Rockets (2) Vs. Clippers (3) Western Semis Thread

[Jedi1823]

The Clippers beating the Spurs like they did was the worst thing that could have happened to the Rockets. The Clippers have their confidence sky high, there's no doubt, and more importantly they're not afraid at all. They get a setback, they'll just smile and not panic.

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by jova888

sell, sell,sell

Sold his nt rookie in the 1st quarter for what seemed like a great deal. Now I'm starting to think the buyer knew something I didn't.

[thecomebacker]

I'm passed the Rockets, who's next?

[jetscollector10]

Is now the time to try to move this immaculate auto of rivers?

[seabass97166]

Originally Posted by nissandriver77

Can this be the season for the Clips ????

Absolutely! They check all the boxes

Hot team..check check check!!!
Great point guard...check
Unstoppable forward...check
Great big man...check
3 point shooters...check
Great Coach..check

And it doesn't hurt that the Cavs are banged up. And that GS/Grizz will be a 7 game battle

Clippers weakest thing is their bench and Rivers, Crawford, Davis might be able to hold their own.

I'm drinking the Clipper Kool Aid!!

[EMD34]

Originally Posted by tristan20

Harden sucks as expected. When you don't get the whistles like you did all season, it shows.

25 & 11 on 50% shooting (and only 5FTs) sucks? It's not Harden's fault. The Rockets have 1 ball handler, no post options, and a team full of average at best shooters who shoot 30 3s a game. Harden is not the issue, no one can do it alone.

[EMD34]

Originally Posted by drob50

This is why the Rockets can't be seen as a real contender IMO. When you rely on getting calls as much as they do, you will not win in many playoff game and even less in finals

Yeah, that's why Wade never won a title on his own...

[paul06901]

Originally Posted by EMD34

25 & 11 on 50% shooting (and only 5FTs) sucks? It's not Harden's fault. The Rockets have 1 ball handler, no post options, and a team full of average at best shooters who shoot 30 3s a game. Harden is not the issue, no one can do it alone.

Harden definitely does not suck. However, his flow is not the same as it was all season long. He's getting doubled when he has the ball (and that's why he has so many assists, he's handling the double very well). However, his FT attempts are way down, and he's not getting the "and-1" calls he usually does, nor is he getting the majority of calls on his flailing drives or leg kicks on jumpers.

Harden is a superstar without his flopping antics, but this series goes to show he's struggling to get into his normal, regular-season-like flow/rhythm due to the no-calls on his flops, the double-teams, and the hack-a-Dwight/Smith. It's really working to the Clippers' advantage.

Much of Hardens numbers/stats didn't really have an impact on the game. Hence why statistics are overrated.


But again, Harden does not suck ... but he's not getting the whistle-treatment to the extent like he's used to during the regular-season.

[EMD34]

I'd say that has a lot more to do with a couple of bad refs (Ken Mauer is the worst) than any kind of "play-off rules", he got called pretty normally in the Mavs series, and even the last game against the Clippers. I think the whole "no call" thing in the playoffs is way over-blown. Harden has shot 9.8 FTs per in the playoffs compared to 10.2 per in the regular season.

[paul06901]

Originally Posted by EMD34

I'd say that has a lot more to do with a couple of bad refs (Ken Mauer is the worst) than any kind of "play-off rules", he got called pretty normally in the Mavs series, and even the last game against the Clippers. I think the whole "no call" thing in the playoffs is way over-blown.

The first round of Playoffs was pretty weak, officiating-wise. And the Mavericks, my favorite team, are the worst defensive team I've ever seen. Harden got all those "head-jerk", "swing-through", and "leg-kick" flop calls. The second round, across the league, has been called pretty tight. It has been refreshing. Look at the Bulls/Cavs series. How many drives to the hoop by both teams with contact of a defender have been no-called? It's been very nice to watch.

[EMD34]

Originally Posted by paul06901

The first round of Playoffs was pretty weak, officiating-wise. And the Mavericks, my favorite team, are the worst defensive team I've ever seen. Harden got all those "head-jerk", "swing-through", and "leg-kick" flop calls. The second round, across the league, has been called pretty tight. It has been refreshing. Look at the Bulls/Cavs series. How many drives to the hoop by both teams with contact of a defender have been no-called? It's been very nice to watch.

That tends to happen with teams that have a "defensive" reputation for some reason, the Grizzlies games get called the same way.

[paul06901]

Originally Posted by EMD34

That tends to happen with teams that have a "defensive" reputation for some reason, the Grizzlies games get called the same way.

I do totally agree with that. The Grizzlies are known as the "toughest" team in the NBA.

Gasol and Randolph get away with so much pushing, shoving, grabbing, illegal screens, etc. They wouldn't be half as good as they are if they were officiated correctly.

I understand this happens across the league, due to team/player reputations. That is why I love teams like the GSWs. They just play great, offensively and defensively, and play as a TEAM. Same with the Spurs. Those two teams are, I feel, the most TRUE and well-rounded teams in the league by far. (Although, I'm not a fan of Bogut's illegal screens either...)

But while many people have said this year's NBA has been tough to watch ... I'm very happy with the Playoffs. I think they have been wildly entertaining. So many upsets and so many hard-fought games. :eatit:

[drob50]

Originally Posted by EMD34

Yeah, that's why Wade never won a title on his own...

Comment all you like. The proof is in the series we are watching.

Playing for calls doesn't always work. Harden is finding out now!

[drob50]

Originally Posted by EMD34

I'd say that has a lot more to do with a couple of bad refs (Ken Mauer is the worst) than any kind of "play-off rules", he got called pretty normally in the Mavs series, and even the last game against the Clippers. I think the whole "no call" thing in the playoffs is way over-blown. Harden has shot 9.8 FTs per in the playoffs compared to 10.2 per in the regular season.

Of course it was called normally against the Mavs... Because your rockets won!

you don't think the refs whistle is used less in playoffs??

[Jedi1823]

This game is going to take 8 hours with Houston in hack-a-DeAndre mode.

[ninjacookies]

It amazes me Austin is still unable to layup with his left hand until this day. Was his biggest criticism in college and still hasn't addressed it. Like...no one took the time to help him develop it. His layups on the off side just look so....ugly.

[jbrandonw]

It's so hilarious watching harden stare down the refs after he tries to draw contact and doesn't get his usual calls.

[mrmojorisin71]

This game is pathetic

[muzikandme]

Hack-a-jordan is Houstons best defensive play? Really? Hahaha Clippers still winning.

[seabass97166]

Hou-stink...this team is just a dream matchup for the Clippers. Clips always own these no defense wannabes. Won 15 of last 20

[Jedi1823]

28 freaking free throw attempts for DeAndre. Man up Houston.

[fitch123]

Wow. That stat...

Teams that try the hack-a -Jordan strategy are 18-2 against the clippers.

[vitin01]

28 FT attempts in the first half by Jordan. New NBA record.

[IronMonkey415]

Kenny with so much swag in his vein.
Dude walk up grab a ball and shot it with one hand, while he was still talking.

[IronMonkey415]

Forgot to mention it was NOTHING BUT NET.