ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Celtics 1/27/2025

Ackerman remembering that Wafer win is hype!

 

Yeah, I get that but they had two bigs on the floor. The scheme that you are describing is based off putting a center on a non shooter and allowing him to leave his man and roam to help. It minimizes the number of times that your center can get put in PnR.

In this case, Holiday did well, he can guard most anyone but it put the bigs in a bad spot. Last night it meant that a big had to either chase Amen or go out on Brooks. Those two were our offense last night. Just seemed weird that they kept doing it. It's not like it was very effective.

It's not like both bigs are going to leave their man and play centerfield. Why not let the one who isn't roaming guard someone that they have a better chance against?

 

I think it’s the doghouse he was playing erratic last game against Cleveland and I had a feeling Ime was gonna hate it. He ran the floor and looked off two open guys to barrel into 4 defenders and commit a charge and I just know Ime was hot about it.

 

He had confidence before but now he is CONFIDENT.....Amen is going to be a MONSTER

 

out sick

 

He's a strong, independent woman who don't need no man. YESSIR!!!!!!!

 

They said sick. We'll see soon.

 

Again. What a ****ing win. Good googly moogly!!!!!

 

Of course winning games is better than losing. I'm just saying it wouldnt change a lot since we would still be 2nd regardless.

 

bro they are saying this is the greatest 3 game stretch in nba history because of the record

 

Hats off to coach Udoka and congratulations for not only breaking the lock the Celts had on these rockets, but beating the team that almost railroaded your career.

 

Still doing the fudge biz my man? I need to hit you up!

 

Um mummm mummmm! Some bad words from Mr. Brooks!

 

Quick back to back vs hawks.

Ime said, it doesn’t matter if you go out tonight and lose this next one.

 

Who's they? Post the juice!

 

BOS overcommitted on Jalen and Sengun and got smoked. We have championship level depth on this team.

"Sometimes me - Sometimes you - Always Us" -- Houston Rockets 2024-2025

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6093586/2025/01/28/amen-thompson-rockets-celtics/

… As a starter, Thompson is playing a shade under 40 minutes a night and averaging 19.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists, to go along with 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. That intersection of production and durability is simply unheard of in this league, especially at that age and experience level.

It doesn’t matter that Thompson isn’t yet a good shooter (21 percent from 3 as a starter, 32 percent from the corners). His ability to shift the calculus — or truthfully, create his own — negates any perceived floor spacing concerns. Thompson’s physical attributes place him in a class of his own but, combined with his processor, his presence is almost like a sixth starter on the floor at all times. Following the game, Udoka said the final possession was specifically designed to get Thompson attacking downhill against a slower Jaylen Brown but even before that, it was clear Thompson — and Udoka — had outmatched whatever Boston threw at them.

“I coached a guy like Ben Simmons where people did that to try to take away the paint, but (Amen’s) so fast and explosive that we can put him anywhere in actions and still get him downhill,” Udoka said. “He’s understood how to set screens and mix it up off the ball (as well).”

Monday was a reminder to the rest of the NBA that Thompson and the Rockets are legit. In less than a week, they’ve knocked off the team with the best record twice (Cleveland) and the second-seeded Celtics, two teams that seem destined for the Eastern Conference finals. If the regular season began with a desire to make the playoffs, the focus now has shifted toward just how deep of a run this team can make. This is a team that has the depth and talent to play well into April, May and even June. And it doesn’t take leaving Boston with a win to prove that, although it’s a suitable road trip parting gift.

“We feel great,” Thompson said. “We feel like we can beat anybody, and this road trip has really proven that.”

“We’re over halfway through now, and our record is what it is,” Udoka added. “It’s not just a fluke or anything. People watch film and they see the physicality and the way we play — it’s a little different from the rest of the league. Maybe that catches people off guard initially, but I wouldn’t say we’re sneaking up on anybody anymore at this point in the season.”