ClutchFans Game Thread: Thunder @ Rockets 4/4/2025

That's an rational thought but depending on how a series goes Ime can pull a Phil Jackson type move and sub him in.

 

Dort isn't a good defender, until the playoffs when , for reasons unknown to me , he is allowed to play with super increased physicality

Jalen had a great game tho . Played decisively

 

Game so nice I watched it twice

 

DB makes stupid fouls at stupid times. He’s also lost a step on defense and has low iq at times. However, he has played in more big time games than anybody else on this roster including FVV and that will be of great value in the playoffs. Several of these kids will fold under the pressure of the playoffs (nothing bad, just reality in the first few playoffs of their career) and we will all be on the edge of our seats rooting on Dillon and FVV to save the day with their veteran experience. Guys who we all love, like Eason (already a turnover machine) will likely struggle even more due to pressure/inexperience and trying too hard.

 

Dillon has played in more big time games than Fred, who was a key piece on a team that won the title?

I dunno about that one, Imanimal, I think I'd have to disagree with you

 

This game supports my view that DB should come off the bench. Him basically playing the Tate role today would be perfect. Starting 5 should be

FVV
Jalen
Amen
Jabari
Sengun

in my opinion. Jabari brings some of the double big energy since he's such a good rebounder. Of course DB is a veteran so Ime will def not bench him, especially at this point late in the season. Maybe Jabari eventually earns the job next year.

 

Rockets played like a team with something to lose, OKC didn't. That's how this game works.

 

Sam Cassell Rookie Year, Clutch in the 1995 NBA Finals.

Reed Sheppard really needs to step it up.

Ime Udoka really needs to play Reed Sheppard more in the Rotation. Fred VanVleet needs to be in a Platoon Situation with Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday.

40 plus minutes for Fred VanVleet is unfair for Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday.

 

Amen Thompson and Jalen Green in this Playoffs will Showcase themselves for Accolades Next Year.

All Star Game, 1st Team All NBA, 1st Team All NBA Defense, Defensive Player of the Year.

They must dominate and get to the Western Conference Finals to get that Respect from National Media Voters.

 

So the reverse Matt Maloney?

 

The OKC Thunder were looking scared and often complaining getting Technical Fouls

Lu Dort, Jaylen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein complaining.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander looked stressed while Amen Thompson was guarding him, Referees really respected Amen Thompson reputation.

So many Amen Thompson Highlights have been promoted by Fans, Breakdown of his defense. Referees no doubt watch the Amen Thompson Highlights. Amen Thompson doesn't cheat the game with flopping, Amen plays hard and honest.

 

Unless the Rockets shoot like yesterday's game for a month or so, most teams will take their chances giving those shots. Teams will trust their season/career averages and reputations more than a few games to end the season.

 

Reed has severe deficiencies in basic basketball strategy. He has a huge upside, but he's a liability on a championship team in meaningful minutes.

 

Lol, I knew people were going to say this

I think if we can count on Ja'Sean Tate to go 3/4 from 3 point range it's prob true that Dillon is surplus to requirements

But if Tate has his normal shooting stroke and goes 0-4 or 1-4, the Rockets are highly likely to lose, and people are like "yep, that's what happens when we lose our only elite shooter"

 

This guy sounds like a future coach.

 

J-Dub is a smart guy who's been sizzling the last month. If he takes this level into the playoffs, Rockets don't want to see OKC again until the WCFs.

 

That’s fair….I was talking about all the years of Olympic games he’s played for Canada. No doubt that performance wise FVV has fared better in the playoffs…with a little help feom Khawi Leanord.