I read that we've have the 3rd best defense rating since the Harden trade in @The Cat's (AKA Ben DuBose) column in USA Today's @TheRocketsWire (which is well worth reading), but that was before tonight's game. Either way, it's fantastic. I think James leaving took an enormous load off the backs of the rest of the team. Not just off of the new vets (and the "old" ones), who felt disrespected, but from the young players who had to be freaked out by the situation. Harden going, and the manner in which he left, was not only a relief, in my opinion. It gave every player remaining on the team, after the dust settled, wanting to show him that he ****ed up and that the team was better because he wasn't on it. I think they're doing a pretty good job of that, better than I thought possible, to be honest. I don't know how long they can keep it up, but maybe they'll not only keep it up, but keep improving. Color me a very impressed fan.
This also coincided with Silas playing switch everything more than drop coverage. Methinks a system adjustment or re-emphasis might have a tad more influence on this improvement than Harden's trade. But that could be just me.
Replacing Harden with Oladipo has made a massive difference. Harden had been awful on defense this year, and was especially bad with us.
The team has like 8 above average perimeter defenders. If they can just hit 1/3 of their 3's they will win a lot of games.
I agree. But compare drop coverage minutes vs. switch everything minutes and I think you will get the point I was making.
the saying 'it's a team effort' aint no joke... everybodys gotta be workin it at both ends... ow itd be like being on offense and just hanging out at half court when the play isnt being run for you, making your teammates try to score running 4 vs 5... and then when the play is for you its 5 on 5... then thinking yer all that bc your efficiency is better than your teammates... lol
Rockets defense? It deserves a Nicholson Cage emphatic applause!! Go Rockets!!! ....... ....... .......
Keep trying to tell people Harden quit on us. Ego flat out said "You could tell he wasn't into it" and it was just obvious. When you have one guy giving up on multiple plays and you play that guy as much as you do Harden your team is going to look bad. Doesn't matter who that guy is.
I pointed out that the on/off of Harden and Tucker stunk to high heaven when Harden was still with the team. While either was off the court......the Opponent ORtg dropped to about 97
Agreed. And it's not because of Harden. Nets defense has steadily declined since Kyrie returned to the team. But losing both Prince and JA was a huge blow to Nets defrtg as well.
I don't understand HOFs still denying this. Like you said, when your own team says it, how can you argue against it?
My tank train idea in a shortened season already 25% through has been derailed. But oh well, let’s see where the stone era takes us year one?? chemistry may take us to round two???
People were mad at Calvin for telling the truth. Harden is an all-time great but this season he never really gave it his all.
