The biggest determinants in a Rockets V. Bucks or even Lakers series is not necessarily how the Rockets Play It is more how the Game is Reffed. 1. If LeBron and Giannas are getting every ticky tack foul. while Harden and Westbrook are getting slung to the floor every play . . . it will not be much of a series. Against the Bucks in particular I can see Tuck and Covington ,both, having 5 fouls early in the 4th . . . .. and Giannas able to go off. They will blame small ball when in reality its the Refs. HArden and Westbrook get the foul calls. . .I could see most of the Buck's front court having 5 fouls by the beginning of the 4th . 2. League Narrative determines #1 above and how the series will go imo . .far too much 3. Rockets Play is a factor as well and some luck (injuries) could cause problems. Rocket River
We totally clamped down our defense in the second half against the Celtics, played them extremely physically in the paint, used our hands a lot, and seldom got called for fouls. And this was in Boston. That's an extremely good sign for the playoffs. The #1 difference in the playoffs is not that the game slows down, but that referees eat their whistles. In previous years, that was bad for us. Now it's good. Small ball doesn't just suit our lineup. It also takes full advantage of the way games are being refereed. I like our chances.
i guess thats the thing.. if there is an opinion that you dont like or disagree with, disparage it by calling it a "narrative"...
Come on - winning in the 1st and 2nd round is not what this is about.....if you are happy with that - then you are missing the point a lot of us are making.....it is about being a CHAMPIONSHIP contender only, nothing else. I don't want to be the Trailblazers who win in the first round then peter out.......that is what this is about, being a perinieal WC finals contender. WC finals or bust. DD
Well I'd say if the 'narrative' is that we cant win a series or 2 in the playoffs - that is incorrect... according to the OP we are 6-5 in series since 2015... So I'd say odds are we'll win a series or maybe 2... If its that we cant win throughout the playoffs to make it to the finals or win a chip... well... hasnt happened in like 25 years.. so thats probably deserved at this point... GSW, Bron, Toronto... have shown they can win throughout the playoffs... some teams are in flux so you dont know what they're capable of (Clippers) and most other teams arent even in the conversation... lol Too many seemed concerned and want to outraged with the ramblings of the talking heads... what was the Nixon quote... something like "They'll love me when I win!" lol
The NBA is still about matchups.......just as the Rockets pose a threat to both LA teams. Dallas matches up well when healthy with the Rockets just as this version of OKC does. CP3 is still the prince of midrange and a good 3 pt shooter in clutch. They all have nice role players. Nice balance of old and young players. (Dallas obviously has younger players) I think Memphis or New Orleans are too inexperienced....but will get better in the future.
I agree with what you say in general, although I don't think it applies in the case in point. Yes, the word "narrative" is being overused. And since when "narrative" became a negative term? I do blame sports "journalism" -- if you can call them journalists.
