Pop made a simple defensive adjustment that won this game -- he put Aldridge on Ariza and Green/Simmons/Leonard on Anderson. This did two things -- eliminated the Anderson pick and pop because now you can easily switch that play, a play that's an essential weapon of the Rockets offense AND it created a supposed "mismatch" with Ariza and Aldridge. This perceived advantage led to the Rockets having Ariza go one on one WAY WAY more than he should ever, period. The offense stalled and couldn't flow because of this, resulting in way too much Harden iso; games where Harden has to do that (and he had to tonight), do not favor us, in my opinion. THEN -- D'Antoni makes zero adjustments to Pop's moves. Anderson is rendered completely ineffective and he plays him down the stretch with Ariza, standing arms folded on the sideline like a goon, keeping Beverly tied to the bench for almost all the fourth quarter out of pure ignorance? Stubbornness? Our most effective leader? On the bench? Why. Just Sad. Meanwhile Pop doesn't have to make any counter-moves, sticks to his game plan to T and gets the proud W. Also -- check out that Green play out of the time-out that resulted in a corner 3. A genius call to put an exhausted Harden in a defensive position of weakness at a pivotal point in the game. I hope D'Antoni unfolds his arms and gets to work in Game 4. The end thanks bye.
^ are you serious? Anderson missed every single 3 at the Toyota Center vs. OKC. Even uncovered. He missed all of them tonight, even uncovered. That trend continues. Not that hard.
D'antoni has a mental block when up against Pop in the playoffs. Harden has a mental block when up against Warriors in the playoffs. It just so happens one team is always winning and the other is in the middle of their dynasty. Won't win anything without more help. D'antoni needs a shrink and Harden needs 3 all-star teammates.
