ClutchFans Game Thread: Celtics @ Rockets 2/4/2026

57 to 38 in rebounds. We got punked.

 

Basuuuuura

 

yep, every team now is doing this and it’s an easy formula to beat this team. Ofcourse this team can’t overcome or even counter this gameplan due to lack of PGs on this team combined with incompetent coaching staff

 

I agree with most of this post except for the part about about waiting to see how this group looks in the playoffs. This group will fail in the playoffs. We are 29th in the NBA in turnover percentage and 3-point shots taken. The lack of shooting and competent ball handlers will doom us in the playoffs.

I couldn't agree more about Amen and Reed failing as point guards. Amen has regressed this season because he's being played out of position. Reed has managed to regress during the season.

We need to trade for a competent point guard so Amen can move to the wing. Cam Spencer is probably the best player possibly available. Ryan Rollins would fit beautifully if Milwaukee would listen to an offer.

The saddest part of this game is that we were bullied on the boards. We probably need a better backup center as well now that Adams is out for the season. Day'Ron Sharpe might be the best fit.

This is no time to be patient. This isn't working. It's time to use some of that draft capital to find some pieces that fit.

 

I couldn't watch the game. Is Amen still the Franchise player?

 

I've seen enough. Switching my stance from '2nd round exit if we're lucky' to 1st round exit. Next new low would be getting swept. Cancun, here comes the Rockets!

There are too many problems to solve. I don't know if Sengun and Amen can co-exist in a team with a better coach at the helm.

Just let Ime go and trade one of Alpi (most likely by high margin) or Amen if they can't co-exist. I'm sick of watching opposition packing the paint year after year and we're just laying bricks. Pre-season hype died months ago. What a **** show.

 

This team has bad body language. Sengun sulking. Jabari snapping at Sengun. KD looking like he's in a bad mood.

 

No, but only because Ime can't coach talent into him if you believe the Amen-stans.

 

Amen is not a point guard. He's being played out of position. But I thought he said over the offseason he was working on his shot.

 

He is just cocky for some reason, and his dying swan movement is getting too much.

 

Amen has been working with professional shooting coaches for at least 5 years, if not longer. He's 23 and will be extension eligible in a few months. He will improve but, by now, only incrementally. He is an undersized paint player and it is what it is. It's madness to build around such a flawed player.

 

Sometimes things can’t be fixed. Amen and his brother have been playing basketball their entire lives and they are both awful shooters. Sometimes people can improve a weakness by practicing and getting good instruction. But, sometimes people are just plain bad and will never be good.

Amen can still be a terrific basketball player, but maybe not the complete do it all player that we were hoping for.

 

Steve Jones
‪@stevejones20.bsky.social‬

time to roll the sleeves up and look at this Rockets game. Broke it down on the pod but it's not just putting a big on Thompson. It can't be that + we sag off Thompson + we can put a wing on Sengun + we can switch. Have to knock *something* off the table or defenses will dig in
9:08 AM · Feb 5, 2026


‪Steve Jones‬ ‪@stevejones20.bsky.social‬
· 25m
the thing you have to remember is if you do things well on offense, defenses are going to try to stop that. big on Thompson to try and take away the dunker spot. Push Sengun's catches out and stay at home. Physical vs. movement to get you later in clock.


‪Steve Jones‬ ‪@stevejones20.bsky.social‬
· 1m
1st quarter down, massive feeling is "please start your sets earlier" so you're not fighting the clock. boston's transition D was big, rockets got a bunch of stops and no fast break pts.

‪Steve Jones‬ ‪@stevejones20.bsky.social‬
· 1m
where I credit Boston's defense is they didn't really give an automatic. Mixed their coverages well. Had a big on Sengun and would stay at home on drives and then help next time. Might be a drop, might be a late switch. Moving target.

 

he did that's why his an 80% FT shooter now

but agree he's playing out of position and that's affecting his shooting I still trust he can improve

 

Dude is a slightly more athletic Trevor Ariza.

 

By a G league team.

DD

 

Oh oops

 

This offseason Amen worked on his ball handling as priority #1, FT shooting priority #2, and 3pt shooting priority #3. He made tangible successes in 1 and 2. He's shown a clear dedication to his craft, and players like Jason Kidd and Kyle Lowry are clear examples of players being able to completely make-over their outside shots mid-career. It can be done, and I'll double down and buy more Amen Thompson stock while it's inappropriately low.

 

yep. People blaming Amen for this offense or giving up on him are short-sighted band wagon fans.

 

Amen could become the MVP, shoot 50% from 3 over a 6-year period, but that doesn't change that right now, he's one of the Rockets' best players, but his lack of shooting (as well as other non-shooters on the team) can cause the offense to stall. The Rockets are better with him than without as he's one of the best players, and the Rockets don't have any good alternatives when he needs a breather.

When Amen's man hanging in the paint kills the offense, Amen should be blamed just as much as Reed should get blamed when he misses shots.