ClutchFans Game Thread: Pistons @ Rockets 12/14/2019

Tired legs happen for a reason.

 

not gonna freak out about this loss. gonna chalk it up to a back to back with no Russ or EG. That's a lot of fire power to take out of your lineup and our guys were obviously tired. Also, Detroit is actually not bad. As long as Houston doesn't revert to how they played before Dec. 5th, comes out next game and plays well, i'm still cautiously optimistic. Russ is getting more comfortable.

The defense is a very very big concern though. i'm convinced that Jeff Biz D would have us playing better defense right now. That is really where our coaching staff is falling short. Other legit concerns: older guys playing too many minutes (someone is gonna get hurt), and turnovers ...my god the turnovers are way out of control.

 

Spoiler

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Ride the rollercoaster!
About to win their next 2 vs SA/LAC before losing to Phoenix.
Where would they be without that 8 game win streak (against bad teams)
If they're "for real", they should go on a run here before it picks up in the middle/end of January.
Everyone talking about the Lakers 'soft' schedule, Lakers don't drop this game (or the Kings game or blow a 22 point lead vs SA)
PS: Don't lose that Hawks game January 8th after FOUR days off.

16 Spurs
19 @ Clippers
21 @ Suns
23 @ Kings
25 @ Warriors
28 Nets
29 @ Pelicans
31 Nuggets

JAN
3 Sixers
8 @ Hawks
9 @ Thunder
11 TWolves
14 @ Memphis
15 Blazers
18 Lakers
20 Thunder
22 Nuggets
24 @ TWolves
26 @ Nuggets
27 @ Jazz
29 @ Blazers
31 Mavs

 

Houston wants to give up the game, actually either no harden or westbrooks will not get a win now. It does not like last year we have cp3

 

We are streaky offensively with House and McLemore and Gordon to make up for the lack of defense they bring. We need another 6' 10" forward to fit into our starting lineup, who can play some mean defense. We can rotate in our 3 pt shooters, but none of those guys need staying in when they aren't taking care of business. Next man up.

 

#NoContenders

 

THREE losses to under .500 teams. SAS, SAC, DET.

Remember that at the end of the year when seeding matters.

Are the Lakers & Bucks losing these games? Nope.

Rockets had tired legs. And the bench is thin. This is what you get with a thin bench. #Tilman

 

seeding dont matter what matters is the officiating

 

It's not binary. Both can matter. Seeding does matter.

 

At some point you have to accept that the Rockets simply aren’t that good. They’re a solid team but not contender-status, and lack the discipline to play hard every night.

 

Oh, I have accepted that. Was just offering context to juxtapose the teams.

Rockets won't get to contender status until #Tilman approves spending. So it's on him right now. And we are all just left waiting.

 

Tilman refused to spend for James Harden and Daryl Morey.

He will never spend. No waiting necessary.

 

You might be right. The question is will Tilman learn over time. Is this *new owner syndrome?* I don't really know. We can speculate, but we don't know for sure. Though, we know what we have seen so far, which is unfortunate.

 

Who?

 

He wasn't real wealthy to begin with compared to other owners, only a little richer than Alexander. Now some owners have the knowledge of how to spend efficiently to get to a championship.

He uses the Rox to break even, or to make additional money.
Can't believe I fell for his shenanigans the first year.

 

@Nook I want to ask you an honest question, Im not hating(as you know I love Harden) but do you think our transition defense being bad is mainly from Harden not getting back enough, or are there other issues?

 

3 "night in and night out" from Clyde last night. 10 total in 5 games, and I've missed small bits and pieces here and there during blowouts etc.

Yes I know i have an unhealthy obsession with this, but I have no idea how a commentator can use the same repetitive phrases over and over lol

 

Harden doesn’t help but almost none of them consistently get back. Some of it is age, some of it is effort and some of it is ability.

The Rockets have personal issues that catch up to them. If you want to run, then you better have the players and depth to run.

I can tell you that transition defense has been their top defensive concern for a month.

 

Seeding will matter because the playoffs are going to be all about match ups. Every single team in the WC is capable of losing to another playoff team or two. So being able to manipulate who you face and avoid will be huge.

 

its a coward mentality... he who has the heart of a champion dont care not about no freaking seeding, like non