Q12543 wrote:I know we're tired of moral victories, but up until the last two minutes and OT, that probably was one of our best defensive efforts of the season considering who we were playing. And even after the comeback win, we still held Houston well below their season shooting percentages. May be our defense is starting to come around a bit?
You also have to hand it to Houston. While we did everything we could to help, they still had to make three 3's in a row in the final minute or so to tie the game. I mean it's kinda ridiculous what they did.
I actually feel the same way. I just want to sit with the pain for a bit longer.
KiwiMatt wrote:I don't understand why we run ISO plays down the stretch for Wiggins at the top of the perimeter. He simply doesn't have the ball handling or play making skills.
Just when you think this team has hit rock bottom, they seem to find a whole never level of incompetence.
There is a couple reasons. First, you can't have Ricky do it because they simply won't guard him the way you have to guard Wiggins. Second, It didn't work tonight, but it has been a good strategy for us like at the end of the first half. What I didn't like is they were running him into the sideline where there was no room. They usually do it toward the top of the key where it seems you have more options.
Cool it hasn't worked all season....
Give it down low to KAT for the high percentage play. Especially with Ryan fricken Anderson guarding him.
You're right about the advantage KAT had, but I disagree on the other point. It HAS worked pretty well this season. Wig had one turnover tonight. Zach had 8, KAT had 6. The play is designed to give either Wig or KAT a mismatch, depending on whether the defense switches or not. If those two guys can't execute it's on them, but the strategy is something I like.
You give to KAT tonight 10 times out of 10. Wiggins shot 5 from 17 and expelled most his energy guarding Harden. KAT scored 41 points shooting over 50%.
There's no doubt the Wiggins ISO play is effective in moderation, but you go with the guy with the hot hand and that wasn't Wiggins tonight, it was KAT. OR you create a mismatch or opening by ball movement which doesn't happen running that play.....
Wiggins continues to let this team down. Granted, this team built their lead and eventually lost the game as a team, but he continues to be lacking the killer instinct. All those physical gifts and he has no desire to consistently attack the rim -- arguably the one legitimate thing he does at an above average level. That's okay, though. Keep settling for contested 18-footers with your mediocre jump shot. Pussy.
KiwiMatt wrote:The Rockets have attempted 51 three pointers tonight. I'll just let that sink in for a minute.
The NBA is in a bad way if this the direction it is heading.
In one way, you might be right. But then again... the team that's taken 112 three pointers over the past two nights was infinitely more physical, aggressive and mentally fit to win the game.
Duke13 wrote:LST, are we out of the woods yet concerning our tired legs? Looked pretty fresh the first half. Or if they come out flat this half is it possible the effects of the long grueling practices take time to take hold of the young puppies?
Duke, if you had ever actually played the game, you'd know that a fatigued team might show up strong at the start of the game but won't be able to keep it up later in the game. That's why the Wolves have been so terrible in the second halves of most games this year. Let's see...how did the Thibsberwolves do in the 4th quarter and overtime tonight? Oh, they were outscored 44-29? But I thought the Rockets were on the back end of a BTB...why were they so much fresher than us at the end of the game? Hmm...interesting.
crazysauce wrote:But there down 6 and needing the three ball yet inexplicably the leave their three point shooters wide open. Then there effort down the stretch.where is any sense of aggressiveness. I dont remember a loss as bad as this one.
I was watching with my son and I was telling him we should start fouling them when we were up 6 and there was 36 seconds left. Against most teams, that's a dumb strategy. I'm not sure it is against Houston.
But yeah, I gotta go back and look at how Ryan Anderson got such a ridiculously good look to close it to 3. The shot that tied the game by Ariza was tough because he was at least being guarded, but the Ryan Anderson was simply inexcusable! You know that is the only thing they were looking for!
Actually, look at the Ariza triple too while you're at it. Harden gets ridiculously easy momentum toward the hoop and Towns steps up to stop the three pointer... which leaves Ariza wide open. After the play, Rubio looks pissed. And he looks to be yelling at Rubio. Probably something like "just give up the 2... don't give up the 3."
