ClutchFans Game Thread: Grizzlies @ Rockets 12/26/2013

His aggressiveness is definitely a legitimate weapon. His acting skills are more a manipulation of the game that I wish weren't as effective as it is. Clever, to be sure, and he's certainly not the only one -- but he might be the foremost practitioner.

 

That pass to Dmo was great as well.

 

But Asik does it because he forgets he's 7 foot tall and has the ability to dunk it.

 

The team was winded. Second night of a back to back. Foul trouble and injury forced McHale into rotation changes that benefited the team. DMo brought size and energy. Who knows, though? The next time he gets minutes could be a month from now, given the coach's lack of discipline in his rotations. McHale should give the kid a stretch run and see what happens if he gets a little consistency and confidence.

 

I agree he's usually more fun to watch that way, provided he's not consuming vast amounts of shot clock in iso mode.

 

Let me guess, your not here for the Rockets huh?

 

If you are implying that Harden acted in all his trips to the free throw line, instead of being an elite dribble penetration threat and an aggressive tendency to attack the basket, then by all means you are free to conclude that Harden relies on flopping to score.

 

Oh, I am. Usually lurk, only post now and then. Great comeback win and enjoyed watching D-Mo get off the bench (and Howard enthusiastically cheering on), among other things. I'm not the biggest fan of Harden's game (as in his style, not his ability/skill level), but I'm glad he's on our side.

 

JLin7's enemy is his injury, he was proved clearly a legit NBA starting PG while ago, Beverly isn't somebody he should be worried about.

 

any highlights yet? I missed the entire 4th quarter.

 

Nope, not implying that. I agree with you on both points and also believe he's aided by his tremendous acting ability.

 

"Crutch" earlier was probably a poor choice of words. I meant more that the officials don't always go for Harden's jerks and flails when he's struggling, and then his ugly game looks just ugly, instead of ugly and brilliantly effective.

 

There's some DMo highlights in the 4th quarter (recap):

http://www.nba.com/video/games/rockets/2013/12/26/0021300424-mem-hou-recap.nba

DMo - 23:18 min, 4 pts, 3 rebs, 3 blks

 

Can't believe some people are actually whining about harden shooting a bunch of free throws lol. He had a rough shooting night and attacked the rim relentlessly. What else would you want him to do?? He got some great shots for Lin in the 4th as well. Randolph made me LOL with those comments, the refs took our best player out of the game for the whole second half off some BS fouls.

I wasn't surprised when we came out looking like crap, as it's our typical let down game. But I'm happy we pulled out the win. The best teams in the league can win even when they're not playing hard, they just turn it on at the end and win. Not saying I like the style, but I'm glad we at least "turned it on" and played a portion of the game giving 100% effort. DMo had a good game and sparked a great run.

Fun times to be a rockets fan!

 

Didn't mean to come off so negative. I'm glad Harden continued to attack, as he should have. This was just an unusual game, and I think things I like less about Harden's game stuck out more than they usually do.

Hope we get another win heading into the big OKC game!

 

tweet him

 

hopefully a few more games like tonight and DMo will get some PT and wont want ask to be traded anymore. He's definitely worth keeping.

Asik too. He's good. Hopefully there is a way to convince him to stay and be the best back up center in the league.

 

They can not afford themselves?

 

Exactly. Harden determined to take the ball in and not take step back jumpers is great for Rockets basketball.