Back to Back - and its a Monday that doesn't suck because the ROCKETS ARE PLAYING!!
Excited yet?! Game Time 8pm (MT)
Starting lineup ~ probable.
James Harden & Jeremy Lin
Chemistry - the theme is chemistry, the teams still building on this as some TO's last game were purely because lobs were lost because the Rocket receivers weren't ready or just weren't on the same page from our dual threat QBs.
Harden continues to pour on the points as Jeremy Lin is struggling to hit his shots.
Perhaps Harden needs to introduce Jeremy to one of his after-hour friends?
But with the work-ethic and desire to improve - continue to watch the growth of this team!
Media Frenzy in Past, Lin Is Enjoying the Peace
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/sport ... eason.html
CHANDLER BANG
* Chandler continues to fire up the grill with his shooting and transition work - though he went quiet in the third as ball-movement slowed down and the ball was not finding him shots. Expect for coaching to work it to Parsons more.
Although he was averaging 36-38 minutes a game, Versus the Lakers he only played 29 minutes.
- One questions why coaching would limit his playtime despite shooting for 80% versus the Lakers.
- 80% from inside the arc and 80% from the 3pt (4/5) w/ 24pts against the Lakers. If he had played an additional 5+ minutes he would have broken 30pts easily
- Sampson and fellow Rockets need to work the ball more to who is HOT and shooting well.
Omer ASIKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Limited to only 27 minutes, with 9 rebounds and 8pts. Omer uncharacteristically missed all 4 free throws. Of course having Dwight Howard power elbow you to the face - and leaving the game for stitches...(again) must be a real downer. It was a downer for the Houston Rockets as well - as we struggled to rebound - matching the lakers with 41 rebounds a piece by the end of the game.
* I want a rematch already. The team really missed having Asik on the floor. Expect him to play more minutes and NOT get elbowed in the face.
Patrick Patterson
* The evolution of PATPAT continues! And that includes a loud DUNK as he threw in 53% shooting and 8 rebounds in the effort to go toe2toe with the Lakers.
In retrospect - the main weaknesses from the Laker games - and things to look for ---- to improve on from the last game.
1. Keep the tempo up. Don't let the opposing team change tempos - and force you to their style of play.
2. Cannot afford a series of bad plays/turnovers/badshots and hope to recover from it - against a good team.
3. Feed the guys that are hot. Chandler Parsons is starting to elevate to stardom. Don't keep him off the floor or play rookies over him if he is shooting 80% - It makes no sense. LET HIM SCORE 50pts then!!!
4. Harden has to avoid throwing the tempo away from what is working. Sure it was 60-68 at half but - dont get away from what was working and start clanking shots. Take the good shots when they are there ~ Move the ball. Move the ball.
5. Those that are going to be receiving lobs on the regular - need to work on their timing and communication.
Ex: Morris raising his hand for the lob - Jeremy Lin lobbing it, but Morris did not break into a sprint after calling for the lob. Thus it was a lob past the board - and Morris was still in jog/run pace instead of Sprint/Jump.
6. Jeremy - Needs the hoops whisperer or a 2nd - 3rd shooting coach to help him work on his shooting. Confidence and swag are still missing - though there was a certain point where "someone said JLin was going berserk" which was exactly one element missing from Lin's game - aggression - people need to be scared of him. Not immediately conclude he is going to pass the ball. Noticing that big men are waiting for Lin to pass more. Lin needs to take shots instead and make them not assume pass. He's been shooting horribly other than the (almost triple double performance- earlier this month.)
7. Don't rely on specifically on the corner 3pt shot from Morris - we shot ourselves out of the game in the 3rd as well.
8. Going to say it one more time. If Chandler freaking Parsons is shooting 80% - GIVE HIM THE DAMN BALL. I don't care if your spending 200 million on all other 4 players - GIVE THE BALL TO the ABERCROMBIE MODEL!
James Harden last game from 3pt (3-7)
Marcus Morris last game from 3pt (3-6)
Yes- I will take Chandler Parsons shooting 80% from anywhere.
2nd Unit!
Toney Douglas!!
Although he went 1-15 in the first 4 games, he rebounded with some solid performances recently and has contributed greatly on both sides of the ball.
* Expect to see him improve further on offense and defense as he becomes a reliable 2nd unit commander
* A bit shaky performance - especially on the dribble and fall against the invisible 6th man. Subsequently having the ball wrestled away from him, it was not surprising that Lin was immediately subbed in after that poor turnover.
* Here is to hoping that TD rebounds from that lack-luster performance!
Marcus Morris
* Staples and the Lakers may have been a bit intimidating for Morris but expect him to continue to improve and grow. The last thing he should do - is stop being aggressive, keep on shooting and keep on hustling!
* Hopefully he speeds up his game more - as I can see him taking a lot of lobs for alleyoop dunks - besides shooting and playing D.
Terrence Jones
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQlbO8oX7M4[/youtube]
Screw pictures - Just use this for the rest of the season.
* You know your going to see more playtime for TJones ~ TJs proven with that alone - that he deserves to play. Confidence swag and gutsy attack.
Greg Smith
* Energy and Hustle
* He needs to take some better pictures on and off the court!
Cole ALDRICH (I mispelled this before)
Although he provides a type of aggression when he is on the floor. He has to work on reducing poor fouls, and turnovers.
Questionable - Carlos Delfino - due to Groin Injury
Carlos has been playing phenomenally and brings a level of calmness with his veteran experience.
* I haven't read anywhere - how bad Delfino's groin injury is - though I do recommend more groin stretches
Who we wish we could see some more of in actual games
D-League and an extra 20lbs of muscle - Wishing him a successful training period and a return to the Rockets when its time for him to contribute!
versus.
UTAH JAZZ ~ doobeedoowop
15 minutes later this was the best picture to represent the enemy. Their uniforms are ugly.. someone needs to be fired at their organization.
The Jazz scraped together 50 pts from their starters against the Washing Wizards. Thats right folks - the Wizards. The same Wizards that lost John Wall.
The same Wizards that are battling the Detroit Pistons for control of the very bottom.
Their starting guards Mo Williams and Randy Foye contributed 6 assists and 12pts combined!
Paul Millsap and Derrick favors 2-13 and 3-10 - contributed to the shooting ourselves out of a win - but we still beat the Wizards Miracle.
The Jazz attempted 9 shots from beyond the arc and made 2.
* Which should speak volumes on where they are shooting wise.
Utah Jazz fans attend their games for only 1 reason
And it aint to watch the Jazz - pray for miracles.
Shooting % as team 37.8% and from beyond the arc 22.2%
Thus I give you wonderwoman.
Take this one home!
I'd try to look up the 1st chick but I'm at work. You could try google imaging her.
