Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Grizzlies @ Rockets Preseason Game 5

Game Time 5pm PST

JLin will be playing.

154 comments:

  1. Jason Friedman ‏@RocketsJCF
    Kevin McHale says Jeremy Lin's knee feeling better, might try to "extend" his minutes tonight vs. Grizzlies.

    Sweet. Would love to see him play more!

    ClutchFans.net ‏@clutchfans
    McHale says he's very comfortable with six guys in his rotation right now. But "7 through 10... that's the issue."

    I guess 1 through 6 would be the starting five plus Delfino.

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    1. he didn't real gel with Lamb when I say them play. I'm not even sure he gels with the other pgs, especially Machado. The list of people he does gel with are
      Chandler
      Asik
      Patterson
      Martin
      Jones
      Delfino maybe?

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    2. I can't imagine coach being doubtful about Delfino, a veteran, over Jones, a rookie. The Rockets must have broughtDelfino in during off-season for a reason. It must be that he's a veteran guy with the skill set the Rockets need e.g. outside shooting.

      I'm pretty sure Lin, Parsons, Martin, Asik are locks into the "very comfortable" category. Patterson and Delfino are maybes. But what about Douglas?

      What I'm curious about is the back-up PG position. Is McHale gonna keep both, but only one of them will take up two spots in the "7 through 10" category (which I assume means playing meaningful back up minutes)? I hope they keep Douglas as the first PG off the bench, just because I think the Rockets need veterans and particularly the ones who are team focused and without tendencies towards drama.

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    3. Dude jeremy lin sucks and thats a fact you'll never admit

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  2. Lin Bash-o-meter odds:

    Marc Gasol: 1-1 since Gasol bashed Lin once already

    The other Grizzlies big men: 1-10. I'm predicting that one of the Grizzlies bench players is going to hit Lin hard.

    Chances of referees calling a flagrant foul in Lin's favor: 0.00001%.

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    1. The big men will always go after Lin. The paint is the big men's domain. JLin specialises in attacking that domain. If someone intrudes into the part of the floor I'm responsible for again and again, I'd respond with bashing or else my coach will probably get on my case.

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    2. The team needs an enforcer type, too many nice guys on the roster. Blake Griffin is a big dude but players cheapshot him often. Clips at least have or had Reggie Evans and DJ to keep them in check. Jared Jeffries did his best in NY.

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  3. I wish the nba would keep a stat about how many times a player gets double teamed in games. That would tell people the value of a true offensive star.

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    1. They should do that - and meassure the distance that players are running.

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    2. Guys that can't SEE THAT with their naked eye are either clueless about the game or are lying about what they're seeing in order to flame others.

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  4. Ok i'm a little concern with JLin's shooting. Seriously 2 missed free throws and air-ball an open jumper? C'mon man!

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    1. Hes is definitely a lot quicker today. I think his knee is coming back but his shooting is still not back though. Well - hes gotta keep shooting. When its coming back its coming back...

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    2. I was cringing on that mid range jumper air ball. It was a pull-up on the break, a new shot for him. Maybe that explains how far off it was. He isn't used to taking that shot yet.

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    1. Yeah - hope so. People always talk about "getting back the mojo" but thats easier said than done :) Hope hes making a couple more layups. The more points the more conficence -> less pressure -> clear mind -> better shooting

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  6. Jeremy's doing everything great except hitting shots. And he's waaay off in that department.

    But he's looking darn good in terms of dishing, defending, even rebounding.

    ...hey he just hit a layup! Let's see if that gets him started.

    I think he's just not getting the proper lift in his shot because of his healthy but "weak" knee.

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    1. I've had major leg surgery before, and there's a BIG difference between being "healed" and having all the strength and flexibility back in your legs.

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    2. I do believe his balance is off. Probably because he is getting used to his strength coming back on the one leg.

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    3. 3.00 at 2nd q - JLin doesn't have the spring in his legs to finish at the rim on that play. Still regaining strength.

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    4. Yup. Though he did hit a jumper that was called off (moving screen).

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  7. I prefer to watch Lin shoot an airball like he did today than what he was doing last game against the Spurs. Bricked freethrows and airball...Lin is thinking WAY TOO MUCH. But I LIKE WHAT I SEE TODAY besides his inability to shoot the ball.

    Kmart looking Lin off AGAIN and passing to Patterson at the 3 point line...results in no points, classic Kmart avoiding passing to Lin.

    Parsons preferring to pass to Patterson up top than Lin but Lin walking over right after and demanding the ball,GOOD!
    Lin needs to show some dominant traits despite his shooting woes and I am seeing him hold up better so far today.

    Lin also looks more in control today, not running 100 miles a minute everywhere without an agenda.

    I will say it till I'm blue in the face - Kmart stinks and I'd prefer Delfino play with Lin. Kmart should be the designated 6th man gunner on this squad and play with the rookies and hog all the shots.



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  8. Lin's shooting so far is a HUGE indictment on "Doc" Scheppler.

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    1. Yeah, how many NBA players go out of their way to train with a girl's H.S. basketball coach. Even if Doc's services are cheaper, or even free ... it's not worth it if the results are having bad fundamentals.

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    2. According to JLin and his former coach, Scheppler has not just been coaching girls. Anyway - JLin attributes his success during Linsanity to Schepplers coaching. So - Scheppler might be good - might not be. Keep in mind that knee trouble can give you balance problems that can affect your shooting. Lets give them some more time. Also - right now JLin works with some asian dude. Who is that again?

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    3. [Asian...shooting coach?]

      Josh Fan - Strength & Conditioning
      ---

      Worked on his jumper with DJ, pre-draft

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  9. http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/147190/1/watch-houston-rockets-vs-memphis-grizzlies.html


    just want to share ;)

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  10. Kmart has NO chemistry with Lin. It's clear as day. He has a clear agenda of stuffing his box score. It's going to be a problem until they trade Kmart or make him a 6th man.

    Kmart is a jump shooting ballhog who can't pass well, or make plays, or play D and shoots in volumes and only passes off to big men so he can demand the ball back or run back to it to jack up more shots on his own.

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    1. K-Mart makes Melo look like a team player. It's still early, though.

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    2. Lin has had a couple assists to Kmart for open jumpers. As long as he's scoring like that off passes (12 pts in first quarter again!) I'm good with Kmart.

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    3. Nobody doubts Kmarts shooting abilities. Im just wondering if that playig behavior (ballhog) is bugging JLin. They are both sitting next to each other righ now -> cold as ice :)

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    4. Lin can easily make those same passes to Delfino for 3's. I've watched the NBA a long time and I'd choose Delfino's blue collar gritty style over soft Kmart any day. Both guys can shoot 3's. Kmart's a little longer and can REALLY get hot at shooting, but the guy has nothing else and he doesn't do little things like Delfino.

      I'm just starting early. By mid-season this whole forum will be hating on Kmart along with me because everyone will see the obvious.

      Lin looks ok today, not great, just ok. He can't score or make layups but he's in control making decent passes. His D is a bit off too but I'll give him 3 months to get in shape. At least he looks like an NBA player again today.

      BTW, did I mention how much I dislike Kmart? Hope I'm wrong....

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    5. Kmart's doing his job, which is to score. So far it Kmart shot volume isn't affecting the ball movement.

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    6. I liked how JLin pushed his opponent around the opponents own screen some minutes ago - very physical. That way he didnt run into the screen himself - didnt have to run around the screen either - he was like glue.

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    7. Yes! Bump the PG to make just enough room (and not too much to get a foul) to get past the screen. He's getting more physical on D and I like it as well!

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  11. Guys, don't worry too much about Lin's shooting. Also no need to doubt Doc's teaching.

    Anyone remember Carmelo Anthony? When he just came back from groin injury last season, he also bricked open jumpers and even FTs left and right. Even after Woodson took over. But after 10+ games or so, he became okay again.

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    1. Cara, supremely valid point. It's just WAY too early to start talking about Jeremy's shooting problems. Like REALLY way too early.

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    2. Good point, indeed. Shooting can be a matter of millimeters. It'll be the last thing to come back.

      On the bright side, in terms of playmaking, Jeremy looks like Chris Paul out there! He's grown by leaps and bounds in terms of his reads and ballhandling. Lots of really easy baskets for his teammates.

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    3. Yes, in fact Lin's play right now reminds me so much of Anthony after Woodson just took over. He's hustling and doing everything right except shooting. He's also trying to fit in a new system and be unselfish (Anthony pretended to be).

      Don't worry. The shot will come!!

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    4. as if we haven't seen him do it before... he has proven himself already in that department... he's just getting his rhythm back...

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  12. Lin's D needs a lot of work. When Asik is on the bench there is no rim protection. Conley had no trouble at all getting by him.

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    1. Hmm. I disagree. He's been outstanding defensively for most of the half.

      It was just that last possession where gambled for the steal and let Conley build up steam (it was still a tough shot to make).

      And by the way, NO ONE can stay in front of an above-average PG. That's just the way it is -- a fast guy going forward is quicker than anyone going backward/sideways.

      Jeremy does a great job funneling his man into Asik and other bigs, though. And his help defense remains a major force.

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    2. Agree with zxcvb on the last play, it was a gamble.

      There is only one play in the half when Conley was able to get pass Lin. Lin got beat by half a step, was able to jump right alongside Conley. JLin avoided the foul though and let Conley lay it in. (Perhaps some of you would be thinking "foul him hard to send a message!)

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  13. Does anyone know what's wrong with K Mchale's leg?

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  14. Was JLin upset when he walked off the court (halftime)???

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    1. I saw that, it looked odd...I think Lin was just pissed Conley killed him so easily for a layup. Yes, it was odd how Lin didn't look at Mchale at all, but then McHale slapped him on the back. Who the heck knows what's going on...

      I think a lot of guys are fighting for spots on this team, and the guy who get to play are fighting for roles. I'm sure it's not easy for Lin or any of those guys.

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    2. I think it's because he gambled for the steal...and got burned. Very un-Lin-like.

      He actually played good defense throughout, even though Conley hit some tough shots. There's a lot more to defense than one-on-one. Just look at the scoreboard. Who's winning? Who has more veteran talent?

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    3. When Asik is out of the game, Jeremy needs to do everything he can to stay in front of his man because there is no help. Patterson is no a shot blocker and Jones can't play NBA-level help side D as of yet.

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    4. @zxcvb,

      Defense in the NBA at its core is about keeping your man from scoring on you in a one-on-one situation. Point blank, you cannot let your man score on you. Team defense is great and necessary, but it's so glaring when you can't stop your man from scoring on you, and you can't rely on your teammates to help you out all the time. The rules in the NBA (defensive 3-second, etc.) actually discourage teams from playing proper help-side D. And honestly, Conley isn't much of a scorer. He's more of a set-up guy. Jeremy's got to either get healthy or figure it out some how. When Asik is out, he has no security blanket.

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    5. I see what you mean. But Conley is a small quick guard who's hitting shots he doesn't normally hit. There's nothing any 6-4 / 200 guard can do about it.

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    6. No point guard in today's NBA can stop any point guard one-on-one over the course of an entire game, though Lin comes closest of anybody in the whole NBA.

      This is not playground one-on-one where it's just stay in front of one guy. This is NBA 5-on-5 where defenders are picked and bumped and faked and screened.

      I feel that it's not appropriate to criticize Lin for not being able to stop guys when even All Stars like Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo can't stop people either.

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  15. He's got 7 assists but he doesn't look "right." It makes me cringe watching him get blown by vs. Conley. He's lucky Memphis isn't basically isolating Conley against him like OKC did with Westbrook.

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  16. Calvin Murphy just said that Jeremy should not pass but shoot when their defense giving you the opportunity!

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  17. What I want to know is why did Lin wait until training camp to test out his knee against NBA-level competition? Was he hiding the severity of the injury? A partial MCL tear does not take months to recover from. Perhaps he'll round into form in a couple of weeks, but he's a long ways off, IMO.

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    1. Because its vey hard to find 9 other NBA players who you know and who you can play with when youre recovering - especially when youre in Taiwan.

      Dont spread that idea that a partial mcl tear just needs a couple months to heal and youre immediately 100%. Thats simply not true.

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    2. @willydilly,

      Well, maybe going over to Asia wasn't such a good idea in the first place. He could have played in the SF Pro-Am, which while not the NBA, does have some legit competition.

      Also, do your research on MCL tear recovery time.

      http://www.livestrong.com/article/354284-mcl-recovery/
      http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/mcl_tear/treatment.html

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    3. You read such a page and you call it research? How brave of you...

      For such a tear to heal you need rest. Rest is bad for muscle, tendons and stamina. Some ACL tears may heal without doing anything but some require surgery. But - a surgery does not guerantee success. Even if the tear is healing you may have inflamation around the area for a while - especially when you use the knee a lot (LIKE YOU DO WHEN YOU PLAY BASKETBALL).

      Also - if you knew anything about ACL tears at all you knew that there is NO THERAPY that can bring back the old uninjred ligament. Thats fact - thats why people are careful when they come back.

      Jeremy is no car where the tires have been changed dude. What do you want anyway? Its preseason - what Jeremy does is exactly what preseason is for!

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    4. @TVN:

      And - bball players - anouncers - doctors - coaches - all on JLins side. You claim to be JLin fan and you bash him like that? Whats wrong with you TVN? You think you know better -> become NBA player. You think youre smarter -> go study at Hardvard!

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    5. @Willie dilly,

      Don't get your panties in a bunch, dude.

      I'm rooting for Lin's success. I may be overcritical at times, but make no mistake, I want him to be as good as he can be.

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    6. @TVN:

      If you are a real JLin fan you gotta give him the benefit of the doubt. JLin is not always icing his knee because he likes it cold dude. You make it appear as if JLin is an incapable liar -> doubting the reasons that he gives for being not as fast as last season when players, doctors, veterans and coaches are all on his side... All Im telling you is -> calm down a bit.

      I know what Im talking about -> I gave up basketball because I constantly had trouble with my right knee. When I played basketball I sometimes had to stop because my knee would hurt all of a sudden. Then I would look down on my knee after 5-10 minutes and find haematoma -> guess what -> micro tear of crucial ligament! I had many of them over the years...

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    7. ever heard of chris paul, tvn? took him a year to return to form after surgery. logic.

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    8. TVN, Jlin did not tear his MCL...it was his Meniscus cartilage that he injured. An MCL, or Medial Collateral Ligament, tear is a much more serious injury than a tear to the cartilage. However, you are right in that Jlin should have recovered fully by now.

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    9. Lin might be healthy but to be in your pre-injury form, it takes at least a year.

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  18. I do like his passing, right now, though. He's spreading it around and keeping his dribble on his penetrations.

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  19. Doubters go home!! Go JLIN!!!

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  20. Good bounce back game for Jlin to help him regain his confidence. Too bad a couple of his outside shots didn't count.

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  21. jeremy looks good, 10+ assists, barely has had to shoot the ball, filling up the stat sheet. our boy will be fine.

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  22. I think people forget to realize this is pre-season watching Jeremy it looks like he is working on his Passing getting to know his teamates . Why would he risk injury and drive to the basket . We should all just let him get into game shape and he will be fine . He will lead the league in steals .

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    1. yup...I think he is going to be top 5 in assist and steal this year.

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    2. Lin might LEAD THE LEAGUE in both assists and steals, at the rate he's going.

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  23. Ah the last 2 posessions before time out were sweet. Drove in for a bucket and long pass to Patterson for a dunk.

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  24. Looks like he's getting his swagger back. That's what he needs. That's how Linsanity came about.

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  25. Scotty Mugatu: I got 11 assists in a game
    Jeremy Lin: And...

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  26. Even with his broken jumper, Lin still contributes and leads like the 2nd coming of Ason Kidd! Hehe!

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  27. Great to see that smile Back .

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  28. Looks like that'll be it for Jeremy. Good game heading into the one-week break. Jumper still not there, but everything else is coming back. Hit three nice drives today and was a playmaking wizard today -- halfcourt, transition, PnR/PnP.

    Although I'm frustrated by the weak legs affecting his shooting, I'm so impressed with his playmaking skils/reads. Not just this game but the first two preseason games as well.

    All that matters is the REAL games, though. We'll what happens on Halloween. Like I've said before, I expect Jeremy to put up a All-Star caliber season by the end of it (i.e. arguably in the Top 5). Eventually, I think he'll be forced to score more than we're seeing.

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    1. *Top 5 in the West, I mean.

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    2. The worst case scenario is to be the 2nd coming of Ason Kidd. ;-)

      But I am confident his shot will come, just don't know when. He's not a historically bad shooter like Kidd and Rondo!

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    3. @zxcvb

      What do you mean top 5 in the west? The Rockets or Lin?
      Either way, your expectations are insane

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    4. zxcvb's expectations are LINSANE.

      With Lin on the court, ANYTHING can happen.

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  29. OOh - bad bad Delfino. I think we have just found our goon :)

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    1. What? Chandler said he ought to be on GQ? I hope he was joking!

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    2. Chandler looks like one of those guys left out of his high school prom.

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  30. Yeah, I'm upset that Mike Conley scored 18 points on him, but Conley only has about 1 assist he's not creating for others. No other Grizzly player is lighting it up. Compared to Lin's 6 points, 12 assists and 3 steals.

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  31. like delfino.

    jeremy doing great. still need to work on his jump shots.

    sign of Linsanity 2.0 is there.

    douglas solid as the #1 backup.

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    1. Agree!

      Douglas was solid. Happy to see him make his shots (including the floater). He strugled with his shots last year.

      JLin is coming back. His shooting will come back too. Linsaity 1.4.9 beta :)

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    2. Douglas quarterbacking the second team with delfino, lamb, tjones, dmo isn't too shabby, at least on the offensive end.

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  32. This Rox team will be dangerous if everyone on the team buy in on JLin's leadership and let him run the show. Imagine first 10 games Rox win them all and JLin average double-double (ppg & asst). It's going to be Linsane!

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  33. On some plays, the Memphis PG's were over playing JLin so much on his right side that Jeremy was open going left. I see how this "Jeremy can't go left" scouting report can help him out!

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    1. Memphis pg guards were all over Lin from time he touched the ball in the back court . I never have see so much defense played on one guy like that . He is to good not to thrive in this league .
      He has the
      Size
      Quickness
      Passing ability
      He can shoot better then 50 percent of starting pg guards already and will get better.
      Great vision
      You have not seen him catch and shoot which is what he has been working on why show it in preseason . He will be able to go left .

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    2. No doubt he can go left. Its just that the perception that he can't and consequence that they overplay him will give Jeremy some really good opportunities.

      I agree that the PGs, and in fact the opponent teams in general, are really locked in on JLin. JLin's handling it well, calm and composed.

      JLin needs to run those PG's into Asik and take out the PG as he comes up on the floor. You don't pressure the PG that far down the court without consequence!

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    3. Comical isn't it. Hahahah, my tummy is hurting.

      They think everyone practices except Jeremy? Watch out! Jeremy is young and relatively inexperienced, which means he (and his young teammates too) will get better and better all the time until he (they) peaks.

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    4. Asik is not very good at setting picks. Twice he set a moving pick which is an offensive foul and a turnover. He needs to learn from Tim Duncan and Garnett on how to square up and have his feet set. This is not an easy thing for big men to learn as they are either to late or overanxious to roll to the basket that they don't set an effective screen.

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    5. Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett set MOVING picks.

      Duncan says that he "hates FIBA". In international basketball, Duncan is reffed the same way as everybody else. Consequently, he looks HUMAN like everybody else!

      Superstars like Duncan and Garnett can bend the rules in the NBA but will cry like toddlers when their little ref cheats are taken away from them!

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    6. Garnett - Yes

      Duncan - I disagree. I never noticed Duncan setting moving picks

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    7. You are right, neph.

      Duncan is very quick off the pick, it sometimes looks to me like he's setting a moving pick. Thanks for correcting me.

      I'm sick of watching moving picks in the NBA. For example, John Stockton made that 3 pointer that beat the Rockets in the playoffs because Karl Malone illegally set a moving screen on Sedale Threatt who could easily have covered Stockton. Had the refs called it right, Malone would've received an offensive foul and the Rockets and not the Jazz would have advanced!

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    8. I think ALL big men set an illegal/moving screen in the NBA. It's either a light hip check or a bump and roll.

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  34. JLin is back in the game. First time he's in that late in the game this pre-season. "Extended" minutes as promised.

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  35. another hard foul or flagrant (a hit on his head as Lin was shooting) not called just before half way into 4th qtr - instead they might count it as a TO !!!*&$FD)!..... again.... wt

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    1. I believe it was a hard foul on his hand, but the refs did miss another obvious one.

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    2. Oh okay. But will it count as a TO? That would be so unfair. That would be a doubly wrong.

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    3. Yes unfortunately. That is the only TO for him in the game, actually, if it can even be counted as one,

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    4. Thanks. SMH. I hope they eliminate that kind of miscall during playoffs or when teams chase for the 8th seed.

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    5. My Lin Bash-O-Meter is 1 for 1 for the night.

      I'll be keeping the Bash-O-Meter going as long as Li keeps getting illegally hit hard.

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  36. JLin wrapped his head in a towel - hes laughing. Last time I saw him do that it was Melo who walked by and farted :)

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    1. Good to see that he's relaxed and enjoying himself, without all the poison in the air.

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    2. A nice win tonight! I know it's just a preseason game, but the Rockets won against a solid team in Grizzlies, who played their best.

      Jeremy's jump shots will come back and come back improved (honestly that area is the EASIEST to work on); it's just a matter of time. Then he will be awesome.

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    3. Looking forward to seeing him more relaxed, less pressure.

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    4. Oooooh, thanks for the *him*. Love it!

      My friends and I were so sad and mad at the thought of having to watch Jeremy play in a such negative and tense atmosphere for we didn't know for how long..... Then, lo and behold, the *unmatch* happened! It was just stunning; a gift for jeremy; a true blessing from above. (;~)

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    5. Jeremy is hiding a virtual crew cut. lol. I guess it's a good haircut for the sweaty sport.

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  37. Houston Rockets reporter tweeted that Rockets shot 70% in third quarter, when Lin had 5 of his 12 assists.

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    1. They actually look in sync this game. With JLin setting up guys with fast break down the court passes, well placed inlet passes, and kick outs or easy layups and open jump shots, the offensive efficiency of the team bound to be high.

      A preview of what JLin can bring to the table when he's relaxed and just play his game.

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  38. LOL. The only thing that makes me cringe is @TVN making repeated laugh out loud claims with such seriousness and authority. My fellow Lin enthusiasts, I promise you, TVN is either a purposeful troll or has only very recently begun following basketball.

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    1. No, TVN is a fanatical Lin fan.

      The only guy he truly dislikes here is ME. But he had the right to flame me all he wants.

      TVN wants Lin to do well, but like an old nagging Asian grandmother he'll use caustic verbiage in the hopes of inspiring Lin.

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    2. Perhaps, but his understanding of defense, for example, shows little acquaintance with an understanding of basketball.

      Also, Jeremy Lin is not reading these comments. This is a fan site. I, and I'm pretty sure most, people come here to appreciate Lin's game together. If you don't appreciate Lin's game, can you be said to be a fan? @TVN does not seem to understand what makes Lin's game special, e.g., he thinks Lin is a poor defender which is laughably untrue. Getting beaten off the dribble a couple times in a game doesn't make you a poor defender. At all.

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    3. He never claimed that Lin was a poor defender

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    4. TVN wrote: "Lin's D needs a lot of work. When Asik is on the bench there is no rim protection. Conley had no trouble at all getting by him."

      He didnt say JLins d was poor. He just sad its not good enough.

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    5. But he's criticizing Lin for not being able to keep Mike Conley and his $9 million salary out of the paint on a couple drives in a WIN.

      There is no such thing as a perfect NBA player, nor should we be aspiring to make Lin into one.

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    6. But he could have done better

      In my opinion, Jeremy can still be a better defender. He's still young so there is still a chance that he can develop into a lockdown defender.

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    7. There are ZERO lockdown defenders at the point guard position in the NBA, though Jeremy Lin is the closest thing to one.

      I don't think it's humanly possible for Jeremy Lin to improve defensively. He's doing as well as can be expected of any All Star point guard in the NBA, likely BETTER.

      I completely disagree with the notion that Lin's defense is "not good enough". Those who want Lin to improve on last year's league leading numbers are asking for the IMPOSSIBLE.

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    8. Jeremy is an above-average defender in my opinion. But he has the opportunity to improve further.

      Anyways, he can be the first lockdown defender at the point guard position.

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    9. Now YOU'RE the one being super optimistic, Neph!

      Even I don't think Lin can be a lockdown defender at the point guard position!

      Bear in mind that I've posted here that I rank Lin defensively as being every bit as good as Michael Jordan who I think is the best defensive guard I've ever seen in the NBA!

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    10. Lets not compare him to michael jordan...

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  39. Douglasanity. Quick, someone make a Toney Douglas fansite.

    He made 3 shots out of 6 and scored 44 points in about 11 minutes of play.

    http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/douglasnity.jpg/

    Even Kobe can't score like that.

    J/K.

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    1. Check out Boxscore on Rockets page (nba.com/rockets)
      Its the same there. Now - I thought I was paranoid when I thought they had a target on JLins back but it becomes quite obvious now :)

      JLin -> 27 mins -> 0 pts
      Douglas -> 10 mins -> 44 points

      Douglasanity!

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  40. The Rockets need to run high pick and roll more (even more than this game). Martin and Lin have no chemistry at all. I felt Jeremy could have more assists if they allowed Lin the high screen-and-roll more.

    It doesn't matter if he shoots well or not since he contributed in other ways. The important thing is that he controlled the tempo.

    Anyways, I'm expecting 15 or more assists from Lin next game. I think he'll play at least 30 minutes since he will have one week to work on his conditioning.

    He'll probably school Austin Rivers. I expect 10 pts, 15 assists, and 5 steals

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    1. The Rockets couldn't run the high pick and roll more because they lack offensive big men!

      If Lin runs it with Asik, it would only attract 2 defenders to trap Lin every single time because Asik can't "pop" and hit a jumper like Amare nor he's athletic enough to make the quick roll and catch the alley like Chandler. Lin can't run this play all alone by himself. He needs a pick and roll partner to make it effective and it won't be effective with this current Rockets make up unless some rookies emerge. But right now those rookies only know run the break and dunk.

      Last year, McHale run a lot more pick and roll because he had Camby and Scola who both could hit that mid range jumper.

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    2. Patterson seems to be capable of hitting mid-range jumpshots. Also, Jones

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    3. Actually a couple of nice assists to PPat and Asik were from pick and rolls near the three piping line. They were more like fake pnr, getting the opposing big man to hedge, but Asik or PPat not setting the pick at all and rolling to the basket. Slipping the pick.

      I like what I see from the coach, mixing it up with the pnr play. Keep them guessing, is it a conventional pnr or is the big guy going to slip the pick and roll to the basket?

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    4. As a player, Kevin McHale was one of the best pick and roll players of all time.

      In Red Auerbach's "Winning Basketball" video, McHale helps Larry Bird run all the options off a pick and roll. To understand what McHale wants his players to be doing, watch that video.

      McHale makes the pick and roll look fluid and beautiful on the video, but it's actually nearly impossible to be that good. The only big man in today's NBA who can run a pick and roll loke that is Tim Duncan who is roughly equivalent to McHale in fundamental soundness. Certainly the uoung Rockets big men cannot play in that manner yet.

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  41. Surprisingly, he also struggles with his free throw shooting. If this continues, Lin should fire Doc

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    Replies
    1. He hasnt seen him since he left for Houston 5 weeks ago. thats the problem

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  42. By the way, his decision making has drastically improved. He is rarely out of control.

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  43. As I've noticed, Lin's athleticism might take a few more months to fully go back to its peak. His scoring numbers might be around 12-14 ppg but he'll be a better floor general. His dribbling and decision making seems to really be good. He'll probably the 3rd or 4th leading scorer for the team. However, I expect him to give you 8.5-10 assists. I'm also expecting him to lead the league in steals.

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  44. The Rockets have a week off so:

    - DMo should do nothing but strength training. For the entire week, build some muscles. I still remember DMo being boxed out by 6'6" Carter.

    - Somebody ought to tell Lamb to stop shooting contested 3 pointers and start slashing to the hole. Moreover, his effort is certainly not helping. He seems to be so passive in my liking.

    - They better find out who will run the offense when Lin sits down. Douglas is truly a shooter and not a playmaker. They occasionally allow Delfino and Parsons to run the offense but they are unimpressive. Lamb should learn to use screens to create some space. He should be focusing to make mid-range jumpers and some floaters.

    - Royce White is a great passer but cannot really run the offense unless he's in a fastbreak situation.

    - Asik better practice setting better screens for Lin. One key for them is the angle of the screens and the timing.

    - Better chemistry between Martin and Lin. I don't if Martin is effective coming off screens just like Ray Allen. Those two need a lot of work.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Lin needs to shoot 1000 jumpshots every day for the entire week.

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    2. Fortunately, the Rockets coaching staff will see to it that DOES NOT happen.

      The Rockets coaches have an eye on Lin to make sure he doesn't overtrain. They are working hard to keep him OUT pf the gym!

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    3. It is just jumpshots and maybe not 1000

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    4. It's one thing to hit jumpshots in an empty gym, it's another thing to hit jumpshots in actual games.

      I do think Jeremy Lin will eventually get his jump shot back without any additional work. Once his knee feels better, the shot will come around. I don't know how long that will take.

      You had some excellent points above, neph. I'd like to add my opinions:

      - The only thing Motiejeunas needs to improve his strength is game experience. After a full season pf wrestling with NBA brutes, he'll come around.

      - My only reservation about Jeremy Lamb was that his body wasn't caught up to his game yet. Right now he doesn't have the strength to take hits off the dribble and finish strong. Like Motiejeunas, Lamb will develop that just by playing in real games.

      - Jeremy Lin is a tough act for any PG to follow. Expect to see some Martin and Lamb at the backup pg spot.

      - Royce White is not as good a player as people think he is. The court vision is there, but the mobility is not and I'm not sure about the reflexes either.

      - Asik is limited offensively, and that affects his pick and roll placement. It could get rough for Lin if teams figure Asik out.

      - Kevin Martin has never had good chemistry on ANY team he's ever played for. Not even a great chemistry guy like Lin can bring Kevin Martin into line.


      Great points, neph.

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    5. I think a couple good points I heard from interviews tonight was Jeremy still is not 100% and his legs are not there. I'm looking for him to have a break out game where he finaly gets his full rhythm. I think he will be a double/double machine.

      I agree with what your saying about pnr's... the Rockets are terrible at them. Not jlin he's a champ but they just don't have a good pick-n-pop big that can help with pnr's. I saw lots of moving screens that where attempts of pnr's. I will just say high pnr's with Asek they need alot more work (Asik does). Asik has alot better foot work then people give him credit for from what I have seen. I think he and jlin can be very effective.

      The way Kevin Mchale talkes about Kevin Martin he's the foundation of the team...lots of praise.
      I'm intrested to see how or if he fits up to the trade deadline. Be intresting if they still trade him if he's playing really well.

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    6. If Kevin Martin realizes that he's going to get MORE easy shots by passing and defending, he could easily become an All Star and the Rockets should keep him.

      On the other hand, if Kevin Martin can't get it done with the best passer in the game on his team, then he needs to be shipped out at the height of his value.

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    7. Dont think jeremy is the best passer in the game just yet.

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  45. I'm so glad JLin got a breakthrough game and everyone is in a better mood :D

    My hope was for 12-15 pts, 6-8 assists, 2-3 STLs from JLin if he plays for 25 minutes. Or just 6-8 pts if he hasn't fully regained his explosiveness.

    But 12 assists? I'm glad to be wrong! 12 assists with only ~80% full conditioning (my opinion). That's really impressive. I knew JLin had a history of playing well after a bad game. After the infamous Miami game, people often forget that he had 19 pts/13 asts/3 stls/5 rbs against Kyrie Irving and the Cavliers. This was with the Knicks trailing double-digits in half-time.

    I saw from the highlights that he was gassed towards the end of the game when he made 1 of 2 free throws. So I'm not worried so much that his shooting is not back yet. It'll be back sooner than we thought.

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  46. Jeremy Lin joins Barack Obama and others in a campaign about violence against women !

    http://www.jenports.com/2012/10/jeremy-lin-anti-violence-commercial.html#post-title

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    1. This is old news my friend. Way old. If I'm not mistaken, it was posted here 4 or 5 months ago.

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