No matter what game it is, you're always expecting them to suddenly go 5 minutes without a single point. Recently, their defense has picked up, but that unpredictable element of their offense is still there. Last year, I don't remember the Rockets ever having that problem. The offense usually rolled along even if their defense got worse for a quarter. That's one of the most concerning things about this year's team. At any moment, they can just go cold. 0-27 was a shock last year, but it wouldn't be a surprise if it happen again this year. We've had plenty of 0-13 quarters. It happened against mediocre teams and good teams.
I think the team is as good, if not better on paper. I don't know if they're going to be able to replicate what they did last season simply cause last season was bascially perfect aside for one freaking injury.
Our bench is concerning. And we don't have the luxury of brining Ego off the bench as a super sub any more.
We will see what happens this season. It may be time to put a stop to moneyball. Two point jumper is what get you the championship. 3 pointers may work in the regular season but the % will go down in the playoffs due to the defense.
The ceiling on this team is higher than last year's, but the variance is also greater. Replacing Ariza and LMM, 2 relatively consistent 3D guys w/ House, Rivers, and more Ggreen minutes will basically result in a more athletic, but streakier supporting cast. Although LMM couldn't even play in the playoffs. Bench in game 3 was great, we won despite a horrific shooting night from Harden. Bench in game 4 was terrible, only 5 pts combined, we lost despite making 17 3s. It's a tough comparison but it's basically a mixed bag. If the bench can have more good than bad nights we give ourselves an excellent chance to win each game.
Through 4 games vs the Jazz last year, we were up 3-1, averaged 107.8 points per game and gave up 97.8 points per game Through 4 games vs the Jazz this year, we are up 3-1, have averaged 108.8 points per game and have given up 99 points per game But your idea sounds ok too
no offense, but did you even watch the games last year. We had the exact same problems last year with scoring in the playoffs. You should go back and watch the entire playoffs because we had scoring droughts in both the Timberwolvs and Jazz series. I like how you pretend Ariza and Moute were consistent scorers from anywhere, when they bricked just as many layups and 3's as our current bench. We are essentially the same team as last year in terms of streaky scoring, we play almost the exact same way, the only difference is our rotation was arguably shorter because Ryan Anderson and Moute were unplayable in the playoffs.
Hardly. Chris Paul missed the same exact number of games last season. LMaM missed over 20 games too. We had other players miss time too.
Against GSW, if Faried becomes unplayable due to his defensive woes, while Green isn’t hitting shots along with defensive issues. I don’t see how both get on the court together. If House isn’t shooting well and defense is an issue with Refs calling tacky fouls, then we will have issues this year more pronounced than last year. I think Rivers can be a huge plus both on defense and offense with his ball handling and driving ability. We need to run more plays for him to get to the rim or baseline cuts. Even with the big wins against the Jazz and their pathetic of an offense, our defense and rebounding is a concern. I believe this year will be same as last year, it will depend on how fair the game is called but so far I don’t think we can overcome the refs and GSW. We can still improve our defense and find combinations on the rotations that give us some edge to win.
Now pull up what we averaged in Utah last year and what we average in Utah this year. That's kinda the point. Their offense might just suck on the road.
If Austin Rivers, House, and Shumpert don't step the f up in the Warriors series, it could be over quickly. Sure, the starters are important, but a lot of people don't realize their benches have killed opposing benches in the Playoffs.
We only don't have that luxury because of MDA's stubbornness in developing young talent. Clark would be a great rotational player by now had he gotten burn in the regular season.
Okay, so then the Moreyball offense doesn't work in the Playoffs. Yes, there are special moments like the 50-point quarter or that Spurs game in 2017, but it's been regularly shut down in the Playoffs. It's time to adjust.
Our bench more than anything needs to play lockdown D with quick rotations and hit some open shots when needed, while one of CP3 and Harden take over on offense with the second unit. I think Gordon has regressed this year, not shooting wise, but ability to drive and finish around the rim and making good decisions. We’ll know more in the GSW series but he hasn’t been like the years past.