lack thereof.
