ClutchFans Game Thread: Warriors @ Rockets 4/20/2025 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 1)

I am dreading this series strictly on the basis that the refs are going to be on some bullshit.

 

What about Houston's veterans?

FVV last played in Playoffs in 2021-2022: FG% 35.2%, 3Point FG% 33.3%
Dillon Brooks last played in Playoffs in 2022-2023: FG% 31.2%, 3Point FG% 23.8%

Not a very encouraging sign.

 

Maybe they are older and wiser now. Certainly, IMO, they are playing on a better team now than either the 2022 Raps or the 2023 Grizz

 

My concern with double teaming Butler is I think having more bodies around him will lead to refs calling more "fouls" for him, unless the double team is somehow focused on ball denial. Would prefer to double Curry. That said, I haven't been able to watch many games this season, so I'm not as dialed in to strategy.

 

I would try to stop Jimmy from getting the ball inside the three point line or having a lane to drive. Make him beat you from three. It will be harder for him to get foul calls if he's stuck out on the perimeter.

 

After season like this, I would hate to see getting cooked once more from GSW.
I like the idea of officially ending the dynasty tho.

 

Let Jimmy and Stephanie get theirs, keep the scrubs from going off, and enjoy a comfortable 12 point home win.

 

Revenge series incoming. The last dance of the Warriors will have an early ending in Rockets red. Enjoy.

 

Questions

1. How will Ime look to match up with Curry? If either Derrick Brooks or Jalen Green starts a possession on Steph Curry, knowing he loves to run and create separation, a switch might land with Amen in his hip pocket. It would be asking a lot for Amen to fight over every screen. The Rocket's D will have to be super precise about when to switch and when to stay connected. They have to eliminate as many cheap baskets as possible.

2. How do you keep the Warriors from getting good performances from Hield and Kuminga? These guys gave them big lifts in the regular season.

3. How do we get Tari Eason going? He and Jabari should have a nice size advantage on the court. When Draymond is wrestling with Sengun, can we put them on the block and get some easy looks?

 

If the refs start on their bullshit, can we not just get Jeenathan to accidentally run straight through one at full speed and just pretend it was an accident? Seems fair, we should be allowed to take out at least one of them for always screwing us in the Warriors favour, right?

Seriously though, we need to smack them in the fact from start to finish and hope we make it unquestionable. There won't be any margins to play with with Steph and Donkey's trained Zebra patrol.

 

:/

 

I don't know how you guys operate with the anticipation of refs calling the game in the Warriors favor. I would imagine every little call would bother you guys and you wouldn't watch the game comfortably.

 

Refs will screw us every game. No question.

 

Breaking News:

Chandler Parsons picking the Warriors to win the series.

 

I really, really dislike GS. I loathe Curry, despise Kerr, Draymond makes me want to puke. Otherwise, no comment.

 

This team knows none of those demons, which is good. Starting fresh... None of these guys have lost to the Warriors before AFAIK. In fact, FVV might know a thing or two about how to beat them!

 

Amen is going to make somebody miserable, hope it is Curry.