I haven't seen anyone bring this up yet but there was an analysis from last season that ranked Lin as one of the league's top point guards in generating assists for shots from close range and three-point range. Pair that skill set with Harden, who is so reliant upon and excels at those types of shots (87% of his shots at OKC last season were near the rim or from three-point range, of which he made 62% and 40%, respectively) and you can see how the two compliment each other so well. In the past two games, all 15 of Lin's assists have been at the rim or three-point shots, many of them to Harden. Secondly, last season Harden and Lin were 1st and 3rd amongst all guards last season in free throw attempts per field goal attempt. In other words, they drew fouls at ridiculous rates (around 7 free throw attempts per 36 minutes each). You're already seeing that after two games: the two combined are averaging close to 15 free throw attempts per 36 minutes. What this says is that even if they are not shooting well, they'll be be able to keep the Rockets in the game by drawing fouls.
Please don't bring rational and logical analysis to Clutchfans. You won't be appreciated, esp by the haters.
It's great having two aggressive, unselfish, slashing guards always trying to get to the hole and create. They both need to work on protecting the ball better though IMO. Harden did have some bad turnovers last game, and we all know about Lin's turnovers. They'll get better at protecting the ball and playing off each other with more time though
Harden, Lin and Asik were advance stat geek's wet dream. Morey took a bit of a gamble with the green light to do so. Maybe this is why McHale always look drunk/tired in his interviews. He has to sort out all the stuff Morey drop on him. Also, playing 2 combo guards at the same time is very hipsterish. Everyone is talking about Hybrid offenses. Maybe we'll call them Hybrid guards instead of combo guards, because they can do everything traditional pg/sg can do but also little more in addition. Where as, Rondo still can't hit free throws, Rubio can't shoot or finish at the basket. But to be fare, Lin doesn't dribble as well compared to them, but it's enough for now. It's more fun than watching a season of tanking. Maybe now we'll get more games on national TV.
too bad neither of them could make a simple post pass and had the reputation of double blackholes. Really classy guys on and off the court though.
I like how both of them are passing to the other on backdoor cuts. Lin to Hardin, Hardin to Lin. Shows how the offense can run with either of them on the floor. Great chemistry developing it seems...
This has been briefly touched upon but I don't think fully delved into yet. Lin seized the opportunity in NY during linsanity and played without reservation because he was about to be cut and out of the Nba for good. He played with no fear because he couldn't afford not to. Once all the world-wide attention came upon him, he was uncomfortable with it, but at least it gave him the confidence and swagger that he needed to continue to excel. However after he got injured and with the hate started coming his way (and not just the praise), from the likes of Stephen A., then from his teammates (Melo, JR smith, Tyson), and of course the Dolan MSG smear campaign, Lin became uncomfortable with the spotlight. He retreated to Asia hoping to escape some of that. But you can tell in the pre-season he was just not comfortable. Not comfortable with his face on the New Age billboards, not comfortable being EXPECTED to be the number one option. Of course you have all this hate from even the Houston fan base. Lin doesn't read the posts here on clutch fan but that doesn't mean his brothers and close friends don't. Trust me. This stuff gets back to him one way or another. He was pressing on the court. McHale has to defend him by talking up the knee. Then on the eve of the season, he got the best gift possible in the form of a hungry yet unselfish on the verge superstar who is the number one option, who got the max contract, and who is expected to be the closer. Harden is well likes all around the NBA. Now by attaching Lin's success to Harden's, it legitimizes the former's talent automatically in the eyes of everyone in the league (with the exception of Stephen A. of course). Lin is far more comfortable being part of a dynamic duo, which Melo in NY would never let happen. Lin doesn't want all the potential glory because he now realizes all the potential hate, criticism, and ugliness that can come with it. He much rather succeed or fail as a team. Harden is the best thing that could have happened to Lin..
Great comment. I'm so excited about this team. So many guys that are easy to root for. (I'm even rooting for Douglas right now )
Difference? Passing comes natural for Harden and Lin - they just feel it. Not knocking those guys - I loved Cuttino. In addition to being a gifted scorer, he was an awesome defender, too.
This makes Lin seem mentally weak, and while none of us really know him so are just guessing, I've never gotten the impression that Lin can't handle pressure? He did it very well in NY. I don't think he "retreated" to Asia; those were prior commitments that he did before he was famous too. He seemed pretty uncomfortable there too -- with people screaming and chasing him. I think he just dislikes fame; I don't get the impression that he lives and dies by people's praise and criticism. People with strong faith generally don't? I think he was unhappy in preseason bc his play wasn't great. Certainly he feels the pressure on the court, so of course he's happy to be paired with a top player whose style meshes with his.
