I gotta admit that despite the excitement I was always a bit worried about the HardLin connection. How good is the chemnistry (on a personal level)?
Sometimes you see Harden give Lin a push on the court - sometimes he would clap his hands to get the ball. I find both a bit disrespectful but then again - I am not american (different culture - different customs).
I recently noticed that Harden also would clap when JLin scors (or when other good things happen). He would clap and help JLin up.
Harden is a guy with attack mentality and he often talks about his "motor" that is powering him when he is on the court. So - I dont know what to think. Maybe that clapping and pushing is just a "guys thing".
I like the thought that Harden might have taught JLin his signature move. It would be a good sign for the HardLin killer combo. People speculate about trades sometimes but I think they will play together for a while and Im excited about that.
BTW:
On the wikipedia article on "eurostep" - Harden is listed as one of the american players who have adopted that move. Somebody should edit the article - add Lin to it.
Maybe that somebody should also add a "eurostep" family tree. Like Harden - student of Ginobili, Lin - student of Harden. On top of the tree? That would be me of course...
Now that JLins has a nice contract and everything... he should invent his own signature move. Like a eurostep-airtwister or something. Eurostep -> jump -> rotate -> fake pass -> dunk... or something...
"...he should invent his own signature move. - He's prolly on it. He said he crafted/ practised this signature [long form/ short form] since childhood, the 3 bros have their own JL hand sign, his personal logo...There's gotta be a signature move coming, it's a matter of time. :) ---
I am uncertain how well Harden and Lin will connect after "work" aside from the big team gatherings. Harden likes to visit night clubs and stripper clubs, and Jeremy has church and fellowships.
According to reports, the team sometimes hang out at restaurants/clubs but Lin and some teammates declined going to strip clubs or night clubs. So all's pretty good.
I'd say Harden is more of a young Christian, while Lin is more of a mature Christian. But still both are beloved children of God. Being a Christian is about the process of becoming like Christ, it's not an instant change.
@Andy: You can google Harden. You will find plenty of Harden "in da club" pictures and videos :) You will also find some with his entourage (e.g. Morris). He is just having a good time. Who - provided that they could - would not do what Harden does.
However - just because people are having fun that doesnt mean they sin. Just because they sin - it doesnt mean they commit capital sin.
In my eyes - Harden is just helping girls with their tuition fees :)
Have been following Warriors game lately, David Lee is legit. Rockets needs a big men like him. Asik, Patterson, Morris is not a starter. None of Rockets big men can set a good screen.
Asik's moving screen is an issue. He keeps getting called for moving on a pick. Asik cant finish at the rim, like the way Chandler or Josh Smith can in pick and rolls. Both Patterson and Morris are more pick and pop.
We know they're good friends and have the chemistry. Too bad DL is an $80M player.
@Racha
"Asik's moving screen is an issue."
Agreed. I don't know that it's any worse than any number of other NBA big men, but he is beginning to develop a reputation for that and refs are going to look for it. He needs to tighten things up.
I feel they need to give Smith more minutes to develop. I think Smith does a very good job setting picks too. Don't know what Smith was thinking when he was grabbing the man he was guarding and got benched for that unnecessary foul.
But Patterson and Morris is not good screen setter. You saw how JLin always struggled when Robin Lopez is setting screen for Vasquez. That's the sort of screen he and Harden needs.
if in case Millsap gets re-signed to Jazz, I hope Jeremy and James convince Josh Smith to come to Rockets.
* Rockets and their roster have double-doubles: JEREMY Lin and JEREMY Lamb PATRICK Patterson and PATRICK Beverley if in case, Greg SMITH and Josh SMITH
Based on the xRAPM (the most accurate adjusted +/-), both Millsap and J.Smith have the highest combined Off and Def xRAPM for the Jazz at +4.6 and +4.94 . And J.Smith has higher Def xRAPM.
But personally, I like Millsap more due to better 3PT% and low-key personality while J.Smith has more ego and somewhat lower BBIQ (also thinks he is a great 3PT shooter). Personality wise, Millsap will jell easier than J.Smith in the young Rox team.
Besides ATL wants to lock up J.Smith while Millsap becomes expendable due to their young PFs.
I gues Rox's max winning streak is five. No more than five. Same like last five.. I have sympathy for hornet lost quite few games to Rockets, let them have this one then. I don't mind they lost this one if they can get one okc and one spur. Though if they did get it not necessary mean too much because then that will make wizard instantly a good contender team. But still good to see it if it happens.
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo James Harden recorded his 14th straight 25+ point game earlier tonight, breaking Moses Malone's Rockets franchise record. 7:43 PM - 9 Jan 13
I like the positive spin for this loss :) If the mighty Spurs can lose to the Hornets, there's no shame for the Rox to lose on the back-end of back-to-back games.
Tired legs definitely played a big factor but how did the Rox score 33 in 3Q and only 10 in the 4Q? How did you go 0-9 in 3PT? Harden tried unsuccessfully to go to the basket to get fouled in the 4Q. Noone could make 3PTs. Patterson and Morris did not roll to the basket hanging Lin and Harden to dry. 3PT defense was poor. 22 TOs!
They're due for a bad loss after going 12-3. I'm sure McHale would think what the backup plan would be when Harden's drive and 3PT shooting don't work in the 4Q. The glaring hole for a physical big men is exposed.
Would Morey be patient with Morris and Patterson or stay put until a potential All-Star is available?
Hey, here's another positive for tonight; Lin had 5 steals.
CP3 is truly remarkable. He is only playing a little over 33 mpg on a team that is in the middle of the pack in terms of pace but has 91 steals. To put things into perspective, Conley at #2 has 75 steals.
Lin also plays a little over 33 mpg but on a high pace team and has 68* steals. That's what separates 1 through 5.
*he has 73 now, but that's after this stat list was calculated.
Btw, anybody think Kevin garnet should be fine or anything saying trash to melo on the court? When I was reading this I can't help thinking if this is Lin in melo's position, how will Lin reacts? Though a lot criticize melo should not wait outside the bus, but I think garnet is such a low player that need to use that kind of tactic to win games and defeat his opponent. Just hope he won't do that to Lin when facing the rockets. This is why sport world is sometimes wasting time to me watching these grown up man done such silly immature things. Luckily, there's something call Linsanity arise to make it more enjoyable.
He got suspend for a game! I was with melo on this one! I think if there's punishment it should be both side. Melo get suspend and kg should be fine cause it is all kg who start it. I know trash talk in sport world is common but at least with some limit. If I have kids I wouldn't want my kids to watch any of these. I rather them watch something else or do something else. I always thought there's some kind of sport spirit to be admire from these people but rather I see more ugly than the positive. The sex assault scandal, the fight, the trashy curse all common in sport world.
it was said that KG told Melo that his wife (LaLa) "tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios". imo, thrash talking in terms of somebody's game is common in NBA, but dragging someone else's wife to throw a player out of his game is plain idiotic. btw, melo and lala are living separately for a few months already.
if I marry Lin I'll do anything I could to stay out of the limelight but still support him.
@psalm234 - first date? challenge him to play Tekken 6 and I'll kick his butt lol. hahaha just something laidback - a home cooked meal of pasta and ice cream for dessert then watch funny movies/YouTube videos, go bowling, rent a bike and go around a huge park,or swim at the beach. I'd rather not talk about anything basketball with him, he's already doing it for like, 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
I believe the NBA is right o suspend Melo for a game. You cannot bring that thug mentality and try to threaten a fellow co-worker just because they trash talk or said something bad about your family member. It comes with the business, get used to it. Now everywhere Melo goes people will be using that ploy to throw him off of his game. They are just words, it means nothing. You could say KG wife tastes like CoCo Puffs. Big deal.
You ladies are full of fantasies. You didn't even know he existed before Linsanity. He's an average looker for an asian guy. Nothing spectacular. With money and power then you can look like anything you want with the ladies. Just my two cents.
if you're a guy, why be bothered about ladies fantasizing about Jeremy? what's wrong with fantasizing anyway when it's an actual mind exercise?
I've read about and seen pics of the guy since 2010 via Lakers thread. thought he was cute way back then with his boyish, nerdy looks and seen a bit of him since his GSW days. exploded full time when he killed my Lakers last Feb 2012, I think this was a bit late for 'Linsanity' thing..
then if you're not bothered you shouldn't have posted your 2 cents about fantasizing about Jeremy.where is it stated in the post about fusing fantasy and reality anyway? sounds bothered to me.
@isabelijane, sounds like a great plan for a first date :) man, I can tell you are a planner.
nothing wrong with fun little fantasy or infatuation to be creative. Guys and gals do it all the time as long as it's healthy and not involved stalking :)
Definitely better than excessive gaming, gambling, and stuff that draw people from reality.
You see my problem with this is melo got suspend and kg just got walk away with no punishment. Put urself in melo's shoe. How will u react if that's ur wife? I just agree with some and even melo u can say anything toward the player but there just some line u don't cross. From what I see NBA makes it like what melo did is not right and what kg did is alright. I don't think it's neither fair nor make sense.
@ 8cd, lol..I think there's no need from that about female fans fantasizing jlin. I bet not just female but many didn't know he exist before linsanity. To guys he's average looking but u know, girls not just into looking!hoho..:) In fact, he is handsome over the average guy. Different eyes different view la.
Saying "Happy Mother's Day m...f...." expletive to Tim Duncan knowing his mother passed away a day before his 14th day qualifies Garnett's as a hot-headed competitive fool.
What do you do with fools? You ignore them. Don't fuel the fire or else you become one, too.
@isabelijane wow great first date ideas, I can tell you any girl that can kick their butt in Tekken 6 is a huge plus...As long as you play the "vulnerable" girl (not that you are, just pretend) and let him win ever so ofter ;)
And any girl who can play video games AND cook AND has a sense of humor...How are you single again? LOL :D
BTW about fantasizing...Gawd peeps mind your own business, who cares if someone dreams about so and so? Hehe I used to have a huge crush on Brook Burke until I got married...I wanna say the cliche thing of "hey now that I'm married I don't need to fantasize about other woman" but the truth is, once you figure out even ONE woman is too much to handle you'd just not wanna think about any another woman in your life :D
Haha love my wife and my two awesome boyz :)
FYI some people turn their fantasies and dreams into reality. There is absolutely nothing wrong with chasing your dreams...Just don't stalk :P
To each their own. Never said you can't fantasize or comments about his looks etc. Just throwing out what I perceived based on life experiences. Oh, btw Kenoshi eventhough you are happily married, it still doesn't stop your eyes from being married. That's how men are wired. Like it or not. To all the women, keep fantasizing away. Don't fantasize to the point that you are obsessed with him and not know the difference between his weakness and strong points as a bball player. We are all rooting for him to do well, but he's part to blame for games that are lost as well.
Oh no I can appreciate women, wife has no problems with me looking and making comments, its that level of trust we have and well she has no cause for or have any self esteem issues :D
KG is a huge bully. I don't mind thrash talking about someone's game,"hehe you can't shoot, you're a brick house worker.. blah blah blah" but dragging in a person's loved one just to throw them off the game track is plain idiotic. seems like KG cannot say anything against Melo's game so instead he dragged LaLa.
Doesn't matter if KG talks about his mother. Things get said or happens on the court. You just need to block him out and he will quit talking. Just play your game. Melo wants to act on it and decided to go thug like and wanted to meet him at his locker. The NBA was right to suspend Carmelo, but they should also fine KG as well. Where's there smoke there must be fire.
wow kris aquino just mentioned linsanity in her show:)super wow being harvard/nba player a very good comment:) offtopic sorry shes the queen of all media in the PHILIPPINES
I seriously think we should sign DeJuan Blair as PF for the Rockets... He's a great defender, a great PnR post up player, a great rebounder, and a great finisher...
Just found out, I won't be able to post anymore, [a change in working arrangement.] ^Didn't want to seem rude and just vanish haha.
@jd - You can bookmark these. [Good luck with your kid, chan c too. Boys need attention, I hope they grow up to be like JLin.] :) stream 1 stream 2 stream 3
It's been a pleasure watching the games with you all. I learned SO MUCH from all your posts. Thanks for the patience. :)
[Tough stretch ahead...Hope JLin/ the Rox do well.] Take care, you guys. :)
@ntt - HK. Emigrated when I was 5, returned recently for work. [Been having a bit of culture shock. Also, having to re-learn the language.] I'm glad to have found this board. It's soccermania [football] here. :) ---
Thanks, guys. [I'll miss you too.] Lots of stuff I take away fr here [not just bball info.] ^ Just an example, @KH helped me understand about Alphas being gentlemen [I got the wrong idea <- misinfo fr Betas.] @MichaelTerry's posts -> about using benchmarks, etc. @fighton for Tim Keller... @willydilly's posts, always informative... @wilc, very discerning [I must emulate this more] Calm @Hans :) , @wifflewiffle... Many more... ---
I just couldn't help but log in to post the highlights haha. Anyhow, yep. That's it.
[@ntt, @Nom, @Racha, @ChuckT, @neph, @Rikki, @psalm, @eb5, @Cara too many to mention, but fr each I learned something, no joke, even @nemo :) so yeah, just wanna add that. Ok.] :)
Hope you settle down well in hk, via! (strange coincidence that i also emigrated at five and have recently returnrd to hk to start a new career!) Do drop by just lurk when you get a chance. :)
Best wishes to you, via. Your links and comments were always much appreciated. Will there be anybody to take up via's mantle? Who will be the Elisha to via's Elijah?
Logged-in to check on coffeetime/ Blaiyan [Felt this need to finish posting the highlights haha, but they're not up yet.]
Saw @mt and have to thank his post about not being too fighty towards critical posters. [Don't know why it was taken down -> could be an affixed post of mine praising @KH and Co. for their indefatigable defense of JLin/ JLin fans.] <- I sincerely admire them, but @mt's advice was right FOR ME: I was becoming very...shrewish haha and habituated to arguing, but have not @willydilly's wit [so that the negativity can be offset by humor] or @KH's personal power. The bad attitude was kinda spilling into my RL, and @mt's advice was the right words at the right time for me, thanks. :)
I started posting during JLin's asian tour, when the wounds of FA were still fresh. And you passionate-and-intelligent posters here have helped moderate/ enlighten my views. Like I said, many lessons fr this board. Awesome posters, you all.
[Thanks for the all the kind words, you guys are a great bunch. Thanks to the ever-gracious JLinfan#1 and the guys -- for this board.] Anyhow, here's to JLin and the Rox! Exciting road ahead! ^^
I didn't mean to imply anything negative about standing up for what one believes to be right. It's just speaking about myself, there's a tendency to get self-righteousy and defensive. And just...argumentative in its negative sense. [At that pt, forget about a rational exchange of ideas, it's all about not being wrong.]
@via: pleeeeeeese see if you can pursue the career of being our boy's CIO (Chief Information Officer).
That way, we get to continue reading your postings, get Lin's insider information :-) from you, and you can collect and provide Lin all wisdom from all contributors here. Then YOU DON'T EVER HAVE TO LEAVE THIS SITE.
Im glad you didn't take it personal via. Well, keep on keeping on. Passion is the fruit of life. "If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins." (benjamin franklin?)
oh no....we'll miss you so much via! Have always been amazed by your ability to dig up all those posts and links. Thank you so much for all your contributions, we really appreciate them. All the best in your career and personal life! Hope to see you sometime again...when you post again am sure you'll receive a deluge of warm welcome backs :)
I seriously think McHale and co. needs to come up with an alternate strategy when the run run game plan doesn't fall through. Especially on back to back games or when the Rockets do not have enough rest. It's true that kind of game plan will wear down your players no matter how young they are. It's a long season and you will burn them out before the play offs. If you planning to deploy this strategy then you cannot have your main guys play more than 35+ minutes per game. McHale needs to draw up and run some sets and also deploy a viable half court game for these type of match ups. I would deploy a Jekyl and Hyde scheme where the team can run if they need to and slow down the pace also. I don't think committing to this type of strategy will have any benefits in the long run. Rockets also need a serious lesson in boxing out and in defending the basket. The reason the Rockets were out rebounded because of the run mentality. Players were running up court before the rebounds were secured. Hope this game serves as an eye opener for McHale and Co.
I thought Rox would take this game home but I was wrong. Just couldn't buy a bucket at all in the 4th. I just want to point out the last play that JLin made. The pull up jumper at the top of the free throw looked so smooth and effortless. I think during the course of the game he can do this kind of play because it's so easy for him to create for his own shot. I just don't understand why he didn't do it. JLin, just do it man. BE LIKE LIN!!!
The coaches frown upon these "inefficient midranger jumpers" in the Rox system.
But this is one way for Lin to tell coaches, "I can do this all day long, Coach!" if they go 0-9 3PT in the 4Q. Hopefully it opens some eyes that they can't live and die by the threes. They need a backup plan.
You know and everybody knows that Lin is not the type of person who will open up his mouth and tell his coaches that. He doesn't want to disturb the apple cart. It's plays into the Asian mentality of taking your lumps and not saying anything. In order for him to succeed, he needs to take and own up to being more of a leader on his team. He needs to be more efficient with scoring and reduce his TO's. Make smart passes and not dumb ones and learn to take over when you need to and not worry about getting everybody else involve. You will always get that opportunity when you are a PG to get everybody involved.
Yes, we know he won't start drilling midrange jumpers in the 4Q just to prove his coaches wrong about sticking with the 3PT system.
But there are two Asian mentality (focusing on group harmony) here. The bad one is to take your lump and be silent on the corner like a good soldier. The second one is to lobby the coaches behind the screen to utilize his strength in midrange game when the 3PT and layups are not working.
Perhaps the coaches already gave him the green light to do so and he hesitates to change the system to be 'selfish' in taking his midrange shots. Who knows? But I'm sure they will talk about it. Lin needs to find ways to lobby the coaches.
It would be foolish not to use a player's strength just to stick with the system (see D'Antoni system not using Gasol well)
The 4Q breakdown is definitely an eye opener for the Rox. It's just part of learning lessons for the young Rox to continually evolve.
Also, there were 0-9 attempts for 3PT in the 4Q. So Lin definitely had to find open 3PT shooters most of the time by design. He can't just freely rain midrange jumpers as the PG.
I haven't seen HOU coaches have any backup plan when the 3PT shooting and Harden/Lin penetration don't work.
No GM in the NBA can force any head coach to alter his philosophy, least of all Daryl "No Power" Morey who seems to me totally out of touch with the actual basketball being played by "his" Houston Rockets.
Kevin McHale was hired to be a inside post up coach. He himself understands the value of mid range jumpers, though the team certainly doesn't take many because of the inability of Houston's big men to MAKE them.
Meanwhile I've seen Lin make plenty of midrange jumpers. McHale is not a coach like Larry Brown who benches players that MAKE shots. Lin is to attack and create whatever shot comes up for him, which is often a 3 pointer or a layup depending on how jammed the midrange is due to opposing big men leaving Lin's big men unguarded.
I don't think this Houston Rockets coaching staff has the word "bad shot" in its vocabulary!
I don't know I thought Patterson has pretty decent midrange game, we see him take midrange J's ever so often and he rarely misses.
But we see him on the perimeter taking 3s heck of a lot more. Heck we know Lin has midrange game but so far he has NOT been shooting them much if at all.
There's no reason for Lin to limit himself unless he's being told to shoot spot-up 3s instead...I don't know, just theorycrafting, I hope I'm wrong about this.
So the Rockets is a lot more efficient in making their 2PT% (perhaps due to Harden/Lin penetration) than 3PT%. I don't have the midrange 2PT% which might be helpful.
I think McHale says take the open shots but take the 3PT shot more. He is handcuffed by not having reliable big men to pound the ball inside that he likes.
Lately, I see Lin has been more confident to take midrange 2PT shots so it's a good sign.
BTW KHuang, credit McHale who is willing to adjust his system based on his personnel's strength although he likes having big men to pound the ball inside. I see he's better than D'Antoni here.
McHale: "...So we’re just going to have to do whatever fits our team the best. If our best playmaker is our two-man then we’ll run a ton of stuff that will allow him to make plays. If our best playmaker is our four-man, then we’ll run a ton of stuff for him to make plays. The object is not to run your offense, the object is to run an offense that fits your team. I’m not playing, so it doesn’t matter what I like; it matters what these guys can and can’t do."
"So the Rockets is a lot more efficient in making their 2PT% (perhaps due to Harden/Lin penetration) than 3PT%. I don't have the midrange 2PT% which might be helpful."
A small quibble: the Rox are more *successful* at making their 2 pointers than 3 pointers.
They more *efficient* taking the 3.
3*(.36) > 2*(.509), right?
It's not a perfect calculation of course (e.g. doesn't take into consideration and-1') but you get the idea.
Regarding the mid-range numbers... Synergy has a spot up stat, and if you remove the 3 pointers you have a proxy for the mid range percentage. Through last night this number for the Rox is 40.07%.
I want to say I have seen a graphic that shows shooting percentage in the restricted area but 1) I can't remember if it is for player or team, and 2) I can't find it right now.
Good thinking about the efficiency for the points produced, @nom.
Well, 3*(.36) > 2*(.509) = 1.08 > 1.018 for pure 3PT and 2PT calculation if we discount the points from FTs. And we know there is more chance to get FTs by going inside. It's not that easy to make the projection because we just don't have all the numbers .
My only concern is they eventually need to have a backup plan on the days when the 3PT shooting and penetration don't work. But I guess McHale is correct, TOs are more the problems and they simply don't have the right personnel to play great inside game.
Perhaps the coaches should be concerned now with the tired legs on back-to-back games from playing high-pace games. It did affect their 3PT defense and caused TOs.
I am sincerely sorry to see you leave. For me, your links are one of the top reasons for visiting here. Recently, you have started posting more of your own POV, and I only wish you did it sooner and more often. Know you will be missed, good luck in all your endeavors, and don't be a stranger.
For all those feel good stories about the Rockets when they are winning, it's the games where they lose is what I hate the most. It's like being on a high and then learning some bad news and it drops your emotions straight down to basement level. It's not easy to win in the NBA even when you are an elite team. There's much learning the Rockets need to learn from every game loss. Every player is at fault during a loss. There are always plenty of blame to be spread around. Hopefully they can rebound against Boston and the next couple of games coming their way.
The Rockets are supposed to be worst team in the NBA.
The lowest payroll loses the most games. But instead, the Rockets are the best team.
Similarly, Jeremy Lin is playing as hard and as intelligently as he can. As long as he plays hard and makes the right decisions, I am OK with his game even if opponents stop what he's doing.
I've watched the NBA for decades, so I've seen everybody lose as much as they win.
The Rockets were tired, particularly the big men who have looked sluggish to me the last few games.
Personally, I don't think that New Orleans can beat Houston when Houston's big men are well rested. A guy like Robin Lopez who's strictly a hustle player would not normally beat a well rested Omer Asik to spots.
Perhaps KG can tell Harden that he looks like Osama Bin Laden, but I doubt anything can get under his skin unless you are taking shots away from him. His effectiveness is also based on the referees whether they call a foul on the opponents when he does drive towards the basket and throws up his head and arms to simulate a foul. I have noticed in games where they don't call that a foul, the Rockets have lost those games. Just an observation. Rockets need to rethink their game strategy and see what they can implement to fix the problem of not being able to run constantly. I believe that is their weakness also, in offense you give up defense and that's their vulnerability and all the teams that they played know this.
The James harden headphone. Btw, I feel that kind of headphone is not really comfortable though..it press ur ears and head. My friend gave me one as gift and I return to her. I wonder how they able to put it on for hrs. It gets heavy feeling after some minutes.
... The Rockets missed all nine of the 3-pointers they took in the fourth quarter. Their 22.1 percent-shooting in the quarter was their worst this season.
“I’d say six or seven of them were wide open,” McHale said. “We’re going to take those 3s. They’re good shots for us. We didn’t make them. I’m not worried about the shots. It’s the turnovers and not keeping them off the glass that killed us.”
Looks like a lot of people here have started taking over @via's responsibility with great posts and links to pics and articles. Thanks! I love this site (except for all those conspiracy theories and "everyone in NBA or Rockets management is out to get Lin" type of post...)
I ain't Singaporean friend, I'm Malaysian Chinese. Malaysia as in that plot of land north of Singapore. And, if you read the history and news about my country, you will realize I know a thing or two about racial discrimination and its impact on people lives.
@lam, Apologies for the mistake with your nationality. I learnt that Chinese excel in Malaysia in spite of discriminative system that aims to prevent the elites from excelling. However, we are looking at different types of discriminations in two different countries so we can’t make a like to like comparison. You definitely don’t understand the plight of AA in the America. PEACE.
Peace friend :-). I'm here to follow Lin's career. If his name was Chandrasekhar I would still follow his career in the NBA, albeit not as closely. BTW, my nieces lives in New York, I've been there and I've seen the looks some of the salespeople gives me. So even if I don't know the lives of AA, I've got a glimpse of it. But in my opinion, America is still a great country of opportunities compared to my country.
Is anyone watching the heat and trailblazers game? Portland is good and they are rather young too. They are a really solid group. The western conference is so tough!!!
JLin Euro
ReplyDeletevia, I was about to say did anyone see JLin's euro tonight. That was nice!
DeleteOoh who was it he juked in the paint, can't tell.
DeleteBut omg he needs to do it more...But its pretty punishing on the knees right?
You know Harden was behind him going "OH NO HE DIDN'T...HE DID!!!"
DeleteVasquez.
DeleteLeft handed too
DeleteLOL, Lin must have been working on that in practice all season long....
DeleteEuro-step + left-handed finish. Nice!
DeleteLin is starting to pick up the skills that Harden uses to get to the rim. Too bad he hasn't learned Carlos Delfino's shooting :(
Delete@Kenoshi:
DeleteLOL :) Maybe Harden was proud of his student :)
I gotta admit that despite the excitement I was always a bit worried about the HardLin connection. How good is the chemnistry (on a personal level)?
Sometimes you see Harden give Lin a push on the court - sometimes he would clap his hands to get the ball. I find both a bit disrespectful but then again - I am not american (different culture - different customs).
I recently noticed that Harden also would clap when JLin scors (or when other good things happen). He would clap and help JLin up.
Harden is a guy with attack mentality and he often talks about his "motor" that is powering him when he is on the court. So - I dont know what to think. Maybe that clapping and pushing is just a "guys thing".
I like the thought that Harden might have taught JLin his signature move. It would be a good sign for the HardLin killer combo. People speculate about trades sometimes but I think they will play together for a while and Im excited about that.
BTW:
On the wikipedia article on "eurostep" - Harden is listed as one of the american players who have adopted that move. Somebody should edit the article - add Lin to it.
Maybe that somebody should also add a "eurostep" family tree. Like Harden - student of Ginobili, Lin - student of Harden. On top of the tree? That would be me of course...
Now that JLins has a nice contract and everything... he should invent his own signature move. Like a eurostep-airtwister or something. Eurostep -> jump -> rotate -> fake pass -> dunk... or something...
"...he should invent his own signature move.
Delete- He's prolly on it.
He said he crafted/ practised this signature [long form/ short form] since childhood, the 3 bros have their own JL hand sign, his personal logo...There's gotta be a signature move coming, it's a matter of time. :)
---
Glad about their developing chemistry. :)
Dwade has a very effective full speed euro, too.
DeleteI am uncertain how well Harden and Lin will connect after "work" aside from the big team gatherings. Harden likes to visit night clubs and stripper clubs, and Jeremy has church and fellowships.
DeleteAccording to reports, the team sometimes hang out at restaurants/clubs but Lin and some teammates declined going to strip clubs or night clubs. So all's pretty good.
DeleteHow about looking for hot girls at the church?
DeleteAre you sure about this James Harden and night club/stripper clubs thing? I mean, Harden tweets Bible verses and stuff...
DeleteAndy, you might want to check out people James Harden follows on twitter. Most chicks that James Harden follows look like someone work at strip clubs.
DeleteI'd say Harden is more of a young Christian, while Lin is more of a mature Christian. But still both are beloved children of God. Being a Christian is about the process of becoming like Christ, it's not an instant change.
DeleteI'd say Harden is still stuck studying King Solomon in the Bible :) I mean his 1000 concubines
DeleteLOL nice one psalm
Delete@psalm:
DeleteNice :)
@Andy:
You can google Harden. You will find plenty of Harden "in da club" pictures and videos :) You will also find some with his entourage (e.g. Morris). He is just having a good time. Who - provided that they could - would not do what Harden does.
However - just because people are having fun that doesnt mean they sin. Just because they sin - it doesnt mean they commit capital sin.
In my eyes - Harden is just helping girls with their tuition fees :)
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ReplyDelete1st JLin highlights vs NO - 1/9/13
DeleteA bit of pre-game fun between JLin and Lopez.
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ReplyDeleteHave been following Warriors game lately, David Lee is legit. Rockets needs a big men like him. Asik, Patterson, Morris is not a starter. None of Rockets big men can set a good screen.
ReplyDeleteAsik's moving screen is an issue. He keeps getting called for moving on a pick. Asik cant finish at the rim, like the way Chandler or Josh Smith can in pick and rolls. Both Patterson and Morris are more pick and pop.
Delete@bmzll
Delete"David Lee is legit."
We know they're good friends and have the chemistry. Too bad DL is an $80M player.
@Racha
"Asik's moving screen is an issue."
Agreed. I don't know that it's any worse than any number of other NBA big men, but he is beginning to develop a reputation for that and refs are going to look for it. He needs to tighten things up.
Actually, Asik's moving screens bother me quite a bit because it seems that his moving screens always occur exactly when Lin gets a field goal.
DeleteI feel they need to give Smith more minutes to develop. I think Smith does a very good job setting picks too. Don't know what Smith was thinking when he was grabbing the man he was guarding and got benched for that unnecessary foul.
DeleteBut Patterson and Morris is not good screen setter. You saw how JLin always struggled when Robin Lopez is setting screen for Vasquez. That's the sort of screen he and Harden needs.
DeleteAlso, I hope Lin gets traded to GSW.
Deleteto backup Curry? you high bro? Rockets is a guaranteed top 5 if they get a big men who set good screen and could post up.
DeleteGive Asik some time. His offensive skill development is ahead of the schedule. He just needs more conditioning and be more physical.
DeletePatterson and Morris can be replaced by Millsap when he's available. They are not physical enough. Millsap's improved 43% 3PT also looks really good.
Agree with @psalm234. Not only is his 3 pt shooting better, he is a big improvement on defense. PM is 3rd in the league in defending the PnR roll man.
DeleteWho should Rockets trade for Millsap? I assume one of Morris or Patterson, TD, and draft pick?
DeleteI still think J.Smith is better though and Rockets are more likely to go after him.
Deleteif in case Millsap gets re-signed to Jazz, I hope Jeremy and James convince Josh Smith to come to Rockets.
Delete* Rockets and their roster have double-doubles:
JEREMY Lin and JEREMY Lamb
PATRICK Patterson and PATRICK Beverley
if in case, Greg SMITH and Josh SMITH
Based on the xRAPM (the most accurate adjusted +/-), both Millsap and J.Smith have the highest combined Off and Def xRAPM for the Jazz at +4.6 and +4.94 . And J.Smith has higher Def xRAPM.
DeleteBut personally, I like Millsap more due to better 3PT% and low-key personality while J.Smith has more ego and somewhat lower BBIQ (also thinks he is a great 3PT shooter). Personality wise, Millsap will jell easier than J.Smith in the young Rox team.
Besides ATL wants to lock up J.Smith while Millsap becomes expendable due to their young PFs.
Note: highest xRAPM for their respective teams
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DeleteI gues Rox's max winning streak is five. No more than five. Same like last five.. I have sympathy for hornet lost quite few games to Rockets, let them have this one then. I don't mind they lost this one if they can get one okc and one spur. Though if they did get it not necessary mean too much because then that will make wizard instantly a good contender team. But still good to see it if it happens.
ReplyDeleteNom:
ReplyDelete"Let's look at the bright side - we held a team to under 90! Yeah, go Rox!"
Hahahaha yeah baby! Way to remain positive Nom! The fact that our almost non-existent defense kept them below 90pts...Hahahaha!
:)
DeleteESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
DeleteJames Harden recorded his 14th straight 25+ point game earlier tonight, breaking Moses Malone's Rockets franchise record.
7:43 PM - 9 Jan 13
I like the positive spin for this loss :) If the mighty Spurs can lose to the Hornets, there's no shame for the Rox to lose on the back-end of back-to-back games.
DeleteTired legs definitely played a big factor but how did the Rox score 33 in 3Q and only 10 in the 4Q? How did you go 0-9 in 3PT?
Harden tried unsuccessfully to go to the basket to get fouled in the 4Q. Noone could make 3PTs. Patterson and Morris did not roll to the basket hanging Lin and Harden to dry. 3PT defense was poor. 22 TOs!
They're due for a bad loss after going 12-3. I'm sure McHale would think what the backup plan would be when Harden's drive and 3PT shooting don't work in the 4Q. The glaring hole for a physical big men is exposed.
Would Morey be patient with Morris and Patterson or stay put until a potential All-Star is available?
NBA.com/Stats @nbastats
ReplyDeleteTop 5 Steals (SPG): 1. CP3 (2.6) 2. Conley (2.4) 3. Westbrook (2.2) 4. Jennings (2.1) 5. Lin (1.9) #LeagueLeaders
2:15 PM - 9 Jan 13
Hey, here's another positive for tonight; Lin had 5 steals.
DeleteCP3 is truly remarkable. He is only playing a little over 33 mpg on a team that is in the middle of the pack in terms of pace but has 91 steals. To put things into perspective, Conley at #2 has 75 steals.
Lin also plays a little over 33 mpg but on a high pace team and has 68* steals. That's what separates 1 through 5.
*he has 73 now, but that's after this stat list was calculated.
5. Jeremy Lin, HOU 2.03
DeleteAfter last night's 5 steal perfomrnace, his numbers went up (check today's stats).
Btw, anybody think Kevin garnet should be fine or anything saying trash to melo on the court? When I was reading this I can't help thinking if this is Lin in melo's position, how will Lin reacts? Though a lot criticize melo should not wait outside the bus, but I think garnet is such a low player that need to use that kind of tactic to win games and defeat his opponent. Just hope he won't do that to Lin when facing the rockets. This is why sport world is sometimes wasting time to me watching these grown up man done such silly immature things. Luckily, there's something call Linsanity arise to make it more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteMelo, KG, Trash Talk
DeleteHe got suspend for a game! I was with melo on this one! I think if there's punishment it should be both side. Melo get suspend and kg should be fine cause it is all kg who start it. I know trash talk in sport world is common but at least with some limit. If I have kids I wouldn't want my kids to watch any of these. I rather them watch something else or do something else. I always thought there's some kind of sport spirit to be admire from these people but rather I see more ugly than the positive. The sex assault scandal, the fight, the trashy curse all common in sport world.
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Deleteit was said that KG told Melo that his wife (LaLa) "tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios". imo, thrash talking in terms of somebody's game is common in NBA, but dragging someone else's wife to throw a player out of his game is plain idiotic. btw, melo and lala are living separately for a few months already.
Deleteif I marry Lin I'll do anything I could to stay out of the limelight but still support him.
Just a show of hands, how many female posters here would just LOVE to be Lin's wife?
DeleteME!!!!!!!!!
DeleteMe for sure!
Deletemy two hands are raised!!! :-)
Delete:) @ isabelijane
Deleteha ha ha ha nothing is impossible :) i want 3yr old son my to be like him.
Deletehaha :) I have a hard time believing only 3 female posters want to be Lin's wife. There should be at least 20 here!
Delete@isabelijane, what's your plan to get a first date? just curious :) perhaps produce a youtube video with some Euro-steps
lol
Delete@psalm234 - first date? challenge him to play Tekken 6 and I'll kick his butt lol. hahaha just something laidback - a home cooked meal of pasta and ice cream for dessert then watch funny movies/YouTube videos, go bowling, rent a bike and go around a huge park,or swim at the beach. I'd rather not talk about anything basketball with him, he's already doing it for like, 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
DeleteI believe the NBA is right o suspend Melo for a game. You cannot bring that thug mentality and try to threaten a fellow co-worker just because they trash talk or said something bad about your family member. It comes with the business, get used to it. Now everywhere Melo goes people will be using that ploy to throw him off of his game. They are just words, it means nothing. You could say KG wife tastes like CoCo Puffs. Big deal.
DeleteYou ladies are full of fantasies. You didn't even know he existed before Linsanity. He's an average looker for an asian guy. Nothing spectacular. With money and power then you can look like anything you want with the ladies. Just my two cents.
Deleteif you're a guy, why be bothered about ladies fantasizing about Jeremy? what's wrong with fantasizing anyway when it's an actual mind exercise?
DeleteI've read about and seen pics of the guy since 2010 via Lakers thread. thought he was cute way back then with his boyish, nerdy looks and seen a bit of him since his GSW days. exploded full time when he killed my Lakers last Feb 2012, I think this was a bit late for 'Linsanity' thing..
There's nothing wrong with fantasizing. Us guys do it all the time. Just as long as we separate fantasy from reality.
Deletethen if you're not bothered you shouldn't have posted your 2 cents about fantasizing about Jeremy.where is it stated in the post about fusing fantasy and reality anyway? sounds bothered to me.
Delete@isabelijane, sounds like a great plan for a first date :) man, I can tell you are a planner.
Deletenothing wrong with fun little fantasy or infatuation to be creative. Guys and gals do it all the time as long as it's healthy and not involved stalking :)
Definitely better than excessive gaming, gambling, and stuff that draw people from reality.
You see my problem with this is melo got suspend and kg just got walk away with no punishment. Put urself in melo's shoe. How will u react if that's ur wife? I just agree with some and even melo u can say anything toward the player but there just some line u don't cross. From what I see NBA makes it like what melo did is not right and what kg did is alright. I don't think it's neither fair nor make sense.
Delete@ 8cd, lol..I think there's no need from that about female fans fantasizing jlin. I bet not just female but many didn't know he exist before linsanity. To guys he's average looking but u know, girls not just into looking!hoho..:) In fact, he is handsome over the average guy. Different eyes different view la.
This is not Garnett's first offense. Here is the list of Garnett's disrespectful moments
DeleteSaying "Happy Mother's Day m...f...." expletive to Tim Duncan knowing his mother passed away a day before his 14th day qualifies Garnett's as a hot-headed competitive fool.
What do you do with fools? You ignore them. Don't fuel the fire or else you become one, too.
@isabelijane wow great first date ideas, I can tell you any girl that can kick their butt in Tekken 6 is a huge plus...As long as you play the "vulnerable" girl (not that you are, just pretend) and let him win ever so ofter ;)
DeleteAnd any girl who can play video games AND cook AND has a sense of humor...How are you single again? LOL :D
BTW about fantasizing...Gawd peeps mind your own business, who cares if someone dreams about so and so? Hehe I used to have a huge crush on Brook Burke until I got married...I wanna say the cliche thing of "hey now that I'm married I don't need to fantasize about other woman" but the truth is, once you figure out even ONE woman is too much to handle you'd just not wanna think about any another woman in your life :D
Haha love my wife and my two awesome boyz :)
FYI some people turn their fantasies and dreams into reality. There is absolutely nothing wrong with chasing your dreams...Just don't stalk :P
To each their own. Never said you can't fantasize or comments about his looks etc. Just throwing out what I perceived based on life experiences. Oh, btw Kenoshi eventhough you are happily married, it still doesn't stop your eyes from being married. That's how men are wired. Like it or not. To all the women, keep fantasizing away. Don't fantasize to the point that you are obsessed with him and not know the difference between his weakness and strong points as a bball player. We are all rooting for him to do well, but he's part to blame for games that are lost as well.
DeleteOh no I can appreciate women, wife has no problems with me looking and making comments, its that level of trust we have and well she has no cause for or have any self esteem issues :D
DeleteThe problem I see sometimes is some fans even so called Lin fans will just blame jlin for lost games.whereas others also did horrible.
DeleteKG is a huge bully. I don't mind thrash talking about someone's game,"hehe you can't shoot, you're a brick house worker.. blah blah blah" but dragging in a person's loved one just to throw them off the game track is plain idiotic. seems like KG cannot say anything against Melo's game so instead he dragged LaLa.
DeleteDoesn't matter if KG talks about his mother. Things get said or happens on the court. You just need to block him out and he will quit talking. Just play your game. Melo wants to act on it and decided to go thug like and wanted to meet him at his locker. The NBA was right to suspend Carmelo, but they should also fine KG as well. Where's there smoke there must be fire.
Deleteceltics is the next match?what if r.white is celtics?hmmmmp just thinking how rude k.g would be?sorry off topic.
ReplyDeletewow kris aquino just mentioned linsanity in her show:)super wow being harvard/nba player a very good comment:) offtopic sorry shes the queen of all media in the PHILIPPINES
Deletepinoy
DeleteOpo yes miss kris also adore him.seing him as a role model.kristv january 10
DeleteOpo yes miss kris also adore him.seing him as a role model.kristv january 10
Deletegoddarnit vasquez pad his stats against Lin yet again. It almost feel like the whole NBA letting him do it
ReplyDeleteTop 10 Bloopers of 2012
ReplyDelete9. Omer Asik
I seriously think we should sign DeJuan Blair as PF for the Rockets... He's a great defender, a great PnR post up player, a great rebounder, and a great finisher...
ReplyDeleteI like him but he's a bit undersized at his position.
DeleteYou guys, [and @JLinfan#1] :)
ReplyDeleteJust found out, I won't be able to post anymore, [a change in working arrangement.]
^Didn't want to seem rude and just vanish haha.
@jd - You can bookmark these. [Good luck with your kid, chan c too. Boys need attention, I hope they grow up to be like JLin.] :)
stream 1
stream 2
stream 3
It's been a pleasure watching the games with you all. I learned SO MUCH from all your posts. Thanks for the patience. :)
[Tough stretch ahead...Hope JLin/ the Rox do well.]
Take care, you guys. :)
thank you via
Deleteadios, via. where were you posting from? country that is.
Deletedo swing by when time permits. we can chat here over virtual coffee ;>
DeleteGodspeed, via! Thank you for everything, we'll certainly miss you.
Delete@ntt - HK.
DeleteEmigrated when I was 5, returned recently for work.
[Been having a bit of culture shock. Also, having to re-learn the language.]
I'm glad to have found this board. It's soccermania [football] here. :)
---
Thanks, guys. [I'll miss you too.]
Lots of stuff I take away fr here [not just bball info.]
^ Just an example, @KH helped me understand about Alphas being gentlemen [I got the wrong idea <- misinfo fr Betas.]
@MichaelTerry's posts -> about using benchmarks, etc.
@fighton for Tim Keller...
@willydilly's posts, always informative...
@wilc, very discerning [I must emulate this more]
Calm @Hans :) , @wifflewiffle...
Many more...
---
So ok, that's it haha
I'm out. :)
We will miss you.....will u ever post on here again via?
DeleteI'll treat via's absence as TEMPORARY.
Deletevia, I expect you to be back here once you readjust.
@john jun - no idea...
Delete@KH - You're such a general haha.
I just couldn't help but log in to post the highlights haha. Anyhow, yep. That's it.
[@ntt, @Nom, @Racha, @ChuckT, @neph, @Rikki, @psalm, @eb5, @Cara too many to mention, but fr each I learned something, no joke, even @nemo :) so yeah, just wanna add that. Ok.] :)
awww shucks, I don't quite get what is the reason you have but I refuse to say goodbye, we'll see you again later
DeleteGodspeed Via.... we'll see yah again!
DeleteVia you are leaving us? What a sad sad day...au revoir!
Deletehope you'll be back Via..
DeleteIm sure via will be back!
DeleteTake care via. I hope we see you again in the future. I appreciate all your posts and contributions to this forum. Good luck and God bless.
Deletein via we trust ... to come back and visit us.
DeleteAll the best with your new work and may you be the boss soon so you can post often :)
Hope you settle down well in hk, via! (strange coincidence that i also emigrated at five and have recently returnrd to hk to start a new career!) Do drop by just lurk when you get a chance. :)
DeleteVia con dios. Wrong spelling, but seems fitting. Best of luck.
DeleteOh no dont go via!
DeleteGunna miss you :(
Come back and post whenever you can la! Good luck with whatever you are doing!
DeleteBest wishes to you, via. Your links and comments were always much appreciated. Will there be anybody to take up via's mantle? Who will be the Elisha to via's Elijah?
Deletenooooooooo! don't go! hope you can find a way to come back, you'll be missed.
DeleteLogged-in to check on coffeetime/ Blaiyan [Felt this need to finish posting the highlights haha, but they're not up yet.]
DeleteSaw @mt and have to thank his post about not being too fighty towards critical posters. [Don't know why it was taken down -> could be an affixed post of mine praising @KH and Co. for their indefatigable defense of JLin/ JLin fans.] <- I sincerely admire them, but @mt's advice was right FOR ME: I was becoming very...shrewish haha and habituated to arguing, but have not @willydilly's wit [so that the negativity can be offset by humor] or @KH's personal power. The bad attitude was kinda spilling into my RL, and @mt's advice was the right words at the right time for me, thanks. :)
I started posting during JLin's asian tour, when the wounds of FA were still fresh. And you passionate-and-intelligent posters here have helped moderate/ enlighten my views. Like I said, many lessons fr this board. Awesome posters, you all.
[Thanks for the all the kind words, you guys are a great bunch. Thanks to the ever-gracious JLinfan#1 and the guys -- for this board.]
Anyhow, here's to JLin and the Rox! Exciting road ahead! ^^
*so that the negativity can be offset by humor
Delete- so that the heaviness can be...
[Argh, this is why I hate working with words~]
DeleteI didn't mean to imply anything negative about standing up for what one believes to be right.
It's just speaking about myself, there's a tendency to get self-righteousy and defensive. And just...argumentative in its negative sense. [At that pt, forget about a rational exchange of ideas, it's all about not being wrong.]
@via: pleeeeeeese see if you can pursue the career of being our boy's CIO (Chief Information Officer).
DeleteThat way, we get to continue reading your postings, get Lin's insider information :-) from you, and you can collect and provide Lin all wisdom from all contributors here. Then YOU DON'T EVER HAVE TO LEAVE THIS SITE.
Im glad you didn't take it personal via. Well, keep on keeping on. Passion is the fruit of life. "If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins." (benjamin franklin?)
Deleteoh no....we'll miss you so much via! Have always been amazed by your ability to dig up all those posts and links. Thank you so much for all your contributions, we really appreciate them. All the best in your career and personal life! Hope to see you sometime again...when you post again am sure you'll receive a deluge of warm welcome backs :)
DeleteVia,
DeleteCome back soon. You are like mama bear to me. I am going you.
I meant to say I am going to miss you.
DeleteLast :)
ReplyDeleteJLin hghlights vs NO - 1/9/13
[Geraldd Lin]
Thanks via! All the best! :)
DeleteI saw a JLin used euro step for a drive in lay up at 1:05. He start to learn that from Harden.
DeleteI seriously think McHale and co. needs to come up with an alternate strategy when the run run game plan doesn't fall through. Especially on back to back games or when the Rockets do not have enough rest. It's true that kind of game plan will wear down your players no matter how young they are. It's a long season and you will burn them out before the play offs. If you planning to deploy this strategy then you cannot have your main guys play more than 35+ minutes per game. McHale needs to draw up and run some sets and also deploy a viable half court game for these type of match ups. I would deploy a Jekyl and Hyde scheme where the team can run if they need to and slow down the pace also. I don't think committing to this type of strategy will have any benefits in the long run. Rockets also need a serious lesson in boxing out and in defending the basket. The reason the Rockets were out rebounded because of the run mentality. Players were running up court before the rebounds were secured. Hope this game serves as an eye opener for McHale and Co.
ReplyDeleteI thought Rox would take this game home but I was wrong. Just couldn't buy a bucket at all in the 4th. I just want to point out the last play that JLin made. The pull up jumper at the top of the free throw looked so smooth and effortless. I think during the course of the game he can do this kind of play because it's so easy for him to create for his own shot. I just don't understand why he didn't do it. JLin, just do it man. BE LIKE LIN!!!
ReplyDeleteThe coaches frown upon these "inefficient midranger jumpers" in the Rox system.
DeleteBut this is one way for Lin to tell coaches, "I can do this all day long, Coach!" if they go 0-9 3PT in the 4Q. Hopefully it opens some eyes that they can't live and die by the threes. They need a backup plan.
You know and everybody knows that Lin is not the type of person who will open up his mouth and tell his coaches that. He doesn't want to disturb the apple cart. It's plays into the Asian mentality of taking your lumps and not saying anything. In order for him to succeed, he needs to take and own up to being more of a leader on his team. He needs to be more efficient with scoring and reduce his TO's. Make smart passes and not dumb ones and learn to take over when you need to and not worry about getting everybody else involve. You will always get that opportunity when you are a PG to get everybody involved.
DeleteThat's probably one of the things I miss the most from last season, those pull up jumpers from around the key.
DeleteYes, we know he won't start drilling midrange jumpers in the 4Q just to prove his coaches wrong about sticking with the 3PT system.
DeleteBut there are two Asian mentality (focusing on group harmony) here. The bad one is to take your lump and be silent on the corner like a good soldier. The second one is to lobby the coaches behind the screen to utilize his strength in midrange game when the 3PT and layups are not working.
Perhaps the coaches already gave him the green light to do so and he hesitates to change the system to be 'selfish' in taking his midrange shots. Who knows? But I'm sure they will talk about it. Lin needs to find ways to lobby the coaches.
It would be foolish not to use a player's strength just to stick with the system (see D'Antoni system not using Gasol well)
The 4Q breakdown is definitely an eye opener for the Rox. It's just part of learning lessons for the young Rox to continually evolve.
I don't think that there are any coaching restrictions on what Jeremy Lin can and cannot do.
DeleteIt's just that when his big men aren't performing, Lin gets loaded up on.
KHuang, we know Houston Moreyball's philosophy is emphasizing 3PT shooting. There is a reason why HOU is 2nd in the leage at 3PT rate at 33% behind the Knicks at 35.1%
DeleteAlso, there were 0-9 attempts for 3PT in the 4Q. So Lin definitely had to find open 3PT shooters most of the time by design. He can't just freely rain midrange jumpers as the PG.
I haven't seen HOU coaches have any backup plan when the 3PT shooting and Harden/Lin penetration don't work.
No GM in the NBA can force any head coach to alter his philosophy, least of all Daryl "No Power" Morey who seems to me totally out of touch with the actual basketball being played by "his" Houston Rockets.
DeleteKevin McHale was hired to be a inside post up coach. He himself understands the value of mid range jumpers, though the team certainly doesn't take many because of the inability of Houston's big men to MAKE them.
Meanwhile I've seen Lin make plenty of midrange jumpers. McHale is not a coach like Larry Brown who benches players that MAKE shots. Lin is to attack and create whatever shot comes up for him, which is often a 3 pointer or a layup depending on how jammed the midrange is due to opposing big men leaving Lin's big men unguarded.
I don't think this Houston Rockets coaching staff has the word "bad shot" in its vocabulary!
I don't know I thought Patterson has pretty decent midrange game, we see him take midrange J's ever so often and he rarely misses.
DeleteBut we see him on the perimeter taking 3s heck of a lot more. Heck we know Lin has midrange game but so far he has NOT been shooting them much if at all.
There's no reason for Lin to limit himself unless he's being told to shoot spot-up 3s instead...I don't know, just theorycrafting, I hope I'm wrong about this.
We really can only speculate on how HOU coaches prepare the game plan for 3PT or 2PT. And whether McHale buys into Moreyball 100%.
DeleteBut I don't think the 2nd highest ratio in the NBA of taking 3PT at 33% of their shot selection is a coincidence.
The funny thing is in terms of effectiveness, Houston is only ranked #12 at 36% for NBA Team 3PT% and ranked #4 at 51% for NBA Team 2PT%.
So the Rockets is a lot more efficient in making their 2PT% (perhaps due to Harden/Lin penetration) than 3PT%. I don't have the midrange 2PT% which might be helpful.
I think McHale says take the open shots but take the 3PT shot more. He is handcuffed by not having reliable big men to pound the ball inside that he likes.
Lately, I see Lin has been more confident to take midrange 2PT shots so it's a good sign.
BTW KHuang, credit McHale who is willing to adjust his system based on his personnel's strength although he likes having big men to pound the ball inside. I see he's better than D'Antoni here.
DeleteSee this interview in the early season with him telling us what system he'd have designed in a few months:
McHale: "...So we’re just going to have to do whatever fits our team the best. If our best playmaker is our two-man then we’ll run a ton of stuff that will allow him to make plays. If our best playmaker is our four-man, then we’ll run a ton of stuff for him to make plays. The object is not to run your offense, the object is to run an offense that fits your team. I’m not playing, so it doesn’t matter what I like; it matters what these guys can and can’t do."
@psalm234
Delete"So the Rockets is a lot more efficient in making their 2PT% (perhaps due to Harden/Lin penetration) than 3PT%. I don't have the midrange 2PT% which might be helpful."
A small quibble: the Rox are more *successful* at making their 2 pointers than 3 pointers.
They more *efficient* taking the 3.
3*(.36) > 2*(.509), right?
It's not a perfect calculation of course (e.g. doesn't take into consideration and-1') but you get the idea.
Regarding the mid-range numbers... Synergy has a spot up stat, and if you remove the 3 pointers you have a proxy for the mid range percentage. Through last night this number for the Rox is 40.07%.
I want to say I have seen a graphic that shows shooting percentage in the restricted area but 1) I can't remember if it is for player or team, and 2) I can't find it right now.
Dangit, where's that via when you need her?
Good thinking about the efficiency for the points produced, @nom.
DeleteWell, 3*(.36) > 2*(.509) = 1.08 > 1.018 for pure 3PT and 2PT calculation if we discount the points from FTs. And we know there is more chance to get FTs by going inside. It's not that easy to make the projection because we just don't have all the numbers .
My only concern is they eventually need to have a backup plan on the days when the 3PT shooting and penetration don't work. But I guess McHale is correct, TOs are more the problems and they simply don't have the right personnel to play great inside game.
Perhaps the coaches should be concerned now with the tired legs on back-to-back games from playing high-pace games. It did affect their 3PT defense and caused TOs.
@via
ReplyDeleteI am sincerely sorry to see you leave. For me, your links are one of the top reasons for visiting here. Recently, you have started posting more of your own POV, and I only wish you did it sooner and more often. Know you will be missed, good luck in all your endeavors, and don't be a stranger.
@Nom - Your well-reasoned posts have been a joy to read, will miss them/ you.
Delete[Thanks for your suggestions too.] ^^
For all those feel good stories about the Rockets when they are winning, it's the games where they lose is what I hate the most. It's like being on a high and then learning some bad news and it drops your emotions straight down to basement level. It's not easy to win in the NBA even when you are an elite team. There's much learning the Rockets need to learn from every game loss. Every player is at fault during a loss. There are always plenty of blame to be spread around. Hopefully they can rebound against Boston and the next couple of games coming their way.
ReplyDeleteThe Rockets are supposed to be worst team in the NBA.
DeleteThe lowest payroll loses the most games. But instead, the Rockets are the best team.
Similarly, Jeremy Lin is playing as hard and as intelligently as he can. As long as he plays hard and makes the right decisions, I am OK with his game even if opponents stop what he's doing.
I've watched the NBA for decades, so I've seen everybody lose as much as they win.
The Rockets were tired, particularly the big men who have looked sluggish to me the last few games.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't think that New Orleans can beat Houston when Houston's big men are well rested. A guy like Robin Lopez who's strictly a hustle player would not normally beat a well rested Omer Asik to spots.
Perhaps KG can tell Harden that he looks like Osama Bin Laden, but I doubt anything can get under his skin unless you are taking shots away from him. His effectiveness is also based on the referees whether they call a foul on the opponents when he does drive towards the basket and throws up his head and arms to simulate a foul. I have noticed in games where they don't call that a foul, the Rockets have lost those games. Just an observation. Rockets need to rethink their game strategy and see what they can implement to fix the problem of not being able to run constantly. I believe that is their weakness also, in offense you give up defense and that's their vulnerability and all the teams that they played know this.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Lin pregame practicing
ReplyDeleteJeremy Lin with fans before Rocket/Hornets Game
ReplyDeleteThe James harden headphone. Btw, I feel that kind of headphone is not really comfortable though..it press ur ears and head. My friend gave me one as gift and I return to her. I wonder how they able to put it on for hrs. It gets heavy feeling after some minutes.
Delete10-point 4th quarter dooms Rockets against Hornets
ReplyDeleteMcHale: "...I’m not worried about the [3PT] shots. It’s the turnovers and not keeping them off the glass that killed us.”
...
DeleteThe Rockets missed all nine of the 3-pointers they took in the fourth quarter. Their 22.1 percent-shooting in the quarter was their worst this season.
“I’d say six or seven of them were wide open,” McHale said. “We’re going to take those 3s. They’re good shots for us. We didn’t make them. I’m not worried about the shots. It’s the turnovers and not keeping them off the glass that killed us.”
The officiating sucked, i feel the game was rigged somehow... that also killed us... Roger Mason's 3pt dagger was the game thrower...
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot of people here have started taking over @via's responsibility with great posts and links to pics and articles.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I love this site (except for all those conspiracy theories and "everyone in NBA or Rockets management is out to get Lin" type of post...)
You ain't Asian American and you don't understand the plight of AA in the country. Anyways, welcome to this board, Singaporean.
DeleteI ain't Singaporean friend, I'm Malaysian Chinese. Malaysia as in that plot of land north of Singapore. And, if you read the history and news about my country, you will realize I know a thing or two about racial discrimination and its impact on people lives.
DeleteIf you haven't read this one already ITS A MUST READ for all DIE HARD LIN FANS!!! It explains Lin is the FASTEST point guard in the NBA!!!!!
Deletehttp://wordzhavemeaning.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/jeremy-lin-is-one-of-the-fastest-in-the-league/
Easy, guys.
DeleteThere's no argument between the Malaysian Chinese view and the Asian American view.
All we want is for our idol Lin to be properly appreciated and utilized based on his actual skills as opposed to racially flawed misperceptions.
You guys are BOTH right. Carry on!
@lam,
DeleteApologies for the mistake with your nationality.
I learnt that Chinese excel in Malaysia in spite of discriminative system that aims to prevent the elites from excelling. However, we are looking at different types of discriminations in two different countries so we can’t make a like to like comparison. You definitely don’t understand the plight of AA in the America. PEACE.
Peace friend :-). I'm here to follow Lin's career. If his name was Chandrasekhar I would still follow his career in the NBA, albeit not as closely. BTW, my nieces lives in New York, I've been there and I've seen the looks some of the salespeople gives me. So even if I don't know the lives of AA, I've got a glimpse of it. But in my opinion, America is still a great country of opportunities compared to my country.
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ReplyDeleteFor Christians fans (FYI, I am not a Christian)
ReplyDeleteJeremy Lin, Christian Leaders Back Bible-Based Game
Thank you KeitChayrox!
DeleteThank you KeitChayrox!
Deletecool stuff! Thanks for sharing
DeleteIs anyone watching the heat and trailblazers game? Portland is good and they are rather young too. They are a really solid group. The western conference is so tough!!!
ReplyDelete