ClutchFans Game Thread: Mavericks @ Rockets 1/1/2025

They had 12 blocks, we had 17 steals. Steals beat blocks. You do not lose possession for half of the blocks + if not blocked, the shot may still be missed.

 

I was thinking a little bit about the impossible-but-interesting hypothetical scenario in which we pick Cam Whitmore #4 but somehow get to pick Amen Thompson #20 (definitely the more impossible of the two). And honestly, I think we did it right. While picking Cam #4 would undoubtedly afford him more minutes to develop and show his stuff, Amen's skillset is a lot less suited to being picked later on in today's game. I don't know if Amen earns 28mpg (his current number) from that draft position--as good as he is at all the various things he's good at, he's not easy to convince yourself that he can fit into a "normal" 2024-2025 rotation.

Conversely, Cam seems to check all the boxes for a top 5 draft prospect right now--he scores incredible numbers of points per minute, he's a physical specimen (not that Amen isn't, but it isn't quite as obvious just to look at him). That guy gets drafted top 5, he's playing 32+ minutes per game, full stop, end of story.

But he has serious flaws that could turn him into an "empty points" player if left unchecked. So getting him at #20 is such a benefit both to the Rockets and to him as a player, though he may not acknowledge it right now. It forces him to earn his playing time and improve the areas where he is lacking, as we've seen in both of his first two seasons.

Good job, front office--the 2023 draft may be the one that finally pays out the way we've been hoping (in addition to the kinda-sorta fluke of finding Sengun in that first tanking year).

 

He hasn’t played yet this year. Wrist surgery.

 

Rafael punching above his weight lol

 

John Wall would like a word.

 

I'd say he's punching right at has weight, if only it was all muscle instead of other things

 

ah you’re just dumb, excuse me from this convo

 

Whatever “medical anomaly” it was that allowed us to pick up Cam so late literally gave us a top 5 draft prospect late in the first. Love to see it!

 

Hells yeah !

Got dat W!

 

So obviously Cam isn't going to shoot like 80% from the field every night but it was great to see him being active and in the right place on defense, passing the ball on offense. We know he can score, but the game demands more than just shooting. The shooting is real nice though.


Amen and Cam could be the starting back court one day. Just saying.

 

Wow Cam looks pissed in the locker room interview

 

Cam saved the night. With the terror twins stuck behind some talisman, someone needed to step up from the bench.


Sengun steals highlights:


Not just get in the lane steals, three of them on uncle Drew.


Green definitely reads the Garm. Broke out the Euro twice tonight. Issa lit.


FVV only took 8 shots, didn't force the three. Respect. That's all we wanted.


Dallas centers really exposed Sengun again:

 

Cam’s postgame interview was kinda wild. Dude sounds pretty unhappy with his usage.

 

Yeah he’s going to be dealt.

 

Lol do you actually think those are good numbers?

A 47.4 TS% is pathetic.

League average for a SG is 57%.....

Again, welcome to following basketball, casual.

 

Anyone in his situation should feel unhappy.
Ime is ****ing biased.

 

Can't blame him, he's on a team where scrubs like Jalen and FVV get all of the usage and playing time despite not earning either.

 

Really? I thought he was being genuine about the G league experience. I think he just always looks unhappy like Jose Ramirez from the Indians.

 

Basketball, where only TS% matters!

 

It's not the ONLY thing.... but when it comes to offense it's by far the most important thing

Low efficiency high volume chucking hurts the team.