PSA: Every team is going to bring their A game against us!

Could not agree more. If this the worst we can look, imagine us as we figure things out and find our balance.

 

Keep the politics in the D&D!! (Seriously though, I think you meant "adversity" haha.)

 

pretty sure he meant "diversity," as in keeping certain sturdy players out of the starting lineup. I can think of at least two that folks say that the team should overcome

 

I agree teams will be coming hard against the Rox this year. I'm still very excited to see what this team can ultimately become. The FVV injury does hurt but hopefully these growing pains early in the season will be helpful growth for both the team and coaching staff as they continue to figure out how to make this team gel.

 

Hopefully the Pistons game was a wake up call. Pistons busted our asses and guys looked caught off guard by the intensity and physicality of a non high profile game/team.

 

This goes against everyone's belief that the NBA is a bunch of lazy "load managing" coasters with no love for the game, no care about their craft. But you don't get to the best league in the world without some competitive drive. Without having something to play for.

Even a "just here for the check" Jeff Teague was trying to make all-star teams. Wemby didn't have the off-season he did just to be content. Wins & success is going to matter at some point.

And a "good team" is always a standard of where to measure yourself. Which the Rockets are now to the league. They've graduated to the big leagues where its that pressure to stay better than their competitive peers. Different mindset required for that. I feel they have a good foundation for that.

 

I was thinking something similar last game. Everyone was watching that league opening game, as all but a couple of other teams were off.

I agree, gold is refined by fire and these tests are opportunities to get better and finally reach the goal. We didn't have that in the past.

 

Pressure makes diamonds.

 

This is a very underrated topic. It’s exactly what we’ve seen in the first couple of games and another learning curve for our young players. Every team will give us their best because they want to beat the best. We just have to be ready.

 

Detroit is also nowhere remotely close to the Detroit of a few seasons ago when we were both stuck in the dumpster. They were a playoff team last season and this is the year they're hoping/expecting to take the next step into fringe contender status in the East.

These kinds of close losses are to be expected sometimes against the upper echelon teams of the league.

I will begin to be concerned if we find a way to drop the next two games against Brooklyn and Toronto. (Knock on wood.) Until then, deep breath, take of business, and we'll be back at .500 after four with 78 regular season games ahead of us.

 

All I know is if Stone stays passive, we're gonna be closer to the Grizzlies than the Thunder.

 

I hope it’s the other way around: we’re bringing our A game against every team! Wouldn’t that be nice!

 

More likely to be an issue the first few months of the season when most players are fresh and healthy. Most games are going to be won in the last 3-5 mns, so having a real point guard, fewer penalties and great coaching will be needed.

Also, once a few more teams are humbled with their own injuries as the season progresses they won’t be able to or focused on flexing on us or anyone.

 

More likely to happen at start of the season when most players are fresh and healthy. Most games are going to he won in the last 3-5 mns, so a real point guard, fewer penalties, a closer that can hit FTs and great coaching will be key.

Also, once a few more teams are humbled with their own injuries they won’t be willing or able to flex on us or the rest of the league

And that’s something YOU CAN BET ON

 

It’s always takes time to gel. I’ll give us at least 10-15 more games and we will be cooking.

 

Losing nail biters to playoff teams isn’t too concerning at this point. It does raise a few eyebrows to get out worked by Detroit

 

We do not have Star guards.........anyone trade us Jalen Williams?