ClutchFans Game Thread: Raptors @ Rockets 11/11/2013

Howard is not a great post player tbh. He used his athleticism and size to get them before, not skill. if the ball moves then the team will do well.

harden really forced it too much in the 4th taking iso after iso, but im glad he cut it out and gave it to Lin a few times to allow the defense to sag off of him a bit. He needs to do that more.

Bev is foul prone - i don't question his heart though. just needs to settle down, or he will get pump faked the ***** out of him

 

His heroics got them all fat contracts.

 

Asik must be pretty mad that he didn't get a single minute after halftime. I thought the Johnson and the Lithuanian guy were to quick for him so McHale made the right move.

 

McHale would've have been on a little shaky ground if we'd had lost this after a commanding 14pt lead.

I still think the team's playing stinking basketball and would be lucky to make the playoffs if they still continue to play this way.

I've really lost faith in McHale. I'd like a strong coach who has a clear vision and strategy that can make in-game adjustments.

 

Harden was huge in the 2nd OT.He scored that straight 8 points when Lowry and couple of other Raptors got hot. Had he not scored those consecutive points the Raptors would have skipped out to a lead.

 

Is this true? Who were the 5 to start the second half?

 

ROFL so true. except fo rlandry. he wasn't playing that well even with Lin. Novak yes.

 

wouldn't mind Landry Fields and Novak for cheap

 

Exactly. And there is just way to much depth and talent at the PG position in the NBA. So it is nearly impossible to really make a name for yourself. If he wins 6MOY (which he better) then it will end all the flash in the pan talk. I think for him his biggest issue is that he lacks credibility and there is all this pressure on him and that affects his confidence if he doesn't play well. But with 6MOY he has credibility and he can play his game and a lot of the pressure and negative attention goes away. This also means big things for Houston because he won't be as nervous to play his game and be aggressive because of that increased confidence and hopefully we will see a more consistent and dynamic Lin on the court & ideally one that defers less.

I do disagree with you though I do think he is annoyed that he isn't starting. I think he even said himself that he talked to his agent about his "situation". But he won't become a locker room cancer about it which is all that matters. And like you said he is playing with a massive chip on his shoulder right now which is having great results out there on the court.

 

Would have liked to see the Rockets play better, but I'll take the "W." Some thoughts...

- Really disappointing how we don't go to Dwight in the 2nd half. We looked for him in the first half, and basically ignored him the 2nd. Only one shot attempt the whole half, are you kidding? And we wonder why our offense doesn't work as well.

- Dwight has to figure out a way to make free throws, plain and simple.

- James had a spectacular game. 'nuff said.

- Lin had his best game of the year. Was just on fire from 3. Wish he could cut down on some of those bone-headed plays, though, but they were more than negated tonight by his excellent shooting.

- Jones played very well off the bench, liked his energy. He should start next game, if not Casspi.

- Parsons had a usual solid game.

- Casspi is in a slump. We can't play to our full potential if him and Garcia aren't making shots.

- Asik shouldn't start anymore. He is the backup center and him and Howard shouldn't be on the floor at the same time, ever.

- Beverly really struggled tonight. He needs to find some more consistency if he is going to keep that starting job.

- I think we should have at least one of Dwight or James on the floor at the same time. I'm thinking take Dwight out around the 6:00 mark of the 1st, and replace James with Dwight start of the 2nd, and put James back in around the 6:00 mark of the 2nd. The offense really struggles to create when they aren't on the floor.

- Lastly, I miss Kyle Lowry

 

That's why I said in the 4th QTR. after wards we needed those 5 pts from him to cut ahead, and then Lin's clutch drive for the dagger. after that, the raptor team seemed to be drained of all their energy. sucked right out of them, you coudl really see theri body language in giving up...

 

Bev
Harden
Parsons
JONES
Howard

 

Dwight's interview answers why we stopped feeding the beast in the second half - Raptors went to zone defense

http://www.nba.com/rockets/video/2013/11/12/Lin1111mp4-3036569

 

True Landry got a big fat paycheck because the Raptors wanted to keep the Knicks from getting Nash.

 

TJones! And he played to earn some minutes, and boy did he ever. I definitely would love to see TJones a bit more.

 

Wow. Jones over Asik. I take it that Asik was not sick (no pun intended, lol), but it was a strategic choice by McHale?

 

Yes, love both Lin and Bev!

 

Raptor did a good job defending H&H PnR in the second half. They left Howard and double team on harden quickly before harden could pass the ball out.

 

Just finished the Dwight interview and the Beverley interjection - definitely gave off the vibe that Dwight is unhappy about something. Although he'll never say it straight to the media - every post game interview feels like he's running for political office.

Nothing but love for Trinidad James.

 

I knew you were going to reply on this subject. Glad you did. Great read.