Red Nation just witnessed an OK start followed by a half of ice-cold garbage shooting followed by a good comeback effort that simply wasn't enough. (We can take into account the emotional and physical energy level that the Rockets have at the moment, but exhaustion notwithstanding, I believe that the above segments of the game distinctly happened.) Just to list and discuss observations, what accounts for these transitions? If any of these reasons are factors that are under the Rockets' control, why don't we leverage them sooner? How much of tonight's loss is something that, at the least, we the fans can learn from?
What's the difference between a team performing an inspiring comeback, and a team experiencing an epic collapse? Is it the team "coming back", or is it the other team "collapsing/choking"?
Good shot creators for himself and teammates. We have one in Harden, while they have Westbrook and Durant. Other than Harden we don't have anyone else. Lin is too inconsistent with the way he plays. Parsons is not good enough with his handles. Beverley's vision is not good enough to create for others. When shots are not falling and Dwight Howard is neutralized, we don't have anyone else to go to other than Harden.
It usually starts with getting stops. Either the opponent starts missing shots they were making before or the Rockets pick up the defense and make them miss shots. Then they've got to make their shots after they get stops. Stops allow for fast breaks. Rockets are great when they are running the floor. Fast break = points. But in order to run, they need stops. When the Rockets can get stops and get out in transition, they can get back in the game quickly.
Harden way too passive in the first 3 quarters. Do not understand him passing with Ibaka guarding him. Baffles me
He is passive in the first quarter because the team prioritizes Dwight Howard post ups far too much. It's only when they realize the post ups aren't working that they go back to Harden pick and roll, and let him play his game.
I think this is a big part of it this year, but we played much the same way in the postseason last year. Sloppy execution, down by 20 at the half, scrap our way back and find ourselves with insufficient gas in the tank to finish.
When everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something, because an elevator always smells different to a midget.
Dwight is gonna have to play a lot better than that to even have a chance against this team... Oh and hope KD isn't hitting step back 3's -_-
