In the beginning of the season, it seemed that we were playing faster, were out rebounding other teams frequently, and shooting a nice percentage of both free throws and three pointers? I don't have any stats in front of me but it seems that all categories have fallen. Do you attribute this to teams learning and adapting? Different mentality now that people don't think we're lame? Lack of practice? Fatigue? Or am I seeing thing? Discuss.
Don't just read the stat lines, try watch the game once... The only legit point you stated is FT%. Don't forget we are playing the lakers, with taller players, one of the best defences in the league.
I just said I don't have stats in front of me so I'm not "reading" them. I've watched every game this season, except for maybe two or three. To me, the tempo has slowed and rebounding margin isn't as large as it should be. As for threes, too many attempts on low percentage shots. In the beginning, Ariza was hitting them, now he's not. Andersen was hitting them, now he's not. The rest are consistent with their usual percentage. I would say the percentage has decreased. If the stats say so differently then fine. But I'm not seeing as much productivity.
the fact that we had little rest/practice time and are the team that had played the most number of away games and back-to-backs could contribute to all you have mentioned also. sometimes they are just flat tired
You know, overall the Rockets have been a good rebounding team. But its true that, of late, rebounding has dipped. The Rockets had a terrific streak between 11/14 and 12/5 where they never got outrebounded even once. But since then, they've been a minus rebounding team.
I would say the rockets are a bad defensive rebounding team. They are just to short, but they hustle and get some offensive rebounds.
Free throws should always be consistent, in my opinion. I remember Landry asking why we get mad when players miss free throws. It's because they're paid to practice them and to make them when they count!
That was the case earlier in the season. But right now the statistics show them to be 9th in offensive rebounding, 11th in defensive rebounding. Pretty balanced, actually. They are short in the in the interior, but I think they make up for it by having multiple players pursue the ball. My guess is the Rockets decided to sacrifice some of their transition game for more consistent defensive rebounding. That's why we're seeing less high-scoring games.
It might have more to do with opposing team emphasize on stop Rockets transition game than what Rockets decided to do. They are getting used to Rockets style now.
They're probably flat out tired. You have to admit its been a ridiculous schedule so far. It seems like if you turn on the tv you can catch a Rockets game every night, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I used to travel for work and I would be pretty worn. Sure, they get paid millions more than me, but I can't imagine playing 48 minutes one night, jumping on a plane, practicing the next morning, then playing again the next night for a month straight. In the meantime you've got huge holidays, shopping etc. These guys are human I'm sure it takes its toll on them. LA has the luxury of still having their core group of guys, and chilling at home for a ridiculous amount of time. The Rockets are actually pretty impressive for completly overhauling their style, going on the road competing with teams, and not having as much time to rest and practice. Their numbers will go back up eventually, this might actually be a blessing in disguise for the playoffs.
i attribute a lot of it to fatigue. think of how much you need your legs to do well in all of these facets. you can only play at 110% for so many games before it catches up to you. this is why the spurs have always started off slow in the beginning of the year. that way they have their legs by mid to end of season.
I met him once, and he asked me that. I don't think he was serious, though. I'm sure he knows the answer.
