Scouting the Rockets

mac_got_this · Apr 17, 2008

just play smart and dont turn tha ball over...

I would jsut try and outlast tha rockets.

Eventually tha Rockets are gointo go on their 3 minutes scoring drought and take tha game their

durvasa · Apr 17, 2008

Utah has two big weaknesses. They foul a lot, and they don't have great transition D (due to their motion offense and the way they collectively go after offensive boards). Unfortunately, free throws and transition offense are two things the Rockets do NOT do well.

The Rockets have to defend the paint vigorously, and they have to get all the long rebounds on defense. On offense, Utah has no one who can defend McGrady. He has to dominate.

acshen · Apr 17, 2008

emjohn said:

On offense:
Force Houston to pick their poison in the frontcourt. Open sets with Okur and Boozer in the frontcourt if Mutombo is in the game to force him to come away from the basket, opening up lanes for dives and Deron Williams drives off high screen and rolls. Focus P&R play with Williams and targeting Mutombo. Screen setter (Mutombo's mark) stays out high for the jumper. If Mutombo is out of the game, exploit size advantage with whomever Scola is NOT guarding. Houston frontcourt reserves are almost all 6-6 and not adept at blocking their own man's shot. Crash the offensive boards on the weakside to further take advatage of size in the post.

Match Korver's PT with Luther Head, and keep him on the strong side perimeter for P&R plays. He will be able to shoot over Houston's back up 2-guards at all times and will be a key 3rd option in the P&R sets.

Take advantage of McGrady if he is standing straight up on defense. He can be caught reacting late on cuts often times. Tends to drift off of weakside shooters and watch the action, though seldom commits to help defense. Quick passes to his man on the perimeter should allow for uncontested outside shot. Plays much more effective D if you put the ball on the floor.

Scola can be drawn into quick fouls if you take him off the drive (Boozer). If he is in foul trouble, Houston is forced into a very small lineup.

On Defense:
Be physical with McGrady during any drives into the lane. He is questionable on the line, and is easily discouraged into staying on the outside. When this happens, his playmaking ability drops quickly, and Houston's mismatches at the 2 can be negated.

Respect Luis Scola's scoring ability, but exploit his weakness in passing out of double teams after going into his move. Double, but do not double immediately. Good finisher if permitted to get inside.

Keep a body on Landry, Harris, and Hayes to keep them off of the offensive glass. Hayes feeds off of weakside cuts to the hole from the high post, but is not strong in finishing alley-oops. Front him on these cuts to discourage the pass from the perimeter.

Press Aaron Brooks whenever he brings up the ball and McGrady is out of the game, and encourage him to take quick shots.
Click to expand...

props, really detailed and insightful.

Forums

Scouting the Rockets

mac_got_this Member

durvasa Member

acshen Member

Share This Page

About ClutchFans

Rockets Content

Support ClutchFans!