Just a quick mention on Garcia. He did a good job on stopping Thompson while defending him. Now, to what really matters. Lin playing in the fourth quarter.
A lot of people don't realize this, because when you are watching a basketball game most of the time you look at the guy who has the ball. You don't look at the defenders or off ball players. And this is what McHale doesn't seem to see when he puts Beverly instead of Lin in the fourth quarter.
When Lin gets a screen, he automatically draws the other player defender and they stay on him longer because they know that Lin can just explode to the rim. What this does is a 4 vs 5. And usually the one helping defending Lin leave Harden, Parsons or Delfino open. The other thing that it does is that it gets harder for the PG to help when Harden has the ball if Lin is still in the game offensively. Which leads to better space and ball movement. This is the main reason why the offense gets stagnant if Beverly is in the fourth quarter unless he is the one making the shots. The defense can defend better as a team against Harden because even if you agree or not. They don't consider Beverly a threat.
Well, that's my 2 cents. I knew Lin was going to do all he could to get this win. I could see it on his face. And even though he missed a couple down the stretch. He was aggressive but didn't over do it. Glad we won. Now, tomorrow let's get another win!
I agree with your assessment jp2123. Having both Harden & Jlin during crutch time and anytime during a game creates a lot of defensive problems on the opposing team. Especially, if they use both guards like they did in the last 2minutes of the 4th quarter where Harden is the one setting the screen and Jlin being the PG. Then Jlin going through Harden's pick to create 2 scenarios:
1. A mismatch to where the PG guarding Lin gets switched up to a mismatch with Harden. With the SG on Lin & PG on Harden after the PnR...it isolates Harden on the smaller PG. A perfect mismatch, so Lin can give the ball back to Harden for an easy ISO.
2. If the PG/SG doesn't switch fast enough on the PnR it gives Lin the opportunity to blow by his defender and get an easy layup, shot, and in tonight's case Lin drew Curry into committing a jump shot foul.
I don't know why the Rockets don't utilize this advantage all the time in late game crunch time situations.
And that's where you have to question McHale's strategies down the stretch. And btw, I have nothing against Beverly. He does have a lot of energy and it in your face all the time. But that's it. He can make some shots sometimes, but he is not someone you can rely on to give the edge to your team.
Everyone can see that even when Beverley made some lucky shots down the stretch against Orlando, it's the opposing team deliberately left him open and loaded up on Harden.
Who would really guard Beverley? Yeah 2 straight 0 point game, this is your hot hand! He will be replaced by Brooks in the rotation very soon.
Ety, they haven't done it before because I'm convinced that someone else is actually making the calls and subs, after that debacle in Dallas. If McHale actually coached this game, you would have had your normal idiotic substitution patterns with Lin. Because today's coaching was actually really good, I believe McHale had a mic in his ear, being fed coaching instructions by Coach X, the new head coach of the Rockets.
Lin wasn't his best but played solid D and took it right at Curry when needed. There's no way Beverley could've done the same as evidenced by his brain fart vs the Mavs.
This is a great start.. Rox finding a way to win despite a bad shooting night. This is what good teams do. We are maturing into a great team... McHale needs to trust his starters, mistakes or not.
And let's not forget ASik... Huge defensive presence. It will be a travesty if Rox pursue D12
Both Lin & Harden are tired. The pace that this offensive system is setup will burnout any player.
Parsons & Delfino have it alot easier as they don't have to create for themselves or others. They just watch Harden or Jlin create things for them while they wait in the perimeter for a catch & shoot 3 point attempt.
Both teams were exhausted and missed ugly shots. But Jeremy made sure they won by getting to the line and playing great defense in the 4th without dumb fouls.
Daryl Morey @dmorey Please send love to our coaching staff who have the least experienced team ever in the West playoff race @RealMikeWilbon @BillSimmons 8:53 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Wow. Not sure what just happened but it was a win. So happy how hard our guys fought. 10:10 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
@ChandlerParsons & @AsikOmer carried us tonight w/key moments from @JLin7, @JHarden13, & @cabezadelfino Have tie breaker on Golden State! 10:19 PM - Mar 8, 2013
These two intelligent plays by Lin were the key to the wins.
Credit to novaman in CF:
1. Last two possessions with Lin harden running PNR working like a charm. First possession Lin catches Thompson on the switch so he alertly gets Harden the ball on the mismatch.
2. Next possession Lin sees Curry not switching off so he blows by him for the foul.
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish Bumped into Jeremy Lin's mom Shirley in front rows on the way to the Rockets locker room. Rockets fans were hoarding her with praise, pics. 10:23 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Mrs. Lin: "Coach, what's all this energy coaching all about? You do know you parked your energy on the bench? Do you want to win or not?" McHale: "Daryl made me do it, mam!" Mrs. Lin: "Daryyyyyl!" Jeremy: "Mooooom!!!"
Yah so many reasons why Lin played 4th tonight. Lin's mom, playing in Bay Area, playing one of Lin's former teams, playing a nationally televised game... really INTERESTING to see what happens when we're back in Kansas (Texas)!
"...Peter Diepenbrock recalls Shirley Lin calling his office line many afternoons."
"...'Peter, Jeremy has an A- in this class, if it is not an A by next week, I am taking him off basketball' she would threaten."
"...Diepenbrock also remembers her sitting in the stands an hour before the game going through the other team’s box scores."
"And Shirley Lin was a tiger as well defending her son’s achievement. Though Jeremy was a good student and a top athlete in high school, he was turned down by many of the colleges to which he applied..."
"...after a Harvard-Yale game where Jeremy had played exceptionally well for Harvard, Shirley approached the Yale coach James Jones,
..."She came over and I didn't know if she was mad at me or not," Jones recalled this week. "I told her Jeremy had played a great game. And she said, 'Yes, but you didn't want him.'"
I've read about how Jeremy's parents bent over backwards going to find the right coaches for the Lin boys. And, part of the reason why Lin had such good coaches is because they had Joseph (I think that's his name?) to experiment on first.
But, I had no idea that Lin's mom would confront the coaches like that. Not only asking her son to put in the work but backing her son up with action as well.
Really impressed with Tiger/Panda Lin!
And, article states Lin is a finance major. Pretty sure he's an econ major?
Lin stayed aggressive the entire second half on both e d of the floor and played solid D down the stretch even tho harden had his worst shooting game. Even on the free throw Lin. Great win!
Agree. People were pretty hard on him for making mistakes but I like the fact that he stayed aggressive. Allowed him to get that foul on curry to get those two crucial FT.
JVG seems to be the only mainstream commentator who isn't blinded by racism/idiocy.
JVG said that "he's helping his team win" regardless of stats and that "he's improving with every game." "He's going to be a good starting point guard for years to come..."
That's not even high praise...but that's still good enough for me. JVG at least understands that his role is lessened and that he's a work-in-progress. JVG did say that McHale is doing a great job, though, lol...
You had national announcers, so, the analysis was objective, if not necessarily fully accurate.
Give Gundy a break, he wasn't effusive with praise for Lin, but he basically said what's become obvious to everyone except McHale - Lin is a starting point guard in the NBA, and the question is how high his ceiling will be.
JVG has always liked Lin, but his brother SVG is not high on Lin. SVG thinks that Baron Davis was a better defender than Lin in one of his interviews. Eye test just like McHale.
Looks like GSW and Jazz are dropping like bricks. If the Rockets can keep pace and McBail is smart enough not to bench Lin then the Rockets have a chance at 6 seed. I don't think Memphis is that good either so it is going to be tight.
Trapped in Golden St @TrappdnGoldenSt @sfwarriorsfan Piece of shit unis, thought they were 26% lighter! How can you lose when your jerseys are 26% lighter? Makes no F'ing sense! 10:23 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Lakers don't matter -- Rockets aren't really competing with them.
If anything, the Rockets WANT the Lakers to win. The Lakers have the experience to knock off a #1 of #2 seed...and if Houston somehow advances past the first round (unlikely), we all know the Rockets can definitely beat the Lakers.
Korean McHale here: 3rd quarter Jeremy, particularly in the first 6 minutes, really kept the Rockets alive. Props to Harden for recognizing his performance-level and not demanding the ball. Jeremy played his way, which wasn't exactly high-octane but very controlled and effective.
Great quarter which should open the eyes of the coach to the talent that they have and set a precedent for how the team can go from strength to strength during tough periods. I apologize for the flame-baiting post from a few weeks ago.
I think it's not just McHale though that's underestimating his players but maybe also a trust-issue between teammates. It's becoming a noticeable trend that trust in JLin only goes up when all other options are exhausted.
For me though it just looks like a distinct issue: either you trust him and play his game, or you play someone else's game and try to get the best out of him, though it won't be 100%. Can we really blame either system? There's probably a solution here that fixes this dichotomy.
@Etymology - yeah you put it really well man, I think there is a bias to it, and with all due respect Harden is a great player. You can't say that building the team around him was the mistake. Maybe the mistake is the substitutions and the over-dependence on Harden in every dime and nickel-or crunchtime- situation.
JLin and Harden are really great friends and they respect each other. Since both are very young and can be inconsistent I think it'll just take them some more time, and eventually they'll be able to figure out a system that works for both of them.
Jeremy stayed in and played heavy minutes just as I predicted.
...and he was the real MVP tonight. He was the only two-way player on the floor for Houston and made big plays down the stretch, stat or no stat.
15pts on 9 FGAs, 7 rebs, 4 dimes only 1 TO. And good defense on Curry (would be great if not for two silly fouls in 1st half). Curry had 24 pts...on 21 shots.
LIN FOR THE WIN, MCHALE. EAT IT LIN-HATING ROCKETS FANS. Your "star" was awful tonight and I have a fire hydrant that plays better D than Parsons. Lin and Asik won this game.
Too bad this won't change anything. McHale will still try to bench Lin and fans and media will try to blame him even in wins.
I have noticed that McHale seems to not marginalize Lin at home games and when the game is in the national spotlight. Maybe McHale is not as stupid as I thought.
Yeah, he's very media savvy, which is what makes him a great color commentator and personality. His only problem is that he refuses to believe in Jeremy's talents...even when the proof is right in front of him.
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish Hoarde of media waiting to enter #Rockets locker room. It's not like this even for #Lakers! #Warriors… http://instagr.am/p/WoHKCvPGud/ 10:30 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish Seriously there's like 40 ppl here to interview Jeremy Lin. He had to move from his locker to other end of the room. I'm sure this is par. 10:34 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish Only one reporter is interviewing James Harden and Ric Bucher is interviewing Chandler Parsons. 10:37 PM - Mar 8, 2013
"...my son Parsons had a great game. Beverly on the bench brought lots of energy to support the team. Harden did a great job being aggressive and getting to the foul line despite his poor shooting night....that's about it...
If I could just be confident that Jeremy's PT would be consistent then I could finally enjoy the game and not be completely paranoid whenever there's a pending substitution ...
But happy the Rockets won and Lin had contributed for the W to happen :)
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish Lol Kevin McHale comes by where buffet table is, says "Jeremy (Lin), get away from the food!" Grabs food and makes a quip about Harvard. 10:35 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman More fuel for McHale/Lin conspiracy crowd: Mac momentarily breaks up J-Lin's interview bc too close to food table. #emphaticproof #notreally 10:45 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Hiren Joshi @htown747 @JasonCFriedman uh oh trouble brewing. "Why did McHale eat before Lin!?" 10:48 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Mocking Lin fans is actually very similar to the mocking of Tim Tebow fans. In other words, they think Tebow/Lin fans are clueless hero worshippers rather than real basketball fans.
True Roberlin. However - I return the favor by reminding people that the pro-fans on CF kept saying that PB was played last time because of his hot hands. Reminder: HE HAD ZERO POINTS!
Comparing Tebow and Lin at all is idiotic. Lin actually produces hard stats to back up his winning ways...not to mention he faces racial obstacles Tebow never has or will.
It makes no sense to alienate the fans in Asia by mocking them, especially when you want their money. Just because they may not be fluent in English, doesn't mean they're stupid.
Defense was the key down the stretch as warriors only scores 12 PT! Great team defense Won the game as. Oth struggled to score and I agree Lin was instrumental in keeping it close in the third. Proud of us. Also likes Lin trusting and passing to Lin as he noticed Lin was not going to be denied and staying super Aggressive!
"He was not to be denied and stayed super aggressive" - totally agree. How he got all his teammates to finally fall into place though is beyond me. I don't watch every single game but that 3rd quarter was the first true glimpse of what he was like last year with his Knickerbocker teammates.
Jeremy actually got mad at Harden for not getting him the ball.
And then demanded it late in the game. At the end there, Jeremy let Harden have the stat-padding FTs (like a true leader), but he's definitely being more angry/vocal lately.
I think McFail played Lin tonight because he didn't want to get Linched by the Fans and Media.
Next game they will go back to P. Beverly 4th quarter ball.
Also if you guys didn't notice Bev picked up consecutive back to back fouls and put the Rockets in foul trouble early. He was also getting exposed as not a great PnR defender. He kept getting stuck and blocked off giving free wide open shots to Curry.
Disagree on the first point. Like I said before the game, Jeremy was going to play big minutes no matter what. After the mini-uproar and loss the other night, and considering he's playing in front of his hometown, McHale was going to run him out there.
But yeah, this doesn't change anything in the future. Not for this season, anyway. An injury to Harden would be the only way it would.
I actually think McHale turned the corner. I think he is being forced by Morey to lay Lin. I actually think he will give Lin starter minutes. I have been fooled before, I have a feeling he will get starter min tomorrow... We shall see.
It's gotta start somewhere. Maybe I'm shocked that not only did McHale let Lin finish the 4th, he brought him back 4 minutes early. Not to mention he let him play most of the first quarter.
It was really odd. But the team won despite playing not up to par and Lin was a big part of that.
McHale was forced to play Lin early in the 4th quarter because Beverley played poorly. As someone said, JLin's minutes is determined by his backup's performance. Still want McHale to be fired next season, but Morey seems stuck on keeping him, from the sound of his tweets.
If owner and management keep continuing to allow the intentionally mistreatment of Lin because he won't resign with them. Lin won't allow himself to be a Fisher or a Chalmber. He sets high expectation for himself and he will become another Nash/Parker.
Please don't let Bev go off tomorrow since I'll be watching in person.
McHale will do his usual experiment in 1st half against toothless Suns without Gortat who might be out for the season. They lost to the Kings 112-121 tonight. Isaiah Thomas scored 27pts on them.
I have a little hope that McHale has finally realized that Beverly sucks. He hustles, and in limited minutes, can do some good, especially since he plays against the other team's second team, and the other team doesn't game plan for Beverly.
Jeremy Lin hero ball is somehow very efficient. Its odd, unorthodox and sometimes very ugly but its one of the best and most exciting shows in sports...and it creates wins.
Exactly, Jeremy is an elite closer -- it's not even debatable. The stats last year and this season prove it.
That's what makes his benching so bewildering. I could understand McHale benching Lin in the 2nd or 3rd on an off-night. But he's always been a great 4th quarter player because of his ability to get to the line late and make intangible defensive plays.
It's crazy how much of a "winner" Jeremy is. I hate that cliche usually, but I see such intangibles in action with JL.
One example of this is Jeremy's "acceptable" FG misses. He knows it's not a bad miss when Asik is in perfect position for an offensive board and won't result in a long rebound.
So he just chucks it up and sure enough, Asik got the board both times (though he didn't convert). Much better than turning it over or shooting a bullet 3 that could result in a fast-break if it misses.
Most fans simply don't understand these things and see it as a missed shot. But there's a reason the Rockets won tonight and lost the other night -- even though both games were close and the Warriors are way better than the Mavs. It's little things like that.
Good point. But I do think Lin did a good job today, in recent games he really focuses on D more and more. And today was really good because I saw some better D from his team mates
Yup. A mediocre 24 pts on 21 shots. And that includes JL's two early dumb fouls on jumpers (hey, I can be objective). He was great on Curry in the 2nd half.
Meanwhile, Jeremy had 15pts on 9 FGAs...on a bad shooting night. He was the only two-way player on the floor tonight. Not that anyone will notice...
George Karl is the only major NBA personnel whom I KNOW appreciates everything Jeremy does. He went on pretty big limb saying that Jeremy is the real key to the offense. Nobody else outside of this blog would say that.
DAMN...can you imagine how great it would be for George Karl to coach this team? He also didn't get along with Melo, so you KNOW he's the right guy for Jeremy, ha.
"Curry missed a lot of good looks, including shots in the paint. I wouldn't credit his poor shooting performance entirely to Lin."
That doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you're being bodied up all night by a 6-4, 210 lbs defensive star. Beverly, no matter how well he plays, can't do that. He's just too small.
I don't think George Karl can get as much out of this team as McHale has.
George Karl wants his power forwards to be skydiving 7 foot leapers who can fly over people. Even with Thomas Robinson, the Rockets have no Karl type big men.
Also, Karl will bench any player that doesn't play full out defense on every play. I'm not messing around when I write that Harden would be put back as 6th man by Karl.
I'll still take my chances with McHale over Karl for this particular Houston team.
George Karl is the best coach in the NBA not named Greg Popovich. What he has done for the Nuggets' young players like Kenneth Faried, Ty Lawson, Danilo Galinari, and Javale McGhee is an incredible transformation. Nuggets got these players for cheap, when their value was low, and few teams wanted them, they developed into solid rotation players.
Bev doesn't know how to fight through the PnR that teams use against JLIN.
Jlin did get burned by a couple Curry drives, but that's the life of PG vs. PG in the NBA. You can't fully SHUTDOWN a PG each possession in the NBA today. Although Lin did SHUT Curry DOWN in his overall defensive impact in the game.
I would Jerry Sloan over the two as he developed John Stockton and Malone to be the best PnR tandem in the NBA. He also had a lot to do with DWilliams becoming a better player in the NBA. I think he would help Jlin become a solid PG in the NBA and give him the respect he deserves.
"Karl will bench any player that doesn't play full out defense on every play. I'm not messing around when I write that Harden would be put back as 6th man by Karl."
But that's exactly what I want! Harden CAN play better defense...he just isn't made to by McHale. He has too much strength, agility and cleverness not to be a solid defender if forced.
And I think Karl would force a trade for the high-flying big men he needs. He has that stature and trust from NBA personnel. Also, I don't think D-Mo and Parsons' athleticism are being properly used by McHale...
Did someone give McHale some coaching lessons before this game? My god, he actually coached this game like he knew what he was doing.
When Lin came back in the fourth at the 10:00 minute mark, my jaw dropped. McHale was actually bringing back Lin at the right time. Holy shit. And, even though Lin seemed a bit out of synch at times, forgetting what it was like to be playing in the fourth, McHale stayed with him despite some shaky plays.
This is the way the team should be coached from now on. Lin haters aside, the best five players on the Rockets were those that ended the game - Harden, Lin, Parsons, Delfino, and Asik. Those five should end every game from now on, unless it's a blow-out or someone fouls out or the other team starts to play hack-a-sik.
Imagine how good the Harden/Lin Pnr will be good in the playoffs in a close game in the fourth, if they fine-tune it during the regular season.
But after the embarrassing loss on Wednesday, he was forced to play Lin and Asik in the 4th. And that's why they won. That's the only difference.
Lin and Asik actually play defense unlike Harden, Parsons or anyone else. It's not a coincidence the Warriors kept clanking shots...they were worn down by JL and Omer.
Roberlin, excellent observations. I felt the same way. It was really uncanny how McHale gave Lin starter minutes despite a shaky game and that bev wasn't doing horribly.
That's why I think maybe, just maybe, this will be Jeremy's minutes from now on? Perhaps les/Morey had a long talk with him after last game?
I hope I'm right.. If so, it will be see exciting to see Lin play in the playoffs.
It's amazing how many fans, coaches and media analysts don't understand something that basic. They marvel at all-offense, no-defense "superstars" like Kyrie Irving and downplay well-rounded stars like Lin or Mike Conley.
BTW, I've learned a lot this season, too. I have a lot more respect for vintage Derek Fisher now. In fact, I'd love to have him on the Rockets instead of Brooks. He'd have a lot to teach Jeremy.
One would like to think McHale learned something from the previous loss, or that management spoke to him about not using key assets, but I doubt it. I think it's more that McHale is as inconsistent as the team is. It wouldn't surprise me if Lin got crappy minutes in the next game if Bev hits some 3s. It just depends on how McHale "feels" from day to day.
Harden doesn't try to stop the player with the ball. He only tries to slap the ball away from the player. He got lucky more times than usual today. That's all.
solidz, I think it might have been that horrible debacle in Dallas when Mchale's tactics completely imploded on him, and he knew that he, Mchale, cost the team the win by overmanaging the team.
And maybe, finally, in the Dallas game, he could see clearly that Beverly is nowhere close to being good as Lin. Good hustle player, a decent sub, but, no fucking way you want Beverly over Lin to close games, especially come playoff time.
Remember Bev picked up like 2 or 3 quick fouls in the beginning of the 4th quarter. He was getting lost on high PnR leading to easy shots or passes to open players.
Another thing, I don't think Parsons sat the whole 2nd half LOL...he needs to rest or he will really hurt his back.
LinsanityMovie @LinsanityMovie We're road tripping w/ @JLin7 to Austin this Sunday to watch Linsanity at #SXSW. What's a must do on our road trip w/ Jeremy? 12:31 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Yeah, I smiled when I heard him say that. I hope so too, and hope it will be a better game than tonight's, which was one of the ugliest Houston wins of the season.
Hiren Joshi @htown747 JVG said earlier tonight he wants all #Rockets #Warriors games to be on national TV. Next one is March 17th in HOU! Make it happen @espn 11:03 PM - Mar 8, 2013
I didn't catch whole game, just the second half. Before the game blew open, Lillard just made the right plays as PG, and hit some difficult shots in the paint.
I have a problem! I am hate the Knicks for ditching Lin and they play Utah Saturday! And I don't know who I should root for, can they both lose. Lol...
Woo hoo! Way to grind out a huge win, Rockets! Everyone contributed. I thought Beverly did real good by hassling Curry and making him work hard. So, when Curry came back in around 10 minute mark in the fourth, and McHale immediately re-inserted Lin and Harden, I felt pretty good. I saw Curry had played about 6 or 7 more minutes than Lin up to that point, so I figured Lin would be more fresh, especially since Beverly had exerted so much energy on Curry. It's things like that that gives the team the slight advantage in the closing minutes and the game is close. In this game, I think McHale did the exact right move. Props to everyone, and even though Beverly did not score tonight, I thought he was great in sacrificing to play all-out defense on Curry.
Chandler Parsons @ChandlerParsons Wheels up to Phoenix! This row is for the best hair only. @JasonCFriedman @JLin7. @JHarden13 didn't make the cut :/ http://pic.twitter.com/AkXsWcWEWT 11:24 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Just got back from the game. I was seated a few rows behind the rox bench. It felt like the playoffs in there. Behind me were some pretty obnoxious Jlin haters. When Jlin hit his three I turned back and stared back and said STFU. That was the end of that… So I said I was looking for bench interactions…took copious notes :) In the first timeout TRobinson was walking to the bench and saying “my bad”…Trob looked really bad out there, esp. that botched layup/dunk. McHale was letting him have it. During the end of the timeout, I saw Sampson put his arm around Jlin and told him “to go to the hole”. I was pretty surprised at this…I think Sampson likes him (a lot of fist bumps throughout the game). At the 3:10 mark 1st quarter, another timeout. McAss actually patted Jlin on the butt! This was probably because of the great defense he was playing on Steph and Klay (when he stripped him while being posted up) During the 2nd quarter there was a lot of interaction between McAss and Jlin during deadballs…couldn’t exactly hear what was said. End of 3rd quarter, Jlin was sitting at the end of the bench and was definitely not part of the huddle, like barely on the periphery. Maybe because he was mad at being subbed out when he was having a great 3rd. 4th Q, around 10 min mark, I was completely shocked that Jlin was coming back so early. 4th Q 2:55 timeout, Jeremy walks right by McAss (no love). McAss gives fist bumps to Harden and Chandler even though Harden shit the bed the WHOLE night. Anyways, during the timeout, Jlin and Harden were both very vocal giving directions. Jeremy is speaking up and acting like a leader. Timeout at 1:09 in forth, McAss gives love to Harden but nothing the Jlin… Last play, Harden waves off Jer then creates a nice turnover…fail. Overall a little sloppy but exciting game. Oh the best part of my notes: end of game the Rox are walking to the tunnel McAss gives a big handshake to Jlin with a huge smile saying something like “that a way Kid”…Jlin just turns around with a stoic face (“I told you so”).
Jeremy was fantastic in that 3rd quarter.
ReplyDeleteAnd clutch free throws down the stretch
ReplyDeleteJust a quick mention on Garcia. He did a good job on stopping Thompson while defending him. Now, to what really matters. Lin playing in the fourth quarter.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people don't realize this, because when you are watching a basketball game most of the time you look at the guy who has the ball. You don't look at the defenders or off ball players. And this is what McHale doesn't seem to see when he puts Beverly instead of Lin in the fourth quarter.
When Lin gets a screen, he automatically draws the other player defender and they stay on him longer because they know that Lin can just explode to the rim. What this does is a 4 vs 5. And usually the one helping defending Lin leave Harden, Parsons or Delfino open. The other thing that it does is that it gets harder for the PG to help when Harden has the ball if Lin is still in the game offensively. Which leads to better space and ball movement. This is the main reason why the offense gets stagnant if Beverly is in the fourth quarter unless he is the one making the shots. The defense can defend better as a team against Harden because even if you agree or not. They don't consider Beverly a threat.
Well, that's my 2 cents. I knew Lin was going to do all he could to get this win. I could see it on his face. And even though he missed a couple down the stretch. He was aggressive but didn't over do it. Glad we won. Now, tomorrow let's get another win!
You're not off, I agree.
DeleteI agree with your assessment jp2123. Having both Harden & Jlin during crutch time and anytime during a game creates a lot of defensive problems on the opposing team. Especially, if they use both guards like they did in the last 2minutes of the 4th quarter where Harden is the one setting the screen and Jlin being the PG. Then Jlin going through Harden's pick to create 2 scenarios:
Delete1. A mismatch to where the PG guarding Lin gets switched up to a mismatch with Harden. With the SG on Lin & PG on Harden after the PnR...it isolates Harden on the smaller PG. A perfect mismatch, so Lin can give the ball back to Harden for an easy ISO.
2. If the PG/SG doesn't switch fast enough on the PnR it gives Lin the opportunity to blow by his defender and get an easy layup, shot, and in tonight's case Lin drew Curry into committing a jump shot foul.
I don't know why the Rockets don't utilize this advantage all the time in late game crunch time situations.
And that's where you have to question McHale's strategies down the stretch. And btw, I have nothing against Beverly. He does have a lot of energy and it in your face all the time. But that's it. He can make some shots sometimes, but he is not someone you can rely on to give the edge to your team.
DeleteEtymology, heh, I agree. That's exactly what I said in the game thread.
DeleteEveryone can see that even when Beverley made some lucky shots down the stretch against Orlando, it's the opposing team deliberately left him open and loaded up on Harden.
DeleteWho would really guard Beverley? Yeah 2 straight 0 point game, this is your hot hand! He will be replaced by Brooks in the rotation very soon.
I've been saying this all season long, jp2123 - and getting flamed for it.
Deletenice bro....
DeleteEty, they haven't done it before because I'm convinced that someone else is actually making the calls and subs, after that debacle in Dallas. If McHale actually coached this game, you would have had your normal idiotic substitution patterns with Lin. Because today's coaching was actually really good, I believe McHale had a mic in his ear, being fed coaching instructions by Coach X, the new head coach of the Rockets.
DeleteGreat points.
DeleteLin's been drawing defenders all season long and exploited the matchup with great passes.
Once DMo just couldn't get to it for an easy dunk!
When the trade for Francisco Garcia happened, I was very complimentary here of his savvy veteran game.
DeleteI'd like to see Francisco Garcia come into games and take some minutes away from Harden and Parsons.
Garcia is a fabulous blue collar role player. He needs to play more.
Lin wasn't his best but played solid D and took it right at Curry when needed. There's no way Beverley could've done the same as evidenced by his brain fart vs the Mavs.
ReplyDeleteJeremy actually finished the game. Hmmmm...
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile Lakers seem posed to win against Raptors. But I'm good w/ that because Rox won.
This is a great start.. Rox finding a way to win despite a bad shooting night. This is what good teams do. We are maturing into a great team... McHale needs to trust his starters, mistakes or not.
ReplyDeleteAnd let's not forget ASik... Huge defensive presence. It will be a travesty if Rox pursue D12
I think Lin was tired towards the end. He shot two air balls. One on a layup finger roll attempt and the other on a fade away jump shot.
ReplyDeleteBoth Lin & Harden are tired. The pace that this offensive system is setup will burnout any player.
DeleteParsons & Delfino have it alot easier as they don't have to create for themselves or others. They just watch Harden or Jlin create things for them while they wait in the perimeter for a catch & shoot 3 point attempt.
Both teams were exhausted and missed ugly shots. But Jeremy made sure they won by getting to the line and playing great defense in the 4th without dumb fouls.
DeleteIt wasn't being tired, it was not used to being in the game during the fourth quarter.
DeleteDaryl Morey @dmorey
ReplyDeletePlease send love to our coaching staff who have the least experienced team ever in the West playoff race @RealMikeWilbon @BillSimmons
8:53 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Wow. Not sure what just happened but it was a win. So happy how hard our guys fought.
10:10 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
@ChandlerParsons & @AsikOmer carried us tonight w/key moments from @JLin7, @JHarden13, & @cabezadelfino Have tie breaker on Golden State!
10:19 PM - Mar 8, 2013
These two intelligent plays by Lin were the key to the wins.
ReplyDeleteCredit to novaman in CF:
1. Last two possessions with Lin harden running PNR working like a charm. First possession Lin catches Thompson on the switch so he alertly gets Harden the ball on the mismatch.
2. Next possession Lin sees Curry not switching off so he blows by him for the foul.
Those 2 possessions were the ball game.
Yes. That Lin, Harden pick almost always results in points. Lin should set some for Harden too and they can get tons of FTs and layups.
DeleteYup, these intelligent decision-making should not be parked on the bench :D
DeleteHope McHale watch his game films and learn a thing or two on how to close games. haha
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish
ReplyDeleteBumped into Jeremy Lin's mom Shirley in front rows on the way to the Rockets locker room. Rockets fans were hoarding her with praise, pics.
10:23 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
wow, Rockets fans in CA were thanking Mrs. Lin for their lucky star :D
DeleteGood boy <-> good mom!
DeleteMama Lin is a star too. :)
Deletethis is what jlin does. he wins. he's just a born competitor and a winner.
ReplyDeleteit doesn't always look pretty, but he does what it takes to get the win.
And I don't know what happened to McHale to bring Lin back so early and deviate from his usual minutes, but I hope he learned from his last two games.
ReplyDeleteLoss in Dallas with two of our starters on the bench
Win tonight with our starters out there.
Hopefully he will stick with this as we get ready for the playoffs.
maybe it's because tiger mama Lin sitting in the front row, staring at KM?
DeleteI think it was because of David stern.. Stern wants to protect lin's brand for Asia... That why the refs gave him calls too
DeleteMrs. Lin should always be in attendance. When she doesnt like a coach she confronts him. At least thats what I read about her.
DeleteNo way Lin allows his mom to do that... My god that would be soooo embarrassing.
Deletehaha :D
DeleteMrs. Lin: "Coach, what's all this energy coaching all about? You do know you parked your energy on the bench? Do you want to win or not?"
McHale: "Daryl made me do it, mam!"
Mrs. Lin: "Daryyyyyl!"
Jeremy: "Mooooom!!!"
LOL Psalm!
DeleteYah so many reasons why Lin played 4th tonight. Lin's mom, playing in Bay Area, playing one of Lin's former teams, playing a nationally televised game... really INTERESTING to see what happens when we're back in Kansas (Texas)!
@Solidz75:
DeleteNo kidding! JLin once said he played better if his mom was there to watch him play. The story about Mrs. Lin confrontin coaches:
http://www.thirdage.com/celebrities/jeremy-lins-tiger-mother
"...Peter Diepenbrock recalls Shirley Lin calling his office line many afternoons."
"...'Peter, Jeremy has an A- in this class, if it is not an A by next week, I am taking him off basketball' she would threaten."
"...Diepenbrock also remembers her sitting in the stands an hour before the game going through the other team’s box scores."
"And Shirley Lin was a tiger as well defending her son’s achievement. Though Jeremy was a good student and a top athlete in high school, he was turned down by many of the colleges to which he applied..."
"...after a Harvard-Yale game where Jeremy had played exceptionally well for Harvard, Shirley approached the Yale coach James Jones,
..."She came over and I didn't know if she was mad at me or not," Jones recalled this week. "I told her Jeremy had played a great game. And she said, 'Yes, but you didn't want him.'"
Great mom if you ask me!
DeleteThe mom got balls!
DeleteI've read about how Jeremy's parents bent over backwards going to find the right coaches for the Lin boys. And, part of the reason why Lin had such good coaches is because they had Joseph (I think that's his name?) to experiment on first.
But, I had no idea that Lin's mom would confront the coaches like that. Not only asking her son to put in the work but backing her son up with action as well.
Really impressed with Tiger/Panda Lin!
And, article states Lin is a finance major. Pretty sure he's an econ major?
Wow! #Respect for Mama Lin!
DeleteLAKERS WIN.
ReplyDeleteWhere's the link?
DeleteMine works, Etane. Yours didn't?
DeleteI am moving the cursor past the text and clicking but nutting is happening!
DeleteMade you click :D
DeleteFoo me once..
DeleteLOL @psalm...
Delete[KOBE 41 points 12 assists, has a combined 83 points last 2 games.]
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Via, you're not rick rolling me like psalm was, r u?
Deletelol.. i actually watched the games simultaneously.
Deletethe lakers game was just so exciting going into overtime. kobe singlehandedly willed it again for his team.
i actually was surprised Rox won...hehe
of c
haha :) I reached my quota for one trickery per win, Etane.
DeleteBecause I did click on it, too :D
That's how much we trust in you, via!
In via we trustED.
DeleteLin stayed aggressive the entire second half on both e d of the floor and played solid D down the stretch even tho harden had his worst shooting game. Even on the free throw Lin. Great win!
ReplyDeleteAgree. People were pretty hard on him for making mistakes but I like the fact that he stayed aggressive. Allowed him to get that foul on curry to get those two crucial FT.
DeleteJLin on the win: "We came into the locker room and were like, man, that was defense. That's not normally how we win our games."
DeleteI had a really bad stream/game on mute (@work). Did the commentators shit on Lin tonight? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteNope, JVG had all nice praises for Lin.
DeleteJVG seems to be the only mainstream commentator who isn't blinded by racism/idiocy.
DeleteJVG said that "he's helping his team win" regardless of stats and that "he's improving with every game." "He's going to be a good starting point guard for years to come..."
That's not even high praise...but that's still good enough for me. JVG at least understands that his role is lessened and that he's a work-in-progress. JVG did say that McHale is doing a great job, though, lol...
High IQ, XOs coaches, JVG and Adelman got run out of Rockets, despite their winning record.
DeleteYou had national announcers, so, the analysis was objective, if not necessarily fully accurate.
DeleteGive Gundy a break, he wasn't effusive with praise for Lin, but he basically said what's become obvious to everyone except McHale - Lin is a starting point guard in the NBA, and the question is how high his ceiling will be.
JVG has always liked Lin, but his brother SVG is not high on Lin. SVG thinks that Baron Davis was a better defender than Lin in one of his interviews. Eye test just like McHale.
DeleteInteresting. If the Rockets ditch McHale next season, let's scratch SVG off the "dream coaches" list.
Delete-George Karl
-Eric Musselman
-Dave Blatt
Those are probably my Dream Candidates for the Rockets right now.
Looks like GSW and Jazz are dropping like bricks. If the Rockets can keep pace and McBail is smart enough not to bench Lin then the Rockets have a chance at 6 seed. I don't think Memphis is that good either so it is going to be tight.
ReplyDeleteToo bad the Lakers keep coming back from huge deficits to beat the crappy sub .500 teams. Rockets just can get any breathing room in the standings.
DeleteNo worries, it's Utah that has the hardest schedule among these four teams.
DeleteGSW had easy schedule too so HOU/LAL/GSW will compete for 6-8 seed. Utah will be left out at #9
Trapped in Golden St @TrappdnGoldenSt
Delete@sfwarriorsfan Piece of shit unis, thought they were 26% lighter! How can you lose when your jerseys are 26% lighter? Makes no F'ing sense!
10:23 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
lol via! best tweet of the night! Missed seeing you around here.
DeleteHey k! ^^
DeleteLakers don't matter -- Rockets aren't really competing with them.
DeleteIf anything, the Rockets WANT the Lakers to win. The Lakers have the experience to knock off a #1 of #2 seed...and if Houston somehow advances past the first round (unlikely), we all know the Rockets can definitely beat the Lakers.
I would credit to Lin defense tonite, he is stick to his defensive mind
ReplyDeleteKorean McHale here: 3rd quarter Jeremy, particularly in the first 6 minutes, really kept the Rockets alive. Props to Harden for recognizing his performance-level and not demanding the ball. Jeremy played his way, which wasn't exactly high-octane but very controlled and effective.
ReplyDeleteGreat quarter which should open the eyes of the coach to the talent that they have and set a precedent for how the team can go from strength to strength during tough periods. I apologize for the flame-baiting post from a few weeks ago.
I think it's not just McHale though that's underestimating his players but maybe also a trust-issue between teammates. It's becoming a noticeable trend that trust in JLin only goes up when all other options are exhausted.
Teammates not trusting Lin is due to McFail's mistreatment and distrust in Lin. It's like a virus that's very contagious that affects everyone.
DeleteFor me though it just looks like a distinct issue: either you trust him and play his game, or you play someone else's game and try to get the best out of him, though it won't be 100%. Can we really blame either system? There's probably a solution here that fixes this dichotomy.
DeleteYes Jhong Hyuck Lim, there is a painfully simple and obvious solution to this "dichotomy".
DeleteKevin McHale needs to realize that Jeremy Lin is not a selfish player who's deliberately breaking the offense out of spite.
McHale needs to understand that Lin is playing his system better than McHale could possibly imagine it.
I definitely blame the system, because it's not consistent. But it's also very biased because it doesn't apply to other players like Harden & Parsons.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBrother, why don't you work on re-directing that anger towards injustice through some more positive channels. You're obviously intelligent enough.
Delete@Etymology - yeah you put it really well man, I think there is a bias to it, and with all due respect Harden is a great player. You can't say that building the team around him was the mistake. Maybe the mistake is the substitutions and the over-dependence on Harden in every dime and nickel-or crunchtime- situation.
DeleteJLin and Harden are really great friends and they respect each other. Since both are very young and can be inconsistent I think it'll just take them some more time, and eventually they'll be able to figure out a system that works for both of them.
Jeremy stayed in and played heavy minutes just as I predicted.
ReplyDelete...and he was the real MVP tonight. He was the only two-way player on the floor for Houston and made big plays down the stretch, stat or no stat.
15pts on 9 FGAs, 7 rebs, 4 dimes only 1 TO. And good defense on Curry (would be great if not for two silly fouls in 1st half). Curry had 24 pts...on 21 shots.
LIN FOR THE WIN, MCHALE. EAT IT LIN-HATING ROCKETS FANS. Your "star" was awful tonight and I have a fire hydrant that plays better D than Parsons. Lin and Asik won this game.
Too bad this won't change anything. McHale will still try to bench Lin and fans and media will try to blame him even in wins.
I have noticed that McHale seems to not marginalize Lin at home games and when the game is in the national spotlight. Maybe McHale is not as stupid as I thought.
DeleteYeah, he's very media savvy, which is what makes him a great color commentator and personality. His only problem is that he refuses to believe in Jeremy's talents...even when the proof is right in front of him.
DeleteAsik is super key even though he wastes half of Lin's assists.
ReplyDeleteBut, when you play Lin AND Asik you get the win. He is actually a plus player.
This team can win it all with the right coach. Bench is pretty great now too
He should put postits all over his place which say "dunk it - dont lay it up"
Delete[During the game]
ReplyDeleteJoseph Lin @Joelinsta
That a way, keep attacking, they can't stop him!
9:09 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish
ReplyDeleteHoarde of media waiting to enter #Rockets locker room. It's not like this even for #Lakers! #Warriors…
http://instagr.am/p/WoHKCvPGud/
10:30 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish
DeleteSeriously there's like 40 ppl here to interview Jeremy Lin. He had to move from his locker to other end of the room. I'm sure this is par.
10:34 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Precisely why McHell played Lin in Q4.
DeleteDidn't want Lin impersonating him in front of 40 journalists... "Bev did a good job and gave us a lot of energy... "
JLIN POSTGAME
DeletePoor Man's Commish @poormanscommish
DeleteOnly one reporter is interviewing James Harden and Ric Bucher is interviewing Chandler Parsons.
10:37 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Yeah, that's why Harden doesn't like to pass to Lin because Lin gets the spotlight over him.
DeleteI bet Harden is actually happy he only had 1 reporter to grill him about almost gifting the game away with his silly TO and un-Clutch FTs
DeleteGo Lin!
DeleteWhoever is the video camera man of this JLIN POSTGAME needs to just focus on thing and stop spanning left and right in quick bursts LOL
DeleteDamn my son was talking to me now I just realized it's on replay mode hahaha
DeleteLol guess who they are here for...
ReplyDeletevery interested to hear what mchale says in the post game tonight, if anyone can find a link please post it
ReplyDeleteHe's going to say,
Delete"...my son Parsons had a great game. Beverly on the bench brought lots of energy to support the team. Harden did a great job being aggressive and getting to the foul line despite his poor shooting night....that's about it...
... "what about lin's play today coach, those clutch free throws in the 4th?"
Delete"oh jeremy? he's going to be ok".
LOL
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete"Jeremy who? Jeremy Renner? Oh yeah, he was great in The Avengers."
DeleteIf I could just be confident that Jeremy's PT would be consistent then I could finally enjoy the game and not be completely paranoid whenever there's a pending substitution ...
ReplyDeleteBut happy the Rockets won and Lin had contributed for the W to happen :)
What are you saying? Right now the most exciting part of the game is to wait and see if JLin gets to play :)
DeleteI know that's the only reason why I am glued to the computer during every Rockets game. = D
DeleteLOL yep! the anticipation is killing me :)
Deleteyou're not alone. A lot of us feel the same way.
DeleteJeremy's 4Q appearance is like a miracle nowadays!
DeleteJust go back to see the 2nd half thread around 10min mark. A lot of people were seeing God :D "OMG"
Poor Man's Commish @poormanscommish
ReplyDeleteLol Kevin McHale comes by where buffet table is, says "Jeremy (Lin), get away from the food!" Grabs food and makes a quip about Harvard.
10:35 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Suck up!
DeleteUgh.
DeleteJason Friedman @JasonCFriedman
More fuel for McHale/Lin conspiracy crowd: Mac momentarily breaks up J-Lin's interview bc too close to food table. #emphaticproof #notreally
10:45 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
Hiren Joshi @htown747
@JasonCFriedman uh oh trouble brewing. "Why did McHale eat before Lin!?"
10:48 PM - Mar 8, 2013
McHale joking/taunting/cheering Lin's SELFISHNESS.
DeleteWhat did I say about people making fun of Lin fans?
DeleteLOL Corporate sponsored yellow journalism.
DeleteMocking Lin fans is actually very similar to the mocking of Tim Tebow fans. In other words, they think Tebow/Lin fans are clueless hero worshippers rather than real basketball fans.
DeleteYup, and diverting attention away from McHell's bad coaching by killing the messengers.
DeleteTrue Roberlin. However - I return the favor by reminding people that the pro-fans on CF kept saying that PB was played last time because of his hot hands. Reminder: HE HAD ZERO POINTS!
DeleteComparing Tebow and Lin at all is idiotic. Lin actually produces hard stats to back up his winning ways...not to mention he faces racial obstacles Tebow never has or will.
DeleteIt makes no sense to alienate the fans in Asia by mocking them, especially when you want their money. Just because they may not be fluent in English, doesn't mean they're stupid.
DeleteDefense was the key down the stretch as warriors only scores 12 PT! Great team defense Won the game as. Oth struggled to score and I agree Lin was instrumental in keeping it close in the third. Proud of us. Also likes Lin trusting and passing to Lin as he noticed Lin was not going to be denied and staying super Aggressive!
ReplyDelete"He was not to be denied and stayed super aggressive" - totally agree. How he got all his teammates to finally fall into place though is beyond me. I don't watch every single game but that 3rd quarter was the first true glimpse of what he was like last year with his Knickerbocker teammates.
DeleteJeremy actually got mad at Harden for not getting him the ball.
DeleteAnd then demanded it late in the game. At the end there, Jeremy let Harden have the stat-padding FTs (like a true leader), but he's definitely being more angry/vocal lately.
Good for him, hell yeah.
I think McFail played Lin tonight because he didn't want to get Linched by the Fans and Media.
ReplyDeleteNext game they will go back to P. Beverly 4th quarter ball.
Also if you guys didn't notice Bev picked up consecutive back to back fouls and put the Rockets in foul trouble early. He was also getting exposed as not a great PnR defender. He kept getting stuck and blocked off giving free wide open shots to Curry.
Lin played tonight because Beverley flat out stink and picked up fouls like a mad man.
DeleteMake no mistake, if Beverley played semi decent, he would finish the 4th.
McHale has not changed.
Disagree on the first point. Like I said before the game, Jeremy was going to play big minutes no matter what. After the mini-uproar and loss the other night, and considering he's playing in front of his hometown, McHale was going to run him out there.
DeleteBut yeah, this doesn't change anything in the future. Not for this season, anyway. An injury to Harden would be the only way it would.
I definitely agree. It's really ridiculous.
DeleteAlthough I was surprised that he benched Harden at the same time with Lin.
I actually think McHale turned the corner. I think he is being forced by Morey to lay Lin. I actually think he will give Lin starter minutes. I have been fooled before, I have a feeling he will get starter min tomorrow... We shall see.
DeleteHow many times has he turned the corner this season....
Delete0 TIMES...
DeleteHe's done a lot of U-TURNS THOUGH
LOL McHell is a new coach. He will have his ups and downs. He will be fine.
DeleteIt's gotta start somewhere. Maybe I'm shocked that not only did McHale let Lin finish the 4th, he brought him back 4 minutes early. Not to mention he let him play most of the first quarter.
DeleteIt was really odd. But the team won despite playing not up to par and Lin was a big part of that.
Lets see tomorrow if I am wrong.
Next game, there is a high likelihood that it's be Bevball in the 4th -
Deletebecause Goran Dragic and the Suns are a pathetically weak team that Lin's Rockets are going to beat down in 3 quarters!
McHale was forced to play Lin early in the 4th quarter because Beverley played poorly. As someone said, JLin's minutes is determined by his backup's performance. Still want McHale to be fired next season, but Morey seems stuck on keeping him, from the sound of his tweets.
DeleteIf owner and management keep continuing to allow the intentionally mistreatment of Lin because he won't resign with them. Lin won't allow himself to be a Fisher or a Chalmber. He sets high expectation for himself and he will become another Nash/Parker.
Deleteremove "because"
DeletePlease don't let Bev go off tomorrow since I'll be watching in person.
DeleteMcHale will do his usual experiment in 1st half against toothless Suns without Gortat who might be out for the season. They lost to the Kings 112-121 tonight. Isaiah Thomas scored 27pts on them.
I hope Jeremy goes off tomorrow!
KHuang, you're going to the game tomorrow?
DeleteStubhub still has plenty of tickets!
I have a little hope that McHale has finally realized that Beverly sucks. He hustles, and in limited minutes, can do some good, especially since he plays against the other team's second team, and the other team doesn't game plan for Beverly.
DeleteJeremy Lin hero ball is somehow very efficient. Its odd, unorthodox and sometimes very ugly but its one of the best and most exciting shows in sports...and it creates wins.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Jeremy is an elite closer -- it's not even debatable. The stats last year and this season prove it.
DeleteThat's what makes his benching so bewildering. I could understand McHale benching Lin in the 2nd or 3rd on an off-night. But he's always been a great 4th quarter player because of his ability to get to the line late and make intangible defensive plays.
Actually, Lin's hero ball looks like SUPERSTAR BALL to me.
DeleteIt's crazy how much of a "winner" Jeremy is. I hate that cliche usually, but I see such intangibles in action with JL.
DeleteOne example of this is Jeremy's "acceptable" FG misses. He knows it's not a bad miss when Asik is in perfect position for an offensive board and won't result in a long rebound.
So he just chucks it up and sure enough, Asik got the board both times (though he didn't convert). Much better than turning it over or shooting a bullet 3 that could result in a fast-break if it misses.
Most fans simply don't understand these things and see it as a missed shot. But there's a reason the Rockets won tonight and lost the other night -- even though both games were close and the Warriors are way better than the Mavs. It's little things like that.
He used pretty good on those fade away turn around jumpers, he missed both two. really hoped he made those.
DeleteThat was just fatigue, though. Curry was clanking ugly shots, too.
DeleteThis was like the Philly win last year...ugly but impressive for that reason.
Jeremy a perfect 5-0 vs. teams that ditched him. :)
ReplyDeleteJames Harden leads balanced Rockets past Warriors
ReplyDeleteThat headline is so ridiculous. Typical lazy journalism. Harden was bad this game.
DeleteStephen Curry has been averaging 31 points per game in the last 4 or 5 games.
ReplyDeleteTonight he actually got SHUT DOWN by the Curry Stopper, Jeremy Lin.
Frankly, I'm tired of hearing about the 54pt game by Curry. The Knicks backcourt regularly gets smoked by opposing guards.
DeleteGood point. But I do think Lin did a good job today, in recent games he really focuses on D more and more. And today was really good because I saw some better D from his team mates
DeleteYup. A mediocre 24 pts on 21 shots. And that includes JL's two early dumb fouls on jumpers (hey, I can be objective). He was great on Curry in the 2nd half.
DeleteMeanwhile, Jeremy had 15pts on 9 FGAs...on a bad shooting night. He was the only two-way player on the floor tonight. Not that anyone will notice...
The hordes of media swarming Lin noticed!
DeleteThought Jlin played with poise and calm tonight..did not celebrate hard after a basket.. bravo Jlin and on to the next game..
DeleteCurry missed a lot of good looks, including shots in the paint. I wouldn't credit his poor shooting performance entirely to Lin.
DeleteBut Bev definitely cannot guard Curry.
Ha. Well, that's just the hometown salute!
DeleteGeorge Karl is the only major NBA personnel whom I KNOW appreciates everything Jeremy does. He went on pretty big limb saying that Jeremy is the real key to the offense. Nobody else outside of this blog would say that.
DAMN...can you imagine how great it would be for George Karl to coach this team? He also didn't get along with Melo, so you KNOW he's the right guy for Jeremy, ha.
"Curry missed a lot of good looks, including shots in the paint. I wouldn't credit his poor shooting performance entirely to Lin."
DeleteThat doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you're being bodied up all night by a 6-4, 210 lbs defensive star. Beverly, no matter how well he plays, can't do that. He's just too small.
salivating at the thought of Jlin running Karl's offense..we can only dream ..
DeleteI don't think George Karl can get as much out of this team as McHale has.
DeleteGeorge Karl wants his power forwards to be skydiving 7 foot leapers who can fly over people. Even with Thomas Robinson, the Rockets have no Karl type big men.
Also, Karl will bench any player that doesn't play full out defense on every play. I'm not messing around when I write that Harden would be put back as 6th man by Karl.
I'll still take my chances with McHale over Karl for this particular Houston team.
George Karl is the best coach in the NBA not named Greg Popovich. What he has done for the Nuggets' young players like Kenneth Faried, Ty Lawson, Danilo Galinari, and Javale McGhee is an incredible transformation.
DeleteNuggets got these players for cheap, when their value was low, and few teams wanted them, they developed into solid rotation players.
Bev doesn't know how to fight through the PnR that teams use against JLIN.
DeleteJlin did get burned by a couple Curry drives, but that's the life of PG vs. PG in the NBA. You can't fully SHUTDOWN a PG each possession in the NBA today. Although Lin did SHUT Curry DOWN in his overall defensive impact in the game.
.
DeleteI would Jerry Sloan over the two as he developed John Stockton and Malone to be the best PnR tandem in the NBA. He also had a lot to do with DWilliams becoming a better player in the NBA. I think he would help Jlin become a solid PG in the NBA and give him the respect he deserves.
Delete"Karl will bench any player that doesn't play full out defense on every play. I'm not messing around when I write that Harden would be put back as 6th man by Karl."
DeleteBut that's exactly what I want! Harden CAN play better defense...he just isn't made to by McHale. He has too much strength, agility and cleverness not to be a solid defender if forced.
And I think Karl would force a trade for the high-flying big men he needs. He has that stature and trust from NBA personnel. Also, I don't think D-Mo and Parsons' athleticism are being properly used by McHale...
I give a lot of credit to Coach Mark Jackson for really implementing a solid defensive plan to contain Jeremy Lin and COMPLETELY STOP James Harden.
ReplyDeleteThe plan was simple - gang up on the Hardliners, ditch the rest of the team.
I predicted in the 1st half that the Warriors would not be able to maintaim that defensive intensity, and that's what happened in the 4th.
David Lee picking up that knee contusion really hurt them though KHuang, soon as he stepped off GSW couldn't maintain their momentum.
DeleteBut I do agree, GSW ranned out of steam in 3rd, that big scoring drought really hurt them in 4th.
Did someone give McHale some coaching lessons before this game? My god, he actually coached this game like he knew what he was doing.
ReplyDeleteWhen Lin came back in the fourth at the 10:00 minute mark, my jaw dropped. McHale was actually bringing back Lin at the right time. Holy shit. And, even though Lin seemed a bit out of synch at times, forgetting what it was like to be playing in the fourth, McHale stayed with him despite some shaky plays.
This is the way the team should be coached from now on. Lin haters aside, the best five players on the Rockets were those that ended the game - Harden, Lin, Parsons, Delfino, and Asik. Those five should end every game from now on, unless it's a blow-out or someone fouls out or the other team starts to play hack-a-sik.
Imagine how good the Harden/Lin Pnr will be good in the playoffs in a close game in the fourth, if they fine-tune it during the regular season.
Not going to happen...
DeleteNope. He had no idea what he was doing.
DeleteBut after the embarrassing loss on Wednesday, he was forced to play Lin and Asik in the 4th. And that's why they won. That's the only difference.
Lin and Asik actually play defense unlike Harden, Parsons or anyone else. It's not a coincidence the Warriors kept clanking shots...they were worn down by JL and Omer.
Mark Jackson wore the Warriors down too.
DeleteThe Warriors really defended most of the game. It was like watching a Spurs or Heat game with the stiff defensive intensity.
However, defense is FATIGUING. And that fatigue did the Warriors in.
TO Harden's credit, I think his D was way above his average performance.
DeleteRoberlin, excellent observations. I felt the same way. It was really uncanny how McHale gave Lin starter minutes despite a shaky game and that bev wasn't doing horribly.
DeleteThat's why I think maybe, just maybe, this will be Jeremy's minutes from now on? Perhaps les/Morey had a long talk with him after last game?
I hope I'm right.. If so, it will be see exciting to see Lin play in the playoffs.
"defense is FATIGUING."
DeleteIt's amazing how many fans, coaches and media analysts don't understand something that basic. They marvel at all-offense, no-defense "superstars" like Kyrie Irving and downplay well-rounded stars like Lin or Mike Conley.
BTW, I've learned a lot this season, too. I have a lot more respect for vintage Derek Fisher now. In fact, I'd love to have him on the Rockets instead of Brooks. He'd have a lot to teach Jeremy.
One would like to think McHale learned something from the previous loss, or that management spoke to him about not using key assets, but I doubt it. I think it's more that McHale is as inconsistent as the team is. It wouldn't surprise me if Lin got crappy minutes in the next game if Bev hits some 3s. It just depends on how McHale "feels" from day to day.
DeleteAgreed Brent, I did notice as well that Harden played some D. Now if he wasn't so intent on heroball...
DeleteI hope this reverberates to the coaches' eardrums...
DeleteReally, I feel PB was doing pretty bad. Lin definitely played better today.
DeleteHarden doesn't try to stop the player with the ball. He only tries to slap the ball away from the player. He got lucky more times than usual today. That's all.
Deletesolidz, I think it might have been that horrible debacle in Dallas when Mchale's tactics completely imploded on him, and he knew that he, Mchale, cost the team the win by overmanaging the team.
DeleteAnd maybe, finally, in the Dallas game, he could see clearly that Beverly is nowhere close to being good as Lin. Good hustle player, a decent sub, but, no fucking way you want Beverly over Lin to close games, especially come playoff time.
Remember Bev picked up like 2 or 3 quick fouls in the beginning of the 4th quarter. He was getting lost on high PnR leading to easy shots or passes to open players.
DeleteAnother thing, I don't think Parsons sat the whole 2nd half LOL...he needs to rest or he will really hurt his back.
Is it a coincidence that the Rockets won a game when their offense wasn't clicking, AND, Lin got more minutes than normal?
DeleteAnswer - obviously not. But, it may take a century or two for McClueless to figure that out.
This POS, McHale will never turn the corner. How many times have fans on this board saying that? Spurs and OKC games, did it change anything?
DeleteLinsanityMovie @LinsanityMovie
ReplyDeleteWe're road tripping w/ @JLin7 to Austin this Sunday to watch Linsanity at #SXSW. What's a must do on our road trip w/ Jeremy?
12:31 p.m. - Mar 8, 2013
In and out burgers?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I smiled when I heard him say that. I hope so too, and hope it will be a better game than tonight's, which was one of the ugliest Houston wins of the season.
DeleteOops reposting the OP, @0ccupati0 :)
DeleteHiren Joshi @htown747
JVG said earlier tonight he wants all #Rockets #Warriors games to be on national TV. Next one is March 17th in HOU! Make it happen @espn
11:03 PM - Mar 8, 2013
Kevin McHale is just a Jeremy Lin Doubter. Nothing More. Nothing Less.
ReplyDelete[JeremyLintel]
Excellent link...going to listen to this 43min youtube video LOL
DeleteIn other news...
ReplyDeletePortland SPANKS Spurs in San Antonio.
Wow...By 30pts...
I was impressed by Lillard in that game, even though I think too many people ride his nuts.
DeleteWas it better than JLIN's performance without Harden where he scored 38points?
DeleteI didn't catch whole game, just the second half. Before the game blew open, Lillard just made the right plays as PG, and hit some difficult shots in the paint.
DeleteCan't compare Lillard's game against San Antonio v. Lin's game, cuz Tony Parker didn't play against Portland, out with ankle injury.
DeleteSan Antonio is not the same team without Parker.
I have a problem! I am hate the Knicks for ditching Lin and they play Utah Saturday! And I don't know who I should root for, can they both lose. Lol...
ReplyDeleteLOL... Root for Knicks. Just this once... Utah is a direct competitor for the playoffs , you know.
DeleteWoo hoo! Way to grind out a huge win, Rockets! Everyone contributed. I thought Beverly did real good by hassling Curry and making him work hard. So, when Curry came back in around 10 minute mark in the fourth, and McHale immediately re-inserted Lin and Harden, I felt pretty good. I saw Curry had played about 6 or 7 more minutes than Lin up to that point, so I figured Lin would be more fresh, especially since Beverly had exerted so much energy on Curry. It's things like that that gives the team the slight advantage in the closing minutes and the game is close. In this game, I think McHale did the exact right move. Props to everyone, and even though Beverly did not score tonight, I thought he was great in sacrificing to play all-out defense on Curry.
ReplyDeleteChandler Parsons @ChandlerParsons
ReplyDeleteWheels up to Phoenix! This row is for the best hair only. @JasonCFriedman @JLin7. @JHarden13 didn't make the cut :/
http://pic.twitter.com/AkXsWcWEWT
11:24 PM - Mar 8, 2013
mchale postgame
ReplyDeletehttp://www.csnhouston.com/rockets/mchale-after-rockets-close-win-over-warriors
I stopped listen this POS a long time ago.
DeleteJLIN POSTGAME VS GSW
ReplyDeleteReports asks Jeremy, "What's the important thing Rockets need to win all the games left.."
DeleteJeremy Responds, "...play rockets basketball...which is uptempo...lots of PnRs...A LOT OF RANDOMNESS (LOL)...
Just got back from the game. I was seated a few rows behind the rox bench. It felt like the playoffs in there. Behind me were some pretty obnoxious Jlin haters. When Jlin hit his three I turned back and stared back and said STFU. That was the end of that…
ReplyDeleteSo I said I was looking for bench interactions…took copious notes :)
In the first timeout TRobinson was walking to the bench and saying “my bad”…Trob looked really bad out there, esp. that botched layup/dunk. McHale was letting him have it. During the end of the timeout, I saw Sampson put his arm around Jlin and told him “to go to the hole”. I was pretty surprised at this…I think Sampson likes him (a lot of fist bumps throughout the game).
At the 3:10 mark 1st quarter, another timeout. McAss actually patted Jlin on the butt! This was probably because of the great defense he was playing on Steph and Klay (when he stripped him while being posted up)
During the 2nd quarter there was a lot of interaction between McAss and Jlin during deadballs…couldn’t exactly hear what was said.
End of 3rd quarter, Jlin was sitting at the end of the bench and was definitely not part of the huddle, like barely on the periphery. Maybe because he was mad at being subbed out when he was having a great 3rd.
4th Q, around 10 min mark, I was completely shocked that Jlin was coming back so early.
4th Q 2:55 timeout, Jeremy walks right by McAss (no love). McAss gives fist bumps to Harden and Chandler even though Harden shit the bed the WHOLE night. Anyways, during the timeout, Jlin and Harden were both very vocal giving directions. Jeremy is speaking up and acting like a leader.
Timeout at 1:09 in forth, McAss gives love to Harden but nothing the Jlin…
Last play, Harden waves off Jer then creates a nice turnover…fail.
Overall a little sloppy but exciting game.
Oh the best part of my notes: end of game the Rox are walking to the tunnel McAss gives a big handshake to Jlin with a huge smile saying something like “that a way Kid”…Jlin just turns around with a stoic face (“I told you so”).