Ime Udoka on Rockets late-game decisions, win over Bucks 2/25/2025

Dumb pass but it wasn't as egregious. Jabari was way too stiff to catch it.

 

This.

 

True, the whole team keeps falling apart in these pressure situations. Our 4th quarter execution has been terrible lately, we were just lucky the Bucks missed their big shots last night.

We need Fred back to steady the ship.

 

I still think Sengun is a high BBIQ player, but I think this was the dumbest play of his entire career. Completely mind boggling and I would expect a 6th grader to understand this game situation better than Sengun did in that moment.

 

I'm confused...we won the game, right? One bad play didn't ruin the outcome?

 

Lots of negativity here after a win against a solid Milwaukee squad. Yes, Sengun's unnecessary, errant pass with 8 seconds left wasn't wise. But neither was Green's dribblemania in front of Giannis nor Thompson's decision to go full Rick Dampier on Giannis with minutes remaining. People make mistakes. So I would like to mention a few things from last night, particularly from the fourth quarter, that some folks may see as more indicative of winning than the examples listed above are indicative of losing.

Admittedly, the Rockets executed poorly in the fourth: 15 points and zero assists. Yet they won the game. They did so because they held the Bucks (with Giannis, Lillard and Lopez on the court) to but twelve points. During that fourth quarter alone, the Rockets caused 7 turnovers, blocked 5 shots, created 3 steals and had 6 offensive rebounds. Question their basketball IQ and their technical skills all you want. Effort and hustle and a will to win made the difference last night. That refers to everyone who was on the floor that quarter. I will take that all day long and twice on Sunday. Criticize as you will, but it takes heart to win, and obviously there is enough talent to back that up.

If you love sport. If you appreciate heart. If you enjoy winning. Then you have to appreciate this Rockets team and everyone on that bench.

 

But isn't Alpi the allstar on this roster?

 

Yeah and he played like one yesterday. One bad play doesnt ruin how well he played during the game. He was even left on a island multiple times and was able to stop Dame so everyone who is hating on his defense needs to pay attention.

 

this. He was visibly upset with himself. He’s 22 yrs old. He hit 7-9 fouls shots, one TO and was +14 with a double double and 3 blocks. He had a good game. He won’t make that kind of mistake again. If Sengun makes foul shots and keeps putting in the effort on D that’s what I’m looking for.

 

Ime finally learned about the concept of staggering minutes of our main offensive creators?

First time I mentioned him ever saying he purposely was staggering Jalen and Sengun's minutes to have one of them on the court at all times.

We have had so many line ups this season where neither Fred, Alpi or Jalen are on the court. Hell there have been line ups with no Fred, Jalen, Alpi and Amen basically bringing out line ups with no offense whatsoever. A team that has excellent offensive systems like the Warriors could probably get away with having a somewhat competent offense with none of their main offensive threats because of feast off ball movement but this team has a junk offensive system that heavily relies on self creation talent.

 

I have to say, Giannis is a freaking stud. Amen is not dirty. Was a hard foul but not personal. Glad Giannis has the right tude. Others might have grandstanded and dramatized it.

 

Folks can point the finger at one guy or another all day... the simple truth is that we do not have a high IQ team - period.

You can chalk it up to youth or whatever... and probably so in some instances... but most everybody just looks lost out there for various stretches at a time... things like knowing the shot clock, dont dribble the ball off your leg or 'hold the ball until they foul you' are not lessons that professionals should still have to learn.

 

He takes a lot of crap for his style of play I've always thought he seemed like he had a pretty good attitude. I liked when he ripped that one reporter a couple years back for asking if their season was a failure. "It's not a failure, it's steps to success."

 

I'm sure we will hear about Dillon getting booked for federal charges in the future for trying to fix a game.

 

That low iq play in combination with missed FTs is stuff he's been doing all year. If you're the alleged best player, then how's this acceptable?

 

Mentalluy weak?? Fk off man.
How did you make it this far with that IQ?

 

What was the excuse tonight vs the Spurs

 

You think Ime is also trying to tap into some of what led to a big month last season?

One thing I wasn't expecting from Ime is for him to essentially hand over the backup C spot to Jabari. Getting that vibe at the moment. I'm sure Adams will get minutes there, but sure does seem like Jabari at the 5 is something Ime is very open to right now.

It could be a significant boost for us. Jalen seems to score much better with any of Amen, Jabari or Adams at C + 3 shooters. I don't have any evidence for that, just eye test but if true... If we ignore for a second that we were a bad team as well (not just our opponents) when Jalen had that big month last season, then I would expect he can torch most second units if we use the same lineup. Making him do more of what he's uniquely good at on this roster.

Sengun, Brooks and FVV are perfect for each other and I don't love that Amen becomes a cutter and Jalen a catch and shooter for them. However if there's a second unit where Amen and/or Green can be unleashed, that may balance things out nicely. Maybe that's what Ime is up to.

The problem is I'm not sure that first unit will turn out to be better than the second unit if the second unit is allowed to have an off ball FVV and a stretch big in Jabari. I don't think the second unit is a lesser defensive team either. Will be interesting to see how this pans out. I've always felt like ultimately, it's better to help Amen and Green score efficiently than to help Alpi score efficiently. It's better for Alpi to adapt to playing fast and wide, than for Amen and Green to shrink into those roles. None of them is that much better than the other, I think mathematically it would make sense building around two is better than building around one.

I am happy Amen and Green have found ways to be relevant in a slow half court offense though, that's undeniably valuable for their future.

 

What excuse was needed in a game we won by 30? Also if you watch the actually games he's visibly injured. Surprised he was playing tonight. Halfway through the second quarter you can see him grabbing his back in pain. Shocked the trainers and coaches still allowed him to play.he will still a plus 20 with 9 and 11 in only 18 minutes because of how much we were winning by. What are you even asking...