ClutchFans Game Thread: Pacers @ Rockets 11/20/2024

So the reason why Cam fell in the draft is starting to show?

I hope that it isn’t the case, he’s one Jalen Green trade away from being part of the rotation if he fixes his attitude


…just playing

 

I watched Rip a lot at Detroit, he was a very efficient player. Don't remember him taking too many bad shots. That team was built different, every piece of the team complemented each other perfectly. Nothing flashy on offense but were a joy to watch.

 

Love it!! I always look for bench players and the less flashy to be included in these like a Herrera, Cassell, OT, but they usually are cut in favor of others. It was also odd to just get 93-94 highlights for Maxwell in there instead of his game winner against Spurs or Warriors for example. But I’ll take it. As far as legends go, I was disappointed only Kenny got interviewed and they didn’t really show the other guys in the stands. Amazing to see that almost everyone was there, save Cassell who’s working of course. Even Herrera made it, let’s hope he patched things up with Vernon, since the latter keeps telling half the story about the dumbbell to the head.

Worrell being back was a lovely surprise and my respect for Hollins went up, he was seriously teary-eyed sitting next to the man and very grateful. Now I am definitely not saying I want him back full-time, but it’s funny that he provides way more analysis than Hollins who should be the one to do that. Bullard was also way more knowledgeable. But man it was sad to hear Bill mess up on some basic stuff, he getting up there in age. He was some good points about scouting report that you don’t let Siakam catch it that low or how Jalen Green benefits from an Aaron next to him to cool him down (relax) among other things. The only thing that could’ve made that booth better is A) a normal camera instead of that misty desk cam they got going on and B) Calvin in there.

Atmosphere on TV looked solid, but man again with so many empty seats, it was kind of sad to see as well. The sides of the court being black didn’t help as it all seemed very dark, not what I would’ve chosen. I don’t understand the focus on black in these jerseys and the court anyway, yeah the rafters have black on the sides but we already have way too much black going on as it is. Same for our jackets the guys wear on the bench, the black with that Summit logo just makes it look like a Blazers jacket. The original on the building was red so could’ve done red on white, perfect. H-Town is just smooshed together yet stretched out that makes it look very weird and cheap, like a big patch on the chest. Still, from a distance it’s not that bad.

The game itself had a lot of ups and downs, bad and good, here some thoughts:
- loved Jock in this game, no more Adams please if he cannot move nor catch a ball.
- Jabari was very solid, hope he keeps it up. Same for FVV, back to form and Tari with the 6 steals was beautiful.
- Green looked bad, his shots are all back rim or air, something is up. His lazy one handed pass was back in full effect as well, seriously cut that **** out dude.
- Cam looked rough and yes this is why he was not drafted, attitude issues are a red flag. Maybe we should’ve listened, but at the same time worth the gamble.
- Reed had some nice moments, needs to get more comfortable to really show his stuff.
- Did not like our spacing and driving into traffic.
- Referees were intent on calling it tight when there was no need. I don’t know if teams have been complaining about our physical play since I am sure teams are frustrated and jealous of our TnT combo off the bench. They gave the crowd little to cheer for as both teams were not allowed to just play their game. Maybe a rookie ref in there trying to make a statement to whistle “by the book”?
- Sengun was the man, aside from the occasional flip shot and forced one-legged fade.
- Ime had some weird combinations in there today, but I guess he’s still searching for groups that work the best.


Final thoughts:
We didn’t let up and calmly responded to their runs, even if we did let up on guarding them at times. I love how I can watch a game more peacefully, even compared to start of the season. Team is clicking on defense and no matter what, I know I can rely on them to keep the pressure on so much less nervous. This is reminiscent of some of the best teams in franchise history and it’s crazy since our offense is still very rough and we don’t have a single star in that regard. Once we get a guy to consistently put up 25-30 then we’ll be scary. Jalen taking that leap to Ant or preferably SGA levels would put us easily as a top 4 team in the league.

 

I will take "boring win" for 200 Alex

 

It seems pretty difficult for teams to prepare for the terror twins and the Sengun/FVV/Jalen package. Indiana looked ready for Tari and Amen. They got in their way, leading to all sorts of TOs, fouls, and one-pass possessions. The Pacers deserve credit for slowing them down and taking away their easy baskets.

Once Sengun got rolling, they had zero answers. Jabari used the space he was given to get drives and boards and stick in a few 3s.

If the Rockets can figure out how to make uncontested 3s, they have a chance to go places. They are so hot and cold, though.

 

R33d is the answer.

 

I’d still trade Jalen and a couple of picks for him.

 

Dont you love it when you fall asleep at the beginning of a game wake up when its over and then get to read the detritus of the game thread and its warring factions thinking we lost, but we actually blew them the F out!? Life is all about those simple pleasures.

 

Pacers don’t deserve too much credit. The refs were determined to have Amen and Sengun sit early. Horribly called game the first half.

 

That game went so well last night that I didn't even check this thread lol

 

It was pretty interesting to see Sengun earn calls in the 4th quarter. It was like we were watching a different game than the first half.

In the first half, Tari played his usual downhill game, and he missed several chances to set up his teammates for easy looks. The Pacers turned him away at the rim.

 

This is actually the realest post on this board.

 

Oh come on, he is just pressing because he isn't getting any time.

DD

 

Both the Pacers and the refs underestimated the Rockets depth. They thought taking Sengun and Amen out of the game would lead to an easy Indiana W.

Landale and Holiday came in and provided some excellent minutes until the starters ignited the 3rd quarter boost to put this game away.

 

I’m glad they could get the guys some rest in the middle of this 5 games in 7 nights

 

Juck the Fazz.

 

I had a huge smile watching that whole thing and may or may not have teared up a bit with that interaction with Dream....wow, I'm a dork!

 

This team is a few adjustments away from elite status. There needs to be a few subtractions and a few additions. If they are the right ones, the Rockets move into contender status. Remaining questions: will Green ever "get it together" and become consistently good? Same for Smith. Tara and Amen must stay healthy. They are becoming the best defensive duo in the league. If Amen ever acquires the three, look out. Cam and Reed must develop and be factored in. The team is coming together.

 

LOL now you are going to deny his attitude wasn’t why he fell in the draft?