Clutchfans Game Thread: Thunder @ Rockets 8/18/2020 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 1)

I love the confidence and optimism. But only one game, one game. A million of things could go wrong god forbids. But like I said in the other thread to those calling Thunder in 5, OKC is a good team with good players but no superstar, so it will be pretty hard for them to play in the playoff. Tonight showed. But that said, things can turn around quickly if can some how limit us on the perimeter. But yeah that’s more difficult for them achieve. Let’s stay in the driver seat.

 

Stop it, Hakeem.

Gordon is a playoff performer, and the Rockets 2nd best player in Westbrook's absence.

 

Finally able to watch this game! Harden moving his feet and all the role players fully engaged on offense. Clearly, they emphasized keeping the ball popping.

 

It's great to have multiple players who can attack the rim in a five-out offense. Harden can score on anyone, of course. But when you have EGo, Green, and Rivers who can attack as well it really leads to a clean game. We had open looks all night. I don't think this would have been the case if we still had Capela because not all of those guys are capable of throwing the lob pass like Harden.

 

I could care less how many points James and co had. They played defense and that’s all I care about. We know they can score. The question I’ve had all season was can they actually defend. 1 game into the playoffs and it looks promising. Great game.

 

Man, Green gives us so many options. He's the key to unlocking MDA's system. Love the bench's reaction too. It's like they all know EG needs verbal affirmation.

 

The veteran leadership on this team is a stark contrast to theirs. No question this has had an impact on House and his blossoming.

 

Can we make a call out thread for anyone that thought the Thunder were going to even remotely challenge the Rockets? Anyone that thinks that is either A) a troll or B) dumb.

Also, anyone that still thinks we shouldn’t have traded CP3 needs to learn the difference between a Pareto optimal player, and an efficient one.

 

actually did I see you post on reddit okc Thunder forum calling thunders “us”?

hmm ...

 

Looks like Russell is fine jumping up in the bench. Hope he doesn't hurt himself.

 

Rewatching the game, WTF is up w/ the media obsession w/ Chris Paul? They need to get off his damn penis.

 

Yea but one thing I noticed is that cp3 got into Schroder since before half time. I didn’t noticed that with Alexander but Denis didn’t like it one bit. He even shut down and didn’t even want to try some 3 pointers. One of them he was wide open. Then cp3 got into him again. So I feel like Schroder is one of those guys that don’t like that kind of stuff. And we all know how cp3 goes even more so in the playoffs.
I seen it one time before this game that weird chemistry with Paul and Schroder but seemed worst today. Could also be because Schroder left the bubble and Paul got into him for that. Idk but something feels odd between them.

Anyway their chemistry issues should matter to us we just gotta play like today. Keep their defense intensity and stay even more focused. We know OKC will try to bounce back next game. But I like the effort and movement of the team. Just a couple miscues and lost assignments. Also when they collapse in the paint they tend to let players open in the middle. But great effort and great game.

I feel we should rest Russ if we keep winning. Maybe wait till game 4 and let him go at OKC just to finish the series. More likely he will return game 3 and I’m glad we won today. I feel Russ might have want to rushed things if we didn’t win.

 

He wanted the refs to bailed him out. Like 2 or 3 possessions he meant to get fouls. But our defense was good and refs didn’t buy it.

also was pretty nice seeing Harden pull a Cp3 on cp3 twice. One when he stopped and Chris fell on him. And the other when Harden went to the paint and got fouled by Chris

 

Paul just about had a triple double, so it's not like he sucked, or anything.

 

I’m a card carrying sunshine pumper. I honestly think Harden is the most under appreciated elite athlete in the history sports. I basically think Hakeem is the best basketball player that ever lived...no hyperbole...but Hardens vilification in the media is so confounding I’m positive if he wins a championship it will be the most satisfying sports moment of my fandom. And if that happens harden will become my favorite Houston athlete full stop.

Nothing will surpass the euphoria of the first ship Dream gifted to a much younger self that cared about sports more than was healthy. Every passionate fan base thinks their guy gets the shaft. But those beliefs were based on either subtle digs or manufactured outrage based on lack of coverage or the platitudes given to a peer. I thought Hakeem was never given his due and was screwed by the refs consistently.

But harden is marginalized for his greatness at every turn but damn near every national journalist and media entity brazenly. It’s actually remarkable and what I’ve decided is proof of his greatness. So I want him to succeed more than I’ve ever wanted a player to succeed.

All this is to say...one game. We went up 2-0 against the Mavs on the road with b****face Tmac and still lost in the first round. Everyone should remember that only Hakeem was able to conquer the Houston sports curse and come out with a sterling reputation. RIP Altuve’s reputation.

But Paul can’t get past anyone on our defense and the all switching basically neutralizes everything he’s good at. We should win this series easily even without Westbrook or the scrap heap all stars Morey found ( Green, Ben, House) playing like they did today.

And the lakers offense is terrible and Giannis is obviously overrated. We can do this. For real. It does suck that the two best guys in the whole league to guard harden are on the same team and will be waiting for him in the western finals.

But if harden leads us to a ship this year given how much everyone outside Houston would hate it. Well 2020 would go from the worst year ever to my most memorable.

Also I am drunk and think I typed more words in this post than I have in the last 20 Years I have been a member here.

Viva San Fermin and Viva James Harden.

 

Great freaking game

 

LOL

 

LOL right?? So sick of the buy high sell low type guys who jump on the bandwagon but stay silent when CP3's team gets completely smizzoked.

 

It's a wrap. If Portland beats Lakers Rockets will walk into the WCF.

 

Yes they could.