Saturday, December 1, 2012

Rockets vs Jazz Game #16 Game Thread

242 comments:

  1. Here is hoping Jeremy score over 10 points!

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  2. uhm, keep asik in the f.ucking paint. stop trying to make flashy passes retards and let your pg do it instead.

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    1. yeah harden and asik need to stop that

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    2. Both Asik and Harden averaged more turnovers this season. Of course only Lin's turnovers are bad.

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    3. Of course...1 of Lin's TO seems to have about the same effect as 5 of Hardens...At least, to the LOHs...

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  3. Someone tell them to wake up lol

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  4. 5 assists already!! Lets go for 14 assists tonight.

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    1. I hope he takes more than 7 shots tonight. I don't want to watch the next jose calderon.

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  5. Asik should get Hakeem quick for training, instead of trying to be Magic Johnson.

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    1. Asik lol he is solid but can never do any of the skill set that was hakeem

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    2. Agreed, not many can, in fact. But every little bit helps. Asik's offense under the rim is pretty pathetic outside of dunks, which he doesn't do often enough.

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    3. Don't need Hakeem for low post coaching when Kevin McHale is already there.

      McHale's done a pretty good job, though Lin sure can find Asik for assists.

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  6. Hopefully 15 assists and 15 points

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  7. Lin's been looking really fast these past couple games.

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  8. Notice how Lin gets all the guys involved...that's what the pg is supposed to do right? right?...

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  9. Lol! Delfino is trying to be point guard ..

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    1. that's the thing I don't like about the rockets too many operating OUTSIDE of their roles.

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    2. i know right? seriously...but to be fair Delfino only did it twice, maybe?!

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    3. Now it's Parsons turn to act like he's the PG...

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    4. I honestly cannot stand the coaching directives from both Sampson and Mchale.

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  10. now sampson's going to keep td in the game longer than he should...

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  11. Anyone got a link to the game (not league pass)

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  12. Why the heck is Lin still sitting out? There's only 5 min left in the 2nd qtr.

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  13. Lin came back for 4 min brought the Rockets back to a big lead and now sitting down again. tisk tisk

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    1. my god critics wonder why Lin's points are down.

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    2. I can only guess to give some rest on lin's not 100%recovery knee. However, I think Lin is not the guy who will bother by this. If TD is doing good n get some more chance to play I m sure Jeremy love to see that too.

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    3. ^that is the only thing i could consider is his knee of course, but THE COACHING STAFF NEVER SAY WHY.

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    4. That's exactly what I'm hoping for. This whole season I keeps telling myself the Rockets is just trying to looking out for Lin because he's not 100%. If not I'm going to find Sampson and slice his throat for being racist. lol j/k

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    5. Lin's knee is fine, stop using that as an excuse.

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    6. How would you know? Youre JLins doctor? I like your enthusiasm but please dont tell people what to do.

      JLin himself recently just said hes still working on the knee. Thats a strong indication that the healing process took longer than it should have. Otherwise he would be 100% already. Its only been a few weeks since we have seen JLin icing his knee during every break. Besides - he has just started to play with more speed again. Some say thats a sign that he is (has been) fully healthy. Some say that could be the reason why he is sitting on the bench more -> more strain more trouble.

      May I remind you that the surgery JLin had is designed to help the acl tear heal? It may not have had the desired effect. Anyway - if ACL tears always heal quickly - all by themselves - why do people get surgeries dude?

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  14. nice touch pass by lin to ppat

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  15. 6 assists in 15 min. Great! Hope this turns out to be a good one ! Go get it rockets. Lin with the win.

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    1. To be an effective PG in today's game, you have to be able to score too. Yippee, he's already taken 5 and made 2 of them.

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    2. That's true but Lin is not exactly playing as a PG in this system...

      Personally I have no idea what Sampson and company is trying to do. Maybe this is part of some extended try-outs to see who wins the PG role? Lol...

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  16. Lol that Harden end of the quarter top of the key iso 3 never everrrrrrrrr go in. Why can't he try to drive once or let someone else take that shot for a change?!!

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  17. do they always start games this slow?

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  18. Wow 2nd half is the suck so far. They look like they're asleep. I missed 1st half was it this sluggish?

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  19. Is Lin in the third quarter now? Can't watch the game just the play-by play n box score. Lolz.the jazz is catching up....

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    1. He's not playing well so far...His springiness seems to have gone down since last game...Missed an easy layup but made 1 shot he's 3/7.

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    2. Maybe its just me but there's no hustle, they're moving like they're Knicks or Lakers...Slllloooowwww....

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    3. Aaaandd there goes the 9pt lead...

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    4. The Rockets D is not very good, especially Harden. The big men also rotate pretty slow.

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    5. 9 pts lead? I check it right now it's 62-65?

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    6. @cara - Is Harden on Foye? Foye's lighting us up. Also, our big men are soft.

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    7. I meant their 9pt lead got erased...was 49 - 58.

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    8. do you need a stream site lydia? o.O

      if so search for vipsports of firstrowsports

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    9. Thanks! I ll try next time then!

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  20. Hayward is killing Parsons...uhm, why don't rockets fans ever get on Parsons and PPat for their s.hitty D?!

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    1. Lol Parsons' D is so overrated by those so called Rockets fans. Hayward blows past him at ease.

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    2. Actually they do get on 2pat for his crappy D. Parsons not so much...

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    3. Yeah the fans never get on anyone other than Lin but who cares about them. I am okay with that if the coaches do that as that will only make Lin better as a player long term. Lin's weaknesses are over-analyzed to death and Lin will know that and correct them while other players can have their weaknesses forever and get ignored.

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    4. Rockets fans get on PPat a hell of a lot actually, from what I see on CF.

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    5. Yeah...one Ppat is soft thread and 10 JLin sucks threads.

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    6. That's because people care about Lin and nobody cares about Ppat

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  21. 3 pts made by Lin assist by harden! Alright! Great! Hope when I come back check the game with good wining news! Go Jeremy for double double tonight!

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  22. I don't criticise Harden much but man the Beard needs to stop losing his player -___-

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  23. And of course, TD is in. Lin hasn't proved he's clutch enough yet for 4Q...I'm sure 6 - 11 is all bad...Fking crap gawd Harden is pissing me off :/

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    1. Three of the starters are sitting right now... and the fresh dudes are doing well

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    2. Now you are complaining too far. Lin is just getting a break, he can't and shouldn't play 48 mins. Just chill out.

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  24. Why is that? Isn't harden has make serveral good Passes too n shots? I think he's doing fine. Just the coach keep bothering me.

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  25. wow the bench mob is raining threes!

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  26. So...I guess I won't be able to see lin's double double then since TD is doing good now, doubt Sampson will want to put Lin in.

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    1. You might see a double-double...Well I don't know 3 minutes left and he's not touching the ball much.

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  27. uhm, if you want ball distribution, TD is not going to get it done for you. He does a good job of looking for his shot though.

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  28. Lol JLin playing shaolin soccer...Terrible call but hey gave our boy 2 more points :P

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  29. nice dunk by Harden.

    So this is how games are going to be played. Let Lin play PG and then in the last 5-7minutes, give it all, center it all, push it all under Harden's a.ss. Got it.

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    1. Harden is the go to guy. I will give him that. He's better at pick and roll than just isolation though.

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    2. Harden actually gave Lin the ball back a couple times in the final minutes...wise choice. And it led to at least one key Lin bucket.

      Harden is undoubtedly the best and go-to scorer on the team, but he's still the 2nd best playmaker. He gets stripped routinely when double-teamed off the pick and roll.

      No one can do it by himself. Not even Jordan could. I like seeing the Rockets play a much more team oriented game. Now that Jeremy is "coming back" I think we'll see more games like tonight!

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    3. Harden has pretty good passing ability as a 2-guard. Both Lin and Harden will benefit from learning to play off each other. Easy buckets.

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    4. Harden can and should have the ball in crunch time. What he did better in this game than the previous games is to recognize the open teammates instead of forcing his own iso shot.

      Harden actually is a 1st year starter only and is just starting to learn to be the go to guy. I bet he never got double teamed in OKC when on the court with Durant and Westbrook. So I think he will improve on how to handle that and clutch time situation better as time goes by.

      I am not exactly a big fan of Harden's game. But I think he's naturally not a selfish player.

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  30. Jlin goes over mo and mo answers with his own...Lol announcers are discussing whether Linsanity is back...And Lin gets nother 2...Both from Harden no less.

    GOOOOO LIN!!!

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  31. Eer...the game is really intensive. Few pts lead they catch up then few pts lead again , catch up again..

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  32. If asik makes both this game is over...Unless someone royally screws this up.

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  33. why didn't asik give lin a screen when he asked for one?! the f.uck??

    Lin gets no screens and has to get to the hoop himself

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    1. apparently... according to a guy in CF... Lin was beckoning to Harden for the usual hand-off, but Harden told Lin to take possession

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    2. I think Harden should say more often to Lin: "Damn, you are a PG too; you take the damn shot 'cause I am tired."

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    4. @wifflewiffle, nevermind, I see what your'e saying, thanks for the clarification.

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  34. Really liked how the crowd stood up when Lin attempted his 3...Too bad it didn't go in...Go LIN!!!!!

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  35. 19/8 on 14 shots on a healthy 33 mins? Nice!

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  36. 8/14 19pts 8 assists 2 TO 1/2 tres great job Lin :)

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  37. Glad I watched the game. Saw a little bit of Linsanity near the end of the game. Lin drove by MoWil twice to the basket and scored!! Clutch 3 by CP was the dagger. It's a good team win overall.

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  38. If harden can play like that every games ! They got higher chance to win.

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    1. Hardens Defense is an embarrassment to the game... The worst defensive player in the history of the game.. On-ball away from the ball. He's frickin TURRRRIBULLLLLL

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  39. Jeremy's back! It took a month, but he's finally found his shot and confidence.

    19 points (8-14FG), 8 assists and only 2 tovs in only 34 minutes.

    That knee is clearly feeling stronger with every passing week.

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    1. i'm cautiously optimistic but hopeful and really proud of his play tonight. He's got a little ways to go.

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    2. That's what's exciting, though. He still not at his best and he put up 19/8 against a team with quality bigs in Jefferson and Millsap.

      That's four straight games where's he's shot okay to great (6-12, 6-10, 3-7, 8-14). And three straight games with a nice A/T ratio (10/3, 8/3, 8/2). This is a solid upward trend.

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  40. That last 3 pointer JLin shot had too much arc and was short. He reverted back to the old form on that last shot--needs more work on shooting form. Great game overall.

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    1. Yep noticed that, starting to think maybe Doc actually knows what he's talking about WRT JLin's shooting and we're the clueless one...Well I'm clueless anyway :P

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    2. I just think it's going to take sometime. JLin switches between the 2 forms. If he can stick with one consistently the results will follow as well.

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    3. Obviously, stick with the new form JLin has been working tirelessly on. I'm hella happy and will have a good sleep tonight.

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    4. I am HAPPY to be SHOT PUNKED by Lin and Doc!

      I'll make sure people can call me names on a later thread!!!

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    5. No sweat, KHuang. You're merely 95% accurate with your predictions now!

      That was the one thing I couldn't agree with you on. Doc's work with Lin last season spoke for itself. He went from terrible jump-shooter to solid jump-shooter over the course of a single year.

      He just needed more time to get full lift in his legs.

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    6. OK KHuang!!!!!! Made shot from corner 3 tight arc... Missed corner 3 last mnute.....too high arc...short!!! Trust Doc. He knows his boy and IF he were with him every day. This shooting funk wouldn't EVER happen!!!

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    7. @KHuang LOL. It's cool man.

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    8. It's just a sample size of two, so it's kind of quick to be drawing any conclusions.

      I just know that an improved jumpshot was supposed to be one of the big things Lin was working on all summer (especially his catch-and-shoot), so I hope we (and he!) will get to see the benefits of all that work!

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  41. They got it! 7 rockets with double pts. Great!

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  42. BTW I thought Sampson did good with his rotations today. The bench did very well too.

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  43. See ! When Jeremy can actually go for more attempts he ll go for it!!!

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  44. How about my Lin/Harden = Isiah Thomas/Joe Dumars prediction, eh?

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  45. Heh Clutchfans was quick to post "Back to .500"...And some of the folks that's been around even said "Linsanity without the 4-7 turn overs"...If Lin keeps this up he's going to win the Rockets fans over...

    BTW check out the point distributions of the starters...And if TD keeps this up Machado is going to be a D leaguer for a looong time...

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    1. From some folks mention about TD over here n from the situation happened with TD, and the fact that he and Lin both end up rockets from Knicks, I ll like to see he got more chance than this Machado.

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    2. Yes TD had remained supportive and gracious towards Lin despite losing his starting job last season. Hope he will hone his game to be a solid back up for Jeremy.

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  46. Harden made some clutch passes instead of trying to be a hero. That's how you have to play and trust your teammate. BTW, Mo Williams' 2012 salary is 8.5 Mill USD (6 years / $51.50), and Lin at least matched or outplayed him.

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    1. @eb5attorney, yep! Are you a little concerned that most of Lin's baskets were lay ups? His J is still suspect.

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    2. Yes, but as you probably know, Lin's strength is not mid range or long jump shots. And definitely, Asik is not all that good at setting picks for Lin.

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    3. ? lin made two jumpers from 3 (one didn't count, foot on the line again. his shoes are too big!)

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    4. His J has always been suspect :) I always say -> watch the first Linsanity game against Nets. He almost missed all his jumpshots. He scored 25 mainly by layups and fts.

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  47. I really like Calvin Murphy for being fair and speak the truth.

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    1. Yes, I like Calvin Murphy. He tells it like it is without racism.

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    2. I missed the game. What did he say?

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    3. He basically saying that they came out slow (real slow…7 TOs 1st?) and then Lin did a really good job getting everyone involved. Also, he said Lin did a really good job being a true PG by stepping up and getting everyone involved.

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    4. @alex dang, thanks for sharing. He seems like a pretty fair guy and calls things as they are. I think he criticized Sampson when he sat Lin out against Portland in OT too.

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    5. Several times I listened to Calvin Murphy, and he's very observant and appreciates how Lin plays, especially as a play-maker and getting everyone involved, even when Lin's shots are not falling.

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    6. IMO, Calvin Murphy is one of the fairest commentator out there, especially when it comes to Lin.

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    7. Where are you guys watching this? I don't live in HOU.

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    8. That's why we need to keep in mind that when there's a bad one there's always a good one too!

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    9. @k.smith lol I remember that. He was mad. You know what? I'm glad we stood up for Lin that game...it was on the news too. Even if we are wrong about Sampson being racist(I don't think he is), but we can prevent it from happen.

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    10. Who knows. Need to see what Sampson is in the long run...sometimes seems an ok guy sometimes just make decision we couldnt understand why.

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    11. Folks, League Pass! It's $179 for most of the games all season...that is penny's compared to going to a game. It's $250 for one game at the lower deck front seats!

      BTW, I'd gave up on the livestream links. They're barely watchable and probably filled with viruses.

      JLin and the Rockets are progressing nicely.

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    12. @gokusays, i have league pass on my laptop. There is no post game, no calvin murphy.

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    13. i would say many here wouldn't pay a dime to stern and his cronies. that's why i'll never get league pass. i would, however, make a donation to lin's family.

      then again, lin did make bank!

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    14. @ntt:

      Give the money to Lins charity foundation!

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  48. I'm so happy. This is an important win. And Jeremy did so well. I'm gonna do a victory dance. Now they just need to win against Lakers. That 7th an 8th spot in the west is so highly contested its crazy. i think the game against the lakers will be highly competitive.

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  49. Sampson: "Jeremy's decision making tonight was outstanding."

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    1. Yes, that's Lin's strength, which he should maintain whether his jump shots are falling or not.

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    2. Agree. Thats something he can learn from the bearded one. The bearded one seems to have a very strong mind. Nothing bothers him. No matter if he misses or shoots well - he just keeps going like the energizer bunny. Thats what I like about Harden...

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    3. Jeremy is at least TWICE the playmaker he was last year.

      His decision making and passing have been phenomenal (even though his teammates struggle to convert). He's making highlight reel no-looks and bounce-passes that he never did during Linsanity.

      The only thing that's missing? Alley-oops! I'm shocked they haven't had a single one with Parsons and Patterson on the floor. Those guys can play way above the rim and we all know Jeremy can throw lobs as well as anyone.

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    4. Yeah his Alley-oops with Fields were something...

      Now about those jump passes...

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    5. I think he tried an alley hoop with Parsons during last game (or the one before that) - Parsons missed :) ZXCVB is right - JLin has been passing very well but his teammates have been missing a lot of shots and layups over the last games. Havent watched this one but it seems to be the same :)

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    6. Willy dilly... Harden energizer bunny??? Watch the defensive end of the floor!!!! Thats a cancer out there!!! Jeremy's the energizer bunny. So fundamentally sound thatnks to his high school coach... Those principles are off the chart awesome!

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    7. @Jumpah:

      Being a bad defensive player doesn't make you a cancer. Comments like this really need to end, especially when Harden is such a really good and willing passer.

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    8. @unknown, you know, if the majority of rockets fans are foaming at the mouth, claiming that he's the next superstar player...then I expect Harden to play average/above average defense. Just because you score a lot of points doesn't mean you don't have to work as hard on D.

      If you want the superstar title, then you have to play on both sides of the court.

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    9. @Jumpah:

      I get it. But - I was talking about his shooting and his attack mentality. He never loses his cool and it seems like he never doubts himself even when hes in a shooting slump. That can be considered mental strength. Also - have you noticed that Harden powers through all games? Hes playing way more minutes than JLin. So yes - energizer bunny!

      To his D - somewhere else I also wrote that he could learn from JLin when it comes to defense. So - I know what you mean.

      Anyway - talking about him as cancer is BS. The team is young and they ALL (JLin included) need to improve here and there. Harden respects JLin and he gives JLin the ball whenever JLin demands it. So far so good.

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    10. @k.smith:

      Going after Harden because the Rockets fans prefer him to Lin is foul. It needs to stop, especially since Lin's problems shooting right now are Lin's responsibility alone, not Harden refusing to pass the ball or purposefully sabotaging the offense like Melo did with the Knicks last year. If you want the Rockets fans to embrace Lin more, root for Lin to continue scoring like he has been recently. Meanwhile, comments by Lin fans trashing Harden - which Rockets fans do read - will only cause them to like Lin less, and I don't blame them. Again, if there was any jealousy or disrespect or willful attempts to freeze Lin out by Harden, you'd have a point, but since Harden is playing his game - and doing a good job of it for the most part - then there is no basis for going after him or his fans. Because of Lin's problems scoring, if Harden wasn't on this team, yes Lin would score more points, but they would have won maybe 1/3 of their games instead of 1/2. Fans know this and have every right to act accordingly.

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  50. Gotta give it to Parsons tho...Regardless of what people think about his skills, to hang in there for 40mins still with that shoulder injury...That's showin' some grit...

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    1. I'm a bit worried about Parsons' minutes. He's averaging 38 minutes so far. Even Carmelo Anthony was only averaging about 34-36 mins in his first few seasons... And now Parsons is even playing hurt. Can't be good in the long term.

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    2. Having Delfino back will let Parsons take it easier.

      People forget how big Delfino's absence was. He's one of the team's best 3pt shooters and despite being a gunner, he can also make a flurry of tough contested jumpers to keep his team in it. You need a guy like that on the bench.

      Even though the Rockets are only 9-9, they've only been blown out once. And that was with Jeremy struggling with his shot for the first 15 games. This team can still make the playoffs.

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    3. @zxcvb

      re: Delfino

      I know it's been awhile since he's played, but you think he got a little confused and thought he was playing for Argentina? This was the most multidimensional game I've seen him play as a Rocket.

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    4. I've been waiting for Delfino to come back because the bench is really good with him.

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    5. Playing all those extra minutes hurts his D. Clearly evident in tonight's game. Having Delfino back is a good thing (even if he chucks the ball sometimes).

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    6. Nom, That's exactly the Delfino the Rockets need! I always thought he was an underachiever as an NBA player. He needs a little more freedom than he had on the Bucks and Pistons and I think he deserves that freedom -- as "captain" of the 2nd unit.

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    7. I said in the previous game thread that some people said Lin should shoot more when Parsons was out, but I said Lin could not get more shots in this system when someone like Cook instead of Parsons was there stopping the ball. Cook in the last game appeared to have similar stats like Parsons but he was not as willing a passer as Parsons and thus hurt Lin's shooting opportunities. In this system where Harden is the main guy, Lin will only get his fair share of shot attempts if the ball movement is good.

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  51. Parsons is an absolutely elite player. I don't know how anyone could conclude otherwise.

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    1. @Bamboo Forest

      Well, you know, there are the usual reasons: wasn't a first round draft pick, judged with biased eyes vs what he's actually doing on the floor, victim of ethnic stereotype... wait, who are we talking about again?

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    2. elite player? Lebron is an elite player. Duncan is an elite player. Parsons? He's got a ways to go. Lin? He's got a ways to go.

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    3. Parsons is too good looking to be a good player.

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    4. i'll give him two more season before i call him elite. But he is a good player and can be elite. Houston is lucky to have him at a minimum. they better give him a worthy contract soon because many teams are waiting to grab at the chance of having him.

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    5. I remember Kobe saying last year Parsons is a good player.

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    6. No, too early to declare him as an elite player.

      But he is proving he is more than a second rounder.

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    7. Can't be an elite player when Gordon Hayward is blowing past you at will. I actually think the coaches need to hold Parsons and also Harden more accountable for their D and turnovers if they really want these guys and this team to take it to the next level. They do hold Lin accountable though.

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    8. Second round picks pan out all the time. If they didn't, there would be no 2nd round to the draft. The only difference between getting taken past, say, pick #20 of the first round and in the 2nd round is a guaranteed contract. Put it this way ... Toney Douglas was a 1st round pick, and the Lakers dumped him on the Knicks for cash.

      And Chandler Parsons wasn't downgraded in the draft because he is white. White players get drafted in the first round every year. He was downgraded because he is too slow to play SF and isn't strong or physical enough to be a PF. He is a good reserve who can play both positions off the bench, but in the NBA he isn't good enough to start at either. And not just the NBA ... in college he was good, not great. He just stuck around for 4 years when everybody else leaves after 1 or 2, so he had a lot of time to work on his game. But he isn't an elite ability type. Be happy that the Rockets have him, but be happier when the Rockets get a PF that is good enough to play against the likes of the Thunder.

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    9. @cara, I COMPLETELY agree with you. At times, Parsons and Harden get away with atrocious D. I'm assuming they get away with it because they're the two main scorers. Hmm...When Lin gets his shot back and consistently scores, I wonder if coach will relax on Lin like he does with Parsons/Harden. I think we all know the answer to that.

      It is what it is...

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    10. "I'm assuming they get away with it because they're the two main scorers."

      Ummm ... yeah, that is the reason and a good one. Without points, the team doesn't win. Also, they'd still be a bad defensive team even if Harden and Parsons were average or even above average defenders. So, their best shot - their only shot - to win games is to score as many points as possible on the offensive end, and try to get as many turnovers as they can on the defensive end. (That is why the people who bash Lin for not playing more solid man to man/stick to the player that you are guarding defense don't know what they are talking about ... the Rockets need for Lin to play defense the way that he is.)

      "I wonder if coach will relax on Lin like he does with Parsons/Harden. I think we all know the answer to that."

      No, it isn't what it is. If the Rockets need as much scoring as possible to compensate for their bad defense, then having a guy who is shooting under 38% really doesn't help that cause. Harden and Parsons can't put up 30 every game. They can't even put up 20 every game. The Rockets aren't the Heat or the Celtics. If Lin can't consistently put the ball in the basket, he won't get as many minutes as the guys who can.

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    11. "Shooting 38% doesn't mean as much if you only take 7, 8, 9, shots a game."

      Please. Stop. Just stop. There were plenty of games where Lin was like 4-12 or 5-15. And then there was the preseason before the Harden trade when he was even worse despite getting plenty of chances. He was struggling with his shot OK? Now he isn't.

      "when it doesn't come with the other context of how he plays and contributes."

      Ummm ... the fact that Lin contributes so much in areas other than scoring is the only reason why he gets the pretty significant minutes that he does at all. Without his passing and defense, Lin is a liability and as a result he is in the game a lot less. But because of his passing and defense, he isn't a liability and plays plenty of minutes, just not as much as Harden who helps the team by scoring and passing even if he is a liability on defense (and turnovers).

      The problem is that people who aren't Lin fans already view him as a liability because he isn't scoring. The coaches know better, though, and that is what counts. At least it will until Lin establishes himself as a consistent offensive performer in Houston the way that he did in New York.

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  52. 'Elite' may be over the top. But he is a rare player. He does so many things well including shooting the ball superbly. He can pass, he has handle, can rebound, etc.

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  53. Guys come one, I need highlights/ give me the fuel!!!!

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  54. What a satisfying game. Such even production from everyone (maybe not MM). Since I'm a league pass watcher, I didn't get to watch OKC; as far as I'm concerned, we're on a four game win streak!

    Lin was excellent tonight. After his two long 2 misses, I thought he hesitated a bit with his own shot, but that disappeared by the second half. To those who listened to the Calvin Murphy telecast, know that the Utah announcers were very kind to Lin, calling by the fourth the return(almost)of Linsanity and saying that Lin took over the game.

    One think I love about these Rockets is that while everyone has their own personal narrative, this island of misfit toys really share the same arc. We can see the confidence growing with Jeremy, but he's not the only one. Offensively challenged Omer Asik went 5/5 tonight... and he actually went for dunks (random OA trivia: tonight was also the first opening tip off I've seen him win; the only other one was against Memphis, which was also blacked out for LP). PPat is getting a whole lotta opportunities and he is making them count. If we make the playoffs, CP is a legitimate threat for the MIP award. And while I still see it here from time to time, I'm glad the Harden hate is dying down. Don't you guys see he and Lin are on the same journey? They're just trying to figure things out. Those who have been patient are already beginning to be rewarded.

    Another relatively long rest ahead before we play a .500 team that represents anything but. Despite their own troubles, I think a win against the Lakers would be huge for the Rox.

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    1. Yes, I am so glad that Lin was finally back tonight. But I don't get why the Rockets or Jason (Rockets' reporter) didn't say any good words about Lin at all. He is the player of the game today!!! In fact, they didn't even mention that the coach said nice things about Lin.. Only Howard Chen did ..

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    2. @CJCA

      Eh, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The AP headline that just came out is:

      "Jeremy Lin, hot-shooting Rockets too much for Jazz"

      Lin gets first quote.

      @via

      Ahh, something to watch before Tuesday. Thanks ;)

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    3. Good. I don't understand why the national media is always more nice to Lin than the Houston media? Like the NY Times is very warm to Lin compared to the Ultimate Rockets?

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    5. @CJCA:

      Simple. The national media is into Jeremy Lin the story, which is a very compelling one: wasn't offered a major college scholarship, wasn't drafted, bounced around from team to team, his race, etc. They are able to have that position because they aren't rooting for a particular team, but the most interesting sports story lines.

      The Houston media, by contrast, is rooting for a team to win games. And when you are shooting .377 from the floor for 10.3 ppg and 6.5 apg, it is VERY EASY to form the opinion that you aren't helping your team win games, and is doing more to cause them to lose them. Of course, it is a very superficial way to follow the game and grade players, but that is how most people do so.

      The New York media? Simple. Lin won games for them. He helped save their season, and possibly helped keep the Knicks from blowing up the roster and start over with rebuilding AGAIN. He got the city excited about being Knicks fans again after that franchise was so bad for so long, and even the excitement this year without Lin merely carries over from what they did last year with Lin, which was make the playoffs and actually win a game.

      But Lin hasn't done those things in Houston. Not yet anyway. Until he does, or at least until he becomes a much more consistent scorer, Rockets fans and media aren't going to embrace him. And to be honest, that is pretty fair, because if it was any other player shooting .377 from the field, they'd be just as hard on him too.

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    6. JLin quietly averaging 13.5 PPG and 7.5 assists/game over his last 4 games on 57.1% shooting

      [just putting this out there.]

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    7. @via:

      You are correct. But Lin is going to have to keep it up in order for Rockets fans to get behind him. And honestly, there is nothing wrong with that. The problem would be if Lin had been averaging 57% - or even 47% - all season and the Rockets fans still not being on board. While I do think that Rockets fans should be more intelligent basketball wise and see all the ways and reasons why Lin has just as much to do with their unexpectedly being .500 as Harden does, in all honesty they aren't treating Lin any worse than they would any other not quite established player that is struggling with his shot the way that Lin was until recently.

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    8. @via, that's right. :)

      @unknown, you know...when you're basically playing out of position or sharing 80% of the PG duties with another player, you would think Rockets fans would understand and be a little more patient than the national media. Rocket fans watch more Rockets games than anyone else, so again, you would think they'd know what was going on with Lin's situation/shooting/confidence yet, most of them spew national media talking points.

      Also, what's up with Lin having to prove that he belongs to the Rockets? Why can't the Rockets just support him, like any other player who signs with the team. Lin's salary doesn't effect their lives. Lin's salary doesn't prevent HOU from signing another franchise player. As a fan of team, you should support the players on your team especially when they've only played 16 games for you.

      I have NO sympathy for Rockets fans. Remember when rocket fans thought Dragic was going to be mediocre and never take them anywhere but now they're crying over losing him? Remember when rocket fans hated Lowry and his crappy 3pt/fg% and now they're crying over losing him? Rockets fans hate on their players until they leave, then they love them. Lin won't be any different.

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    9. There aren't very many PG's shooting close to 57% or even 47%. Lin is not an established player. How many starts does he have under his belt?

      Lin is making an average, starting PG salary. Mo Williams and Devin Harris make as much money as he does.

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    10. ""you know...when you're basically playing out of position or sharing 80% of the PG duties with another player, you would think Rockets fans would understand and be a little more patient than the national media.""

      Why, when there are players out there who can play the same role that Lin is asked to play with the Rockets and do just fine? Harden is just a combo guard. There are lots of combo guards starting in the NBA, and their backcourt mates do just fine. Just as Lin will as he gets more experience. By February, possibly as early as January, when Lin and Harden are routinely playing very well on offense while on the court together, everyone will have totally forgotten all their anxiety over Harden and Lin coexisting. It will be just as irrelevant then as it was tonight, when Harden took 16 shots and Lin took 14, and Harden scored 18 and Lin 19. Oh, and Harden had 7 assists and Lin 8. Thomas and Dumars, just like I predicted.

      "Also, what's up with Lin having to prove that he belongs to the Rockets?"

      All players have to prove their worth.

      "Why can't the Rockets just support him"

      Because they are Rockets fans, not Lin fans.

      "like any other player who signs with the team."

      Demonstrate to me that Rockets fans would be any more supportive of any other player that is shooting 38% from the field and then we will talk.

      "I have NO sympathy for Rockets fans."

      Err ... I would imagine that they feel the same way about you. Unlike you, they were Rockets fans before Lin got there and you started rooting for them, and will be Rockets fans when Lin leaves and you stop. And of course they are going to complain. Their team stinks!!! Or at least they stunk before this year. What do you want them to do ... talk about what a great job the front office, coaches and players are going when they haven't made a deep run in the playoffs since who knows when?

      "Rockets fans hate on their players until they leave, then they love them. Lin won't be any different."

      Ummm ... no. Rockets fans love their players when the team wins and hate them when they lose. They love good players and can give or take average or bad ones. And that makes them no different from fans anyplace else.

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  55. Fxxxx Cxxx ‏@hxxxxbxxxrxxxx
    @JasonCFriedman I think it's about time that the Rockets let Lin be the primary ball handler. Not Harden.
    9:06 PM - 1 Dec 12

    Jason Friedman ‏@JasonCFriedman
    ‏@hxxxxbxxxrxxxx Right, because this team's offense is really a big problem right now.
    9:08 PM - 1 Dec 12

    Fxxxx Cxxx ‏@hxxxxbxxxrxxxx
    @JasonCFriedman Harden often forces up shots and tries to do too much and ur not maximizing Lin's skill set by having him stand around.
    9:13 PM - 1 Dec 12

    Jason Friedman ‏@JasonCFriedman
    @hxxxxbxxxrxxxx Have addressed this too many times to count (including in yesterday's column). Fact is, Rox have been together little more
    9:20 PM - 1 Dec 12

    Jason Friedman ‏@JasonCFriedman
    @hxxxxbxxxrxxxx than 1 whole month, are still figuring things out, and yet still have one of the top-10 Os in NBA. Think they're gonna be ok
    9:21 PM - 1 Dec 12

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    1. I don't get why this anonymous guy is complaining?

      Lin got a lot of opportunities.

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    2. Friedman's a really nice guy, I follow him on twitter but he works for the Rockets. He doesn't ever really say anything; doesn't go against the grain. He doesn't analyze games/players, uses very simple stats and doesn't really have much to say about Lin's role/misuse. He's kinda just there and he's really only useful when he gets one on one interview with Lin...again, bc he works for the Rockets.

      HOU sportswriters are pretty low key. Jonathan Feigen is the best out of all of them.

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    3. Friedman has been in quite a few [soft] arguments with Lin fans. People have been trying to suss out from his answers what the coaching staff is doing [since he's their mouthpiece.] He's "revealed" some things, like the reason for Rox's focus on layups/3pt at the expense of mid-range jumpers. [Morey]

      I think fans are just a bit nervous by: offense->"ain't broke-won't fix" tone. [Top-10 in the NBA]

      Yeah, Feigen is the best [but seldom responds to fans.]

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    4. via cracks me up. always hiding twitter usernames LoL!

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    5. @via, I don't want you to have to dig up stuff that Friedman's talked about but can you talk about some of those things and the focus on lauups/3pt?

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    6. @ ntt
      Haha I worry they'll get hate since they'll be identified as Lin fans [we have LoH lurkers...]

      @ k.smith
      I'll try. [I think there's an expiry date for old tweets though.]

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    7. oops, misread your post, k.smith.

      The gist: people were complaining JLin missing too many open 3's, Asik so many lay ups.
      Friedman defends the O: the best offenses feast on a diet of looks at or near the rim and open 3s. Long-range 2s are the WORST thing a team can do if it wants to improve offensive efficiency, even mid-range shots are FAR less efficient for majority of league unless your name is Dirk. Makes a quip about unavoidably learning stuff from hanging around Morey and his stats too much...

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  56. It is a carryover from last season. Plus Lin himself admitted that it was a problem that he had to work on. As the season progresses, folks will talk about it less and less. Just like they will start to notice his improved scoring as he maintains that as well.

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