WCQF: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets | P1

[ThunderBolt]

We went from 6th in pace last year to 22nd this year. Pushing the pace isn't really this team's strength.

[ThunderBolt]

Also, this thread is a perfect example of the classic coach's dilemma. If we play well, it's the players; if we don't, it's the coach. SMH

There has been plenty of blame placed on the players in this thread. Chris Paul should have known what to do to get the offense moving. You are trying to create a false narrative among the people in this thread. At some point billy deserves some accountability.

[ThunderBolt]

A footnote, we all love SGA's upside, but his status as 'presumptive franchise cornerstone' really took a hit tonight. Still young but jeez, you can tell the difference between a guy who is a cut or so below the truly elite talent in a setting like this.

On the offensive end, shai is as good as his jumper. When it’s falling, the rest of his game opens up. When it’s not falling, he tends to force the issue at going to the basket. It’s pretty clear that he doesn’t have a ton of confidence in it. Like Carmelo, I’ve seen him pass up open shots for contested difficult ones. I’ve also seen him have a wide open three and then do a step back even though there is no one near him.

Defensively he probably won’t ever be overly physical unless he gets on Giannis’ workout plan but he needs to stop making mental mistakes.

Shai isn’t like previous stars like Durant or Luka that were great when they came in to the league but in year two I think he’s ahead of some of the lower tier stars like George and Butler. He has a reputation as a gym rat and hard worker. Hopefully he’ll improve. He needs too.

[1bigfan13]

We went from 6th in pace last year to 22nd this year. Pushing the pace isn't really this team's strength.

I was thinking the same thing as I read the comments.

This team's style of play has been a methodical half-court attack all season long. Their strength has been taking care of the ball and working off screens to find clean looks from mid-range and in.

Pushing the pace would be completely out of character.

[Balkman32]

Pass the ball. Move without the ball. Guys just stood around and took difficult shots. It looked like a poor imitation of last years offense with less talent.

This

[Galloisdaman]

Lots of talk about pushing the pace at practice. That is a given but they also have to move a lot more as well. I think CPS should work a lot of 2 man game with Adams and Gallo. Some simple pick and rolls like Stockton used to run over and over and over with Karl Malone. I'd look to make Harden defend our bigs on switches. His defense has improved but by making him work on defense he wont has as much left on offense (hopefully).

[getrichordie]

Also, this thread is a perfect example of the classic coach's dilemma. If we play well, it's the players; if we don't, it's the coach. SMH

There has been plenty of blame placed on the players in this thread. Chris Paul should have known what to do to get the offense moving. You are trying to create a false narrative among the people in this thread. At some point billy deserves some accountability.

Certainly not trying to create a false narrative. Maybe I shouldn't have said "this thread" but instead should of quoted those solely placing blame on Donovan. It was a loss all around. Everyone from the top down should be held accountable. That's a given.

[ThunderBolt]

Also, this thread is a perfect example of the classic coach's dilemma. If we play well, it's the players; if we don't, it's the coach. SMH

There has been plenty of blame placed on the players in this thread. Chris Paul should have known what to do to get the offense moving. You are trying to create a false narrative among the people in this thread. At some point billy deserves some accountability.

Certainly not trying to create a false narrative. Maybe I shouldn't have said "this thread" but instead should of quoted those solely placing blame on Donovan. It was a loss all around. Everyone from the top down should be held accountable. That's a given.

Everyone was bad. No one person deserves blame or credit for everything that happens. The criticism comes because it was not just a bad performance, it was a weird one. This team hadn’t looked that lost on offense since the first few games of the season.

[getrichordie]

A footnote, we all love SGA's upside, but his status as 'presumptive franchise cornerstone' really took a hit tonight. Still young but jeez, you can tell the difference between a guy who is a cut or so below the truly elite talent in a setting like this.

On the offensive end, shai is as good as his jumper. When it’s falling, the rest of his game opens up. When it’s not falling, he tends to force the issue at going to the basket. It’s pretty clear that he doesn’t have a ton of confidence in it. Like Carmelo, I’ve seen him pass up open shots for contested difficult ones. I’ve also seen him have a wide open three and then do a step back even though there is no one near him.

Defensively he probably won’t ever be overly physical unless he gets on Giannis’ workout plan but he needs to stop making mental mistakes.

Shai isn’t like previous stars like Durant or Luka that were great when they came in to the league but in year two I think he’s ahead of some of the lower tier stars like George and Butler. He has a reputation as a gym rat and hard worker. Hopefully he’ll improve. He needs too.

I'm confused. Are you saying Shai, in year 2, is ahead of where Butler and George were in year 2?

[ThunderBolt]

A footnote, we all love SGA's upside, but his status as 'presumptive franchise cornerstone' really took a hit tonight. Still young but jeez, you can tell the difference between a guy who is a cut or so below the truly elite talent in a setting like this.

On the offensive end, shai is as good as his jumper. When it’s falling, the rest of his game opens up. When it’s not falling, he tends to force the issue at going to the basket. It’s pretty clear that he doesn’t have a ton of confidence in it. Like Carmelo, I’ve seen him pass up open shots for contested difficult ones. I’ve also seen him have a wide open three and then do a step back even though there is no one near him.

Defensively he probably won’t ever be overly physical unless he gets on Giannis’ workout plan but he needs to stop making mental mistakes.

Shai isn’t like previous stars like Durant or Luka that were great when they came in to the league but in year two I think he’s ahead of some of the lower tier stars like George and Butler. He has a reputation as a gym rat and hard worker. Hopefully he’ll improve. He needs too.

I'm confused. Are you saying Shai, in year 2, is ahead of where Butler and George were in year 2?

Yes. I mean shai, in year two in the nba is ahead of where Paul George and Jimmy Butler were when they were in two, not where they are now.

[Galloisdaman]

I'm wondering if we should double team the ball out of Hardens hands or just tell the team let him get his 40 but dont let the other guys get open. I'm leaning towards letting Harden get 40 but shut down everyone else.

[Galloisdaman]

Like Dorts hustle on defense. Team looks a little better. Still could sue more movement. I would also want more guys going after the offensive boards. They are a bigger team. No reason to have so many 1 and dones. Crash those boards. That will slow Houston down and be demoralizing.

[ThunderBolt]

Houston gets easier shots. This will be a blow out soon if that doesn’t change.
Edit-JVG agrees. Too much iso. Not enough cutting.

[Galloisdaman]

Think SGA has forced a few shots in this series. If he just plays his game he will be fine. He doesn't have to be Harden. Be SGA.

[Dadouv47]

Is Adams hurt? We need him to play more minutes.

Houston defense is pretty good. Don't like our chances...

[Galloisdaman]

Is Adams hurt? We need him to play more minutes.

Houston defense is pretty good. Don't like our chances...

He was limping before the jump ball. Hopefully he can come back.

[Dadouv47]

So bad offense this quarter...

[ThunderBolt]

Shai needs to hit the weight room this summer.

[Galloisdaman]

Dennis is really playing well. I like his attitude out there. Dort helped as well. SGA doing a bit better but should look to pass instead a bit more if his shot is not there. Letting Harden shoot keeps him off the line. That is working so far. Still think we need more movement and to go harder for offensive boards. Nice to have the lead. Still want to see more hustle.

[Dadouv47]

At least Donovan isn't playing Diallo/Muscala/Roberson (wish Roberson could play but not in shape). Still think not opening a bigger lead after houston missing 15 straight 3's willl cost us the game.