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[SI: The Crossover / Rob Mahoney] The Rockets’ Isolation Offense Is an Opponents' Nightmare

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Deuce, Mar 21, 2018.

  1. Deuce

    Deuce Context & Nuance

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    To watch the Rockets' offense churn is to see some of the best basketball players in the world at a loss. Opponents can only endure so much of James Harden's scoring before hands are thrown up in exasperation. Chatter among defenders gives way to bickering. Piercing glances erode trust. Blame is pushed around and around whenever the Rockets have their way, which is pretty much always; when it isn't Harden punishing the defense, it's Chris Paul, and when isn't Chris Paul, it's one of so many—too many—shooters or finishers spaced perfectly around the floor.

    This is as crushing an offense as the league has ever seen. It takes a concerted effort to stall the Rockets in transition and a great deal of game planning to slow their pick-and-roll game. Yet even a defense that accomplishes both is still positioned for failure, all due to Houston's unprecedented success in isolation. One-on-one play, in the most general sense, has its limits. They simply do not apply in these circumstances—not when the creators involved are literally the two most efficient isolation players in the league, according to Synergy Sports, surrounded by close to an optimal infrastructure.

    Rest of the article (with video examples) here: https://www.si.com/nba/2018/03/20/houston-rockets-offense-james-harden-chris-paul-mike-dantoni
     
    #1 Deuce, Mar 21, 2018
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  2. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Member

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    Didn't feel like posting this because SI... and the other Iso article was much better with more stats and details.
     
    #2 Invisible Fan, Mar 21, 2018
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  3. FTW Rockets FTW

    FTW Rockets FTW Member

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    But but clutchfans told me we isoball so much

    Clutchfans being clutchfans
     
    #3 FTW Rockets FTW, Mar 21, 2018
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  4. FTW Rockets FTW

    FTW Rockets FTW Member

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    With that spacing, James Harden and Chris Paul become so dangerous

    Set a screen. Get a big to guard James or Chris and it's BBQ chicken
     
    #4 FTW Rockets FTW, Mar 21, 2018
    Jontro, vlaurelio, hakeem94 and 1 other person like this.
  5. TracywtFacy

    TracywtFacy Member

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    What's wrong with SI? It was well written, with plenty of explanatory clips.
     
    #5 TracywtFacy, Mar 21, 2018
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  6. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Member

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    That 94 cover.

    Article was okay but behind the reporting curve. :scola_face:
     
    #6 Invisible Fan, Mar 21, 2018
  7. TracywtFacy

    TracywtFacy Member

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    Grudges die hard eh. They made up for it somewhat with that Astros cover...
     
    #7 TracywtFacy, Mar 21, 2018
  8. LosPollosHermanos

    LosPollosHermanos BOL BOL
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    It’s ok for now but starting in the post season rockets need to introduce the variety and versatility they had at the beginning of the yr
     
    #8 LosPollosHermanos, Mar 22, 2018
  9. vlaurelio

    vlaurelio Member

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    IMO, as the season progressed, opposing defenders has been staying glued to the shooters. So Morey, MDA, Harden, & CP3s strategy is for Harden & CP3 ISO the opponents to death until they send multiple defenders to them only then they can move the ball to shooters for wide open 3s & layups.
     
    #9 vlaurelio, Mar 22, 2018
  10. LosPollosHermanos

    LosPollosHermanos BOL BOL
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    I’m not worried I know they can play both styles just hope they can flip the switch when they need to
     
    #10 LosPollosHermanos, Mar 22, 2018
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