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An observation about Reed's defense and Amen's offense

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by backwardhead, Dec 1, 2025 at 4:21 PM.

  1. backwardhead

    backwardhead Member

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    Something I've noticed, and I really like it if it's actually a thing, is a shift in both Reed's defense and Amen's offense. I think I'm seeing it right and wondering if anyone on the board is seeing the same thing. Because if this is actually a thing, then it's going to bode well for the team I think.

    Reed's defense. The last few games I've noticed Reed collapsing the space on the ball-handler at the top of the key. At the beginning of the season it seemed the moment the ball-handler would see Reed backing up to defend he would get attacked. Almost always able to blow or muscle past Reed into the next level of the defense. Now it appears that the moment Reed realizes he's the point of attack defender, he closes the gap and get's spicy as quickly has he can. As long as he beats the ball-handler to the punch it always works to cut off passing and driving lanes, and more often than not seems to really disrupt the ball-handlers handle. I am loving this.

    Amen's offense. Similarly, early in the season, other teams would sag off Amen in the mid-range, daring him to take the middie. Sometimes he made it, often he didn't, maybe so maybe no.

    Now I think I'm seeing Amen attack the second he sees the defender sag at either the 3 point line or middle. There's a moment when the defender begins to move backwards that Amen goes full tilt. And the results have been great.

    Am I really seeing this? If this is actually a thing I think this is going to bode very well for us as Reed's defense and Amen's jumper are the two biggest individual weaknesses on our starting 5. If they have learned to turn the tables this way on the opponent then it's gonna be bones for the other team.
     
    #1 backwardhead, Dec 1, 2025 at 4:21 PM
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  2. A_3PO

    A_3PO Member

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    I think Reed is improving his defense much quicker than expected. The amount of progress he's made in only 17 games is amazing! His on-the-ball fundamentals have improved leaps and bounds. He plays sound and gambles less. On top of that, he's become a borderline dangerous off-the-ball defender, not just with steals, but also with occasional blocks. When Reed attacks a player who does not see him coming, I expect the ball to pop free and a fast break going the other way just like with Amen and Tari.

    Amen's role on offense remains hazy. I don't think he's comfortable at all. In unscripted situations, his vision for finding the open man is great. The problem is when initiating the offense from the top of the key, he struggles when attacking. IMO, unless there is a clear path to the rim, Amen needs to pass and let Alpi or KD initiate or he should take the 10-12 foot uncontested jumper teams continue offering him. Too many times he passes up a relatively easy, open jumper to take a much more difficult shot under heavy contest.

    As long as the Rockets offense keeps humming and they continue winning at a high clip, I'm willing to give Amen until February to figure things out. The reason for the patience is because if/when he does break out, oh boy! (Remember the Suns and Grizzlies games).
     
    #2 A_3PO, Dec 1, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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  3. glimmertwins

    glimmertwins Member

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    Reed is definitely trying to be more aggressive to make a ball handler uncomfortable as soon as he gets the ball and close the air space. Generally he is going to be more successful when he can stay close so he can take advantage of those quick hands - his reach doesn't allow him to be effective with much air space. I have also noticed that Reed tends to do that a bit more aggressively when Amen is defending the next man nearby. Not sure if this is anecdotal or strategic but when Amen is nearby and Reed is pressing - you have to be careful because if you play with your food too long, the next thing you know there is a defensive puma who joined in and now you are the food instead.

    I don't think I have noticed exactly the Amen move you mentioned above but I have noticed he is attacking set defenses less and is being more thoughtful about not giving defenses time to set before his attack - maybe that is somewhat related to what you are seeing.
     
    #3 glimmertwins, Dec 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
  4. xtruroyaltyx

    xtruroyaltyx Member

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    Definitely seen him being more aggressive on defense and trying to force the ball handler to do certain things instead of being reactionary.

    Wouldnt be surprised if this is something Fred has told him to try. Fred does the same thing and really tries to get into ball handlers.

    Really a lot of smaller defenders who are considered good defenders play that way...Alvarado...Pat Bev...boykins back in the day...
     
    #4 xtruroyaltyx, Dec 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM
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