Monday, April 29, 2013

Rockets vs OKC Game #4 Western Conference Playoffs Post Game Thread

351 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Rockets won and we all won! :)

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  2. Haha Harden sucked so bad that it was actually entertaining. Thanks!

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    1. It is simply historic.
      What an ending!
      Give it to Harden. It stinks

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  3. Hope Lin plays Wed. HY, you saw a very exciting game, thought it didn't need to be that close. Airrrrballll! Take that LOH's on CF.

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  4. While I don't think this game should be what influences people: I know that it will be. I think this game underscores that Parson's is very good. And better than a lot of people give him credit for. The reason I say this game isn't necessary to underscore my point is because he's been consistent all year long.

    With the above mentioned... I don't think this game makes Beverly proven to be a capable starting pg for a decent team. One sample isn't enough.

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    1. Parsons has gotten A LOT of love from the NBA, media, and HOU/other team's fans. What else do you want?

      This game will continue to show the media that Bev is on the rise and Lin is on the decline. Have you not seen the recent articles put out by them?

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    2. I'm referring to the bias against him on this forum, not the media.

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    3. Agree, although Bev and Parsons were the reasons why Rockets won. Even if Lin plays he won't get many minutes.

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    4. say that to the Rox fans, 4 games is enough for them eventually.
      apparently 4>82...... Lin should just rest, next game is W, idk if he'll be
      well recovered by then or not, seems like they can function w/out him....

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    5. You're right on both accounts. Parsons has become a great player, very consistent. beverley has played ok. It seems like he's also inconsistent. he put up 6 points in game 3 and nearly fouled out, and had an okay game today. Him playing large minutes however has shown that he has little playmaking ability.

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    6. Time to set up Parsons' fansite. Don't miss the boat.

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    7. No on here said he sucked. Pretty sure everyone says he's a "good player".

      From what I saw, everyone stepped up, especially Parsons and Asik.

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    8. K.smith, I disagree. I've seen a lot of blatantly bias comments about Parson's. I'm not suggesting people don't have the right to do this. But I am speaking my mind.

      If the bias comments have diminished it's probably because it's harder to do now.

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    9. I agree k. smith, parsons and asik were the main reason rox won tonight, along with garcia's defense on KD earlier in the game.

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    10. I"m also not saying that this kind of thing shouldn't be expected on a forum that's geared toward the appreciation of one player. Indeed, I think it's great there are varied opinions and voices expressed on this forum. I think it wouldn't be as interesting if this wasn't the case.

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    11. My only issue was Mchale's favoritism to ride Parsons/Harden and let them play through their mistakes, unlike Lin.

      I think this system shows us that a PG really isn't needed on this team. Your 17/7 prediction for Lin, next year seems moot. Harden's touches will stay the same. Parsons, the guy you feel the need to defend (even though he gets A LOT of love from the media/fans/nba), well his ouches will increase. Where does that leave Lin? In the same exact situation he was this season. If Lin isn't the first or second scorer on a team, he won't take more than 10 shots a game. That's how it was in NY when Melo and Stat came back and that's how it's been in HOU, with Harden and Parsons as the #1 and #2 scorers.

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    12. I see what you're saying. I don't think Mchale is a favorable guy for any pg. Past pg's have had issues with him... so this gives credence to such a charge. I totally understand wanting Lin traded. Next year will be interesting.

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    13. I think you and I both agree that Lin is staying in HOU next year. Honestly, I don't think there's going to be as much "competition" between Lin/Bev as people think. I know HOU fans believe that, but c'mon, they're the lowest bbiq fan base out there.

      I hope to God i'm wrong and you're right. If Lin averages 17/7, he'd have an all star year.

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    14. It's not a favorable situation for Lin (or any pg). Mchale has at times lacked faith in Lin and hasn't let him play through mistakes like I think he should have. Other times, though, he has managed Lin well. All that said, even if he's given 40 minutes a game... with having Harden he may not be able to be "the pg" as much as he, or we would like. So, yes, on the Rocket's getting 17/7 will be more challenging than in another system. Nevertheless, I'm going to remain optimistic. Lin's going to have to improve his jump shot. His drive is elite. And hopefully he can improve going left. He does an OK job at it, but if it got better, coupled with a better jump shot, I think he can get 17/7 even for the Rocket's. Or, maybe, 15/7.

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    15. What bias?

      He is:

      - bieber
      - horrible handles
      - can't create for himself
      - sometimes streaky shooter
      - not defended nearly as much as HardLin, if you want to disrupt Rox offense you don't shut down Parsons
      - best as a spot up shooter, or cutting to the rim off ball

      Not saying he doesn't have skills, and he can be better. He is just not as good as people thinks he is. If defended he bricks shots all day, seen it plenty times in the past.

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    16. Kenoshi, compare him to the other small forwards in the league and then you will see what I'm talking about. Yes, there are better out there than him, but he's up there.

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    17. Parsons is great when he plays off others. He's terrible when he tries to play point-forward. His defense remains painful...only Garcia can slow down Durant whatsoever.

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    18. Right now, Parsons is like a poor man's Nic Batum. He'll never be the defender Batum is, but he can match his offensive production.

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  5. Sorry to my man, Solidz, but this was a good result for J-Lin.

    Everyone here knows I'm usually the loudest, most annoying SHOUTER who posts here, and even I'm happy the game went down like this.

    1) Rockets win a game to give Jeremy a chance to play again and gain postseason experience.

    2) Harden almost singlehandedly blew a game OKC sleepwalked through...he's never been humbled like this ever.

    3) Game 5! Let's see if Jeremy can come back and hold down the fort -- can't do worse than Harden's 10 TOs while making up for JL's absence.

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    1. I mean I just don't know if they will give his place back on the team now that the team won without him and his replacements played relatively well.

      I don't know. If Lin plays well next game then it would be great but my doubts about his game THIS SEASON, primarily his shooting, linger.

      I guess we shall see.

      But the fact if the matter is, this is Harden's team.. And the focus should really be his non clutch performance in the recent games.

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    2. That's the beauty of it.

      All Rockets mgmt and fans get to see that ISO-Harden simply does not work and he's hardly CLUTCH.

      This will bode well for Lin and team plays because Rockets will rely on team plays next season!

      Lin will only play next game if he thinks he can help the team. So he gets one more chance to perform well in the playoff!

      I BELIEVE.

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    3. But his place on the team is crappy -- a glorified Derek Fisher role. Actually, it's not even that! At least Fisher got to play 4th quarters.

      Even if he plays poorly in Game 5 (if he plays at all), the worst thing that happens is that they'll definitely try to trade him. And that wouldn't be so bad.

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    4. Jlin should tank in the next game so Morey will trade him.. sounds alright actually !

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    5. He can't afford to lower his stock, which haters in the NBA perceive to be next to none. He needs to find a way to succeed despite mcfail and the chucker.

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    6. If he ends up as a backup PG on any other team he'll be on his way out of the NBA.

      He needs to up his stock, not lower it.

      People see him as basketball's Tim Tebow as it is. Unfair? Yes. But its the general public perception.

      Got into an argument over this with some close friends, and I outright called them idiots...Because they think this is the best Lin is...While someone like me and my brother in law (who isn't chinese) agrees that Lin is far from done and is grossly misused.

      But like I said, perception. Even though coaches like him on certain teams, it'll be hard for them to make a case to get him with their FO if Lin continues down this path. He needs to UP his stock, not lower it.

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    7. Now is not the time to be humble. If he gets to play in game 5, he better just grow a pair and play through the pain and not be seen as whincing and whining, basically SOFT, on national television.

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    8. I mean, the big man upstairs got his back, so does all his fans. Go out and play his heart out and not worry if he is going to do well or not or get injured or this and that.

      Not calling him soft, btw, I know he is tough, but he needs to clear his mind and just play ball and not worry about things he can't control.

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  6. Nice win.

    Will Lin be ready for game 5?

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    1. I think he will. It was smart to sit out. If Houston couldn't win a single game at home against OKC sans Westbrook, there's no chance of a comeback anyway.

      Now he gets extra time to heal, and a chance to contribute in Game 5 at OKC, where you KNOW the Thunder will not sleepwalk like they did today.

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  7. Now the question begins in Rox land. Will Lin play next game? Should Lin even play?

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    1. great point....I'm afraid it'll be like all season long
      where he gets yanked in and out of the game which does him
      no good anyways..
      While this win is worth savoring, it sucks to know that they WILL
      be shut out in OKC... they barely won as they barely lost in the last 2 games

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  8. *shakes head at harden! *sigh*

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  9. well.... after all we may see Lin play.....
    nah... He should just sit out, they're going to get blown out in OKC
    and fans will blame him for the loss....
    IBAKA!!!!!!!!
    Wonder if McHale will bench or start Lin next game considering how this game
    turned out? I wonder if Lin's mins will be limited?

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  10. JLin believes in miracles. So do I.

    They didn't win because of Harden, that's for sure.

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    1. I also believe in miracles, cali7!

      Count me in.

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    2. And who would have written the Linsanity script crazier? The way this story should end is Lin plays 15 mins and it's a win. Then he plays another 20 and we win. Then he does a lot and it's a 4-3. Or something crazy like that for this to be worth it.

      Meanwhile, Steph Curry is quietly a superstar, with a coach that will give him credit. Not a bad few weeks ahead! We're lucky fans.

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  11. Hopefully Lin doesn't play. Just let the Rockets lose at OKC and don't give the LOH more stuff to talk about. If the Rockets really feel Bev is better, start him and sub Lin when Harden sits.

    McHale's dumbest line up is Bev, Lin, Harden, Parsons. Four dominant players at the same time...dumb.

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    1. Dude...LOH will always find stuff to hate.

      Even during Linsanity people were knocking his unprecented HOF production because of TOs (even though his TO-rate was lower than Nash or Rondo and they were winning games).

      I hope that the Rockets keep winning -- with or without Jeremy -- so that he gets extra chances to play and contribute. Even if he plays poorly due to injury...it'll still be okay, because it just increases the likelihood he gets traded to a team without a ball-dominant SG.

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    2. Lin's not going to get traded because the Rockets feel Beverley can start. Unfortunately, other teams want something in return and Lin won't truly be an expiring contract asset until 2015. I don't really want to watch Lin coming off the bench, but unless he picks up his game that's what the future holds.

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    3. Remember when people were so sure the Knicks would re-sign Jeremy? It didn't make much sense to let him go, but they did.

      On the other hand, it makes plenty of sense for Houston to trade Lin and/or Asik for Dwight (S&T), a start PF or a catch-and-shoot PG (e.g. George Hill). There were even whispers during the season that Morey and let other teams know that Asik and Lin were available.

      Everyone but Harden and maybe Parsons is on the trading block for the right offer.

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  12. We get another game on Wed to witness Harden's UNCLUTCH-ness!

    Even if Lin is not healthy enough to play, all Rockets fans get to see how ineffective Harden-ISO can be!

    Do you see what I see? In the offseason, the Rockets will revamp their plays not to consist of ISO-Harden.

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    1. ISO Harden = Dribble-dribble for 10-15 seconds with 9 other players watching then CLANK!

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    2. And I also believe in miracles.

      If God will look good in the end, Lin might get a small miracle :D

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    3. Lets not get ahead if ourselves here.

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    4. I'm sure Morey would have stats to show the unclutchness of Harden ISO, especially in the playoff.

      If they don't change anything, both McHale and Morey deserve to go.

      At least, I'd think Les would have a say on it.

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    5. I don't know, plenty of pundits have pointed out Harden's un-clutchness.

      Morey doesn't seem to care.

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    6. Harden always compensated with his scoring and FTs to mask his TOs.

      But tonight he almost gave the win away. Everyone watching knew that.

      I doubt Morey won't make changes in the offseason after knowing what didn't work with ISO-Harden. Even his non-advanced stats would tell him that.

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  13. Tell me you guys didn't love McHale's harden ISO fail over and over again... That was fun. Would've loved it had they lost. That's all people would be talking about..

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    1. I was laughing my ass off.

      Brik - airball - brik lol..

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  14. "Patrick Beverly was tremendous." -McHale

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    1. McHale also said, "Chandler held the fort (i think, he's mumbling), Asik had 17, Patrick Beverly was tremendous."

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    2. Lin could have done better on a normal day.
      But the comment would be different.

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    3. That hurts to hear for some reason as a Lin fan. Ouch.

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    4. Yes, he did. I rewound it to ensure I wrote it correctly.

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    5. Bev did a great job. Let's give credit where it's due. Lord gives as well as takes.

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    6. No comment on Harden's 10 TOs, eh?

      I guess it's a taboo.

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    7. Yes, but... don't you think a coach is going to be more likely to say gushing things about a player for which there isn't as much expected? And, further, don't you think, under the circumstances and how important this game is, that Mchale would also be more likely to make such comments?

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    8. More bias from the coaches...didn't expect anything less. Why doesn't he man up and call harden out on his double double? Also, parsons and asik were the reasons we won. Parsons nearly had a triple double, and Asik had 8 O-Rebs. beverley played alright, but if Lin played like that, haters would be all over his ass.

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    9. Not taking away from it. Just quoting McHale. Bev definitely made some plays. I don't understand why they keep calling him a rookie. Is he a rookie just b/c he didn't play in the NBA the past few seasons?

      They don't mention Harden's TOs. Shaq calling out Harden's last 5 possessions and settling for jumpers b/c Harden got the switch. Kenny Smith excusing him b/c of youth and never being the man before.

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    10. Come on man, if Lin played like Bev, we would be praising Lin.

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    11. @eb5attorney. I would be too, but I'm gonna hold beverley to the standard haters hold Lin to, b/c in their eye's he's better than Lin. Objectively, I would agree with you, beverley played a solid game today.

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    12. Bev had a very solid game. Not extraordinary, just solid. But you don't expect as much from Bev, so you're going to praise him more for doing less. At least, I see it this way. And also, the gravity of this game was huge so doing good in it stands out.

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    13. McHale should definitely praised Bev.

      If he praised Harden, that would have been crazy.

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    14. Yes, Lin has played many games like this. Lin is a prove NBA starter. Beverly isn't. But Beverly did have a nice game this evening. I didn't watch the game: I'm only speaking in reference to stats.

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    15. Who is the PG today?
      Parson, Harden, Beverly?
      PARSON DELIVERED 8 assists.

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    16. Who are you talking to @eb5attorney? I think @BambooForest makes a good point. I think the problem is that people expect a performance from Lin due to last year, and they don't have those expectations from Beverly. Beverly is doing well and helping out, but this is a Lin fan site so people will be defensive.

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    17. I'll also point out that Lin's stats are deceiving since he's on a team that is not very pg friendly. Lin in a different system would have better stats for sure.

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    18. beverley is a good game managing PG, he doesn't try to do too much. this is good for teams like the Heat, but it's obvious right now that the team needs another consistent second option. Lin can be that option given he improves.

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    19. Whoa I'm going to have to agree with Bamboo today, Lin would definitely be better in a system where offense ranned through the PG.

      And bev is no starting PG.

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    20. Give credit to Bev's defense in drawing charge from Durant after he scored 5 points straight.

      Lin would have done the same thing.

      Overall, Bev had a good balance of not forcing things but he still didn't have Lin's strength to attack the basket and go to the FT lines.

      The Rockets missed easy points from Lin and his ability to create spacing for other players.

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    21. the thing I noticed most with beverley was his lack of penetration and general playmaking.

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    22. I still think it's theoretically possible that this experience will ultimately make Lin a better overall player since he didn't have a system that was perfectly catered to his skill set.

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    23. Kenoshi, why do you think Beverly is not a starting PG?

      Also Parsons is the second option on this team not Lin. Nothing wrong with that though. Some games during the season Lin was the 2nd, other times it was Parsons.

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    24. I would rather have Lin and Bev back court than a Lin & Harden back court.

      Lin can be the guy who penetrates and orchestrates the offense. While Bev can play the Shumpert role. There will no more need to worry about ISO Harden.

      Harden should go back to the sixth man role LOL...

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    25. Etymology, are you serious? What makes you say that?

      Harden had a lot of turnovers this game but look at the entire season. Harden has been great and he will only get better. Thinks like defense and developing chemistry and less ISO can be improved.

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    26. "I don't understand why they keep calling him a rookie."

      Because he's never played an NBA game before this season.

      It doesn't matter how old a player is, when he was drafted, or if he played pro ball in other leagues. Blake Griffin won Rookie of the Year the second season after he was drafted because he broke his kneecap in the first preseason and never played a regular season game the first season.

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  15. My chinese friend told me that


    Okc gave the game for the rox...
    so that when they come back to play in okc they can earn more money...

    Hahaha.
    .
    Many of you my friends asking if lin will gonna play at game5..

    Well my question is..
    Will mchale let lin play in the game 5?
    .or does he will trust lin to play as a point guard rather than pb?...

    I hope he will..

    The Lord will raise His son

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    1. I mean the Lord will exalt him for His own glory to show that we have a powerful God..

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    2. Dennis, it really depends on how well Lin's injury heals by Wednesday.

      Frankly, it's not looking good now because Doc Stu said it usually takes at least a week to get better.

      But we know when people are weak, that's usually when God's small miracles appear.

      Let's all hope and pray so.

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  16. That's a very interesting game!!!!
    The ending part is hilarious.
    The whole damn team is watching Harden, the frigid player, doing his ISO.
    You gotta hand it to McFail.
    He had guts calling the play again and again.

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    1. Ibaka's reaction after the missing layup was definitely hilarious. Just like a knockout blow.

      As for McHale's freedom to Harden, let's just say Harden didn't make McHale good with his decision-making. He should have driven to the basket instead of settling for jumpers.

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  17. The major difference I see between bev and Lin as of now especially in recent games is that nev is making shots and Lin is not. I know Lin had a stretch going for sometime but all I recall recently is Lin bricking shots over and over again.

    It's like he did something phenomenal if the shot actually goes in.


    Please Lin - work on your shooting. Whether u stay with the Rox or not, your shooting needs to improve. This is the reason u do not get the respect you deserve!!!!

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    1. Beverley also has a tighter dribble and is better at making loose ball plays.

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    2. I have faith Lin will improve his shot, especially over the coming months. Shooting can be improved, but few have his intangible qualities. Also, it's not like beverley's been lighting it up either...

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    3. Definitely tighter handle than lin. Jeremy needs work shooting first, then extreme ball handling drills to be able to break his man down instead of just straight line quick first step drives. It's really those 2 things. In that order.

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    4. Also, Jeremy's shooting improved greatly in the 2nd half.

      Until the last couple of McFail games (where he got benched to cool him off), he was shooting 49% FG and 40% 3pt after the All-Star break. I think he was 47% and 36% even with that poor Rockets finish.

      Doc Scheppler will have him ready. He just needs to healthy and used correctly!

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    5. Bev's handles aren't better than Jeremy's...he's just smaller and closer to the ground and doesn't get pressured as much. CP3 and Rondo (with his freak hand-size) definitely have better handles, though.

      Bev's best skill is his leaping ability for his size. He gets a lot of rebounds and blocks that way because opponents don't realize what a high flier he is despite his size.

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    6. What the heck is tighter handles? Geez...you don't define better ball handling by the word "tighter"

      Shorter players dribble lower since they're closer to the ground vs. taller players who's dribbling looks higher. Jlin is an elite dribbler compared to PBev and it shows in how Jlin can penetrate to the basket better than PBev. Jlin can dribble through double & tripple teams while Bev struggles.

      I do agree about leaping ability, but if PBev got a knee injury like Jlin I doubt he'd be jumping like that all the time.

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    7. PB is only 2 inches shorter than Lin, just for the record.

      One of the reason why it appears as such is JL dribbles is rhythmic and he doesnt move his leg much; uses his body more, whereas PB, uses his leg more (skips and turns alots)

      There is no right or wrong here, just needs to get better what one is doing.

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  18. Alex must be watching.
    Say that Harden is worth the money to Alex, Morey.

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  19. In Rockes' system it really makes not much difference if Lin or Bev is a starter.

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  20. Harden getting tons of heat on Clutch Fans. People going off on him like crazy.

    One interesting note is that McHale was not going to put Harden back in the game and then Harden started walking to the scorers table without the coaches telling him so. Take a look at it again. McHale was gonna finish without Harden.

    Harden is just not clutch. Some people are...Lin, Fisher, Horry, obviously Jordan but Harden at this stage is anything but clutch.

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    1. Stu, I didn't see that, but that's crazy diva stuff. I just laughed out loud with his last miss. If you are right, he needs a stronger coach to hold him accountable. Maybe they had an agreement to go back in ... you never know. Did McHale look like he didn't want Harden to go in?

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    2. PS, I thought you were napping? :-)

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    3. I woke up thinking Lin had played and went 3-10 in the first half and 0-8 in the 2nd half. McHale didn't tell Harden to go back in the game.

      Harden is outta control

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    4. Harden is McHale's own creation. McHale failed to keep him accountable and superstars will lose respect for you.

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    5. I saw McHale lecture Harden after his 2nd ISO fail...but then Harden tried a 3rd ISO after that! Yikes.

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  21. Harden ISO ball nearly lost the game again. Yet the posters on Clutch fans are still hailing him as the best player on the team.

    I think Lin should sit the next one out too. If the Rockets lose, they will blame him for it... yet again.

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    1. Totally agreed about Lin sitting for Game 5. Not sure why other people here can't see that...

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    2. Lin will be get blamed either way

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    3. If he's not healthy he should sit. Injured Lin isn't going to help.

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    4. It will be bad for Lin, but in LOHs eye, he is always the reason of the lost. So, to Lin, getting experiences is much more important than worrying about what LOHs has to say.

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  22. McHale on denying Durant a last shot. "KD’s already proven he can make those shots, even if they bounce four times."

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    1. Kevin McHale: We've had different lineups, we've had all kinds of things happen."

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    2. On that play, he made the right decision putting Garcia blanketing Durant on the last possession.

      It worked before and it worked again.

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  23. Shaq: "Harden settled for jumpers even after the switch."

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  24. Charles dissed Kenny Smith. hahahaha

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  25. The reason the ROX had a lead was because of ball movement and sharing, so in the winding moments when they needed the baskets to close the game...

    They went for iso-Harden.

    Not to throw away the collective group effort by the rest of the team, but they did not deserve the win based on the executive's decision.

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    1. I really hope Jeremy's chest would be better by game 5 and his well-rested legs would provide the much needed boost to the team.

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    2. I felt the Rocket's were bailed out. They didn't deserve to win the game after Harden came on in those last 3 minutes. Durant didn't make a drive on Garcia, Asik could have been called for for a foul on that last second jump, ibaka could of easily made that layup..

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    3. You do realize that if Lin plays, he has to be great and not loose. Anything less... and everyone will be blaming the lost on him.

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    4. Yes, I don't get the sit out thing ... that would be passive aggressive. If Lin can play an McHale calls him up as a tool to mess with OKC, it's one more chance to win and 2 more days of healing. It's that kind of injury - every 2 days count.

      About Bev and others doing well, people are getting to amped again. So what ... every player needs to step up to beat a better team. It's good sport.

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    5. I think OKC threw it on purpose.

      There was no way Ibaka would have missed that layup...Uncontested and just kind of bumped it up like that like he don't care.

      Gentleman's sweep.

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    6. JLi, if you were JLin, and you wanted to play, what would you care what others say? It doesn't matter, bro ... he gets paid, he plays in a key game, and he has all summer to work on his game. I hope he can play and contribute.

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    7. Last 3 mins is reserved for Harden... it's in his contract.

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    8. Maybe, Kenoshi. Durant being so ball-dominant can lead to team play beating him, so maybe it's by design, maybe it's just like ISO harden failing.

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    9. They will be blamed JLin either way. [Had they lost today, it would have been bcos he was not playing.]

      If McHale let's him play, at least he gets some playoff experience out of the thing.

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    10. Criticism does affect players believe it or not.

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    11. I wouldn't say durant is that ball dominant. he has to share the court with westbrook. Also, even if he is as ball dominant, durant is obviously a MUCH better player and more clutch than harden ever will be.

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    12. Sure, but if you see Lin's face, he's rooting for his team. Let the off season resolve the politics - Lin has a well paid support team now, so he's not going to do just the nice-guy thing. If he's back, it's because of something we are missing.

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    13. ccm1, agree with you. But that's the weakness in today's game, in terms of OKC relying on Durant a bit. If they go back to their style without Durant making all those shots, then Rox will have a tougher time.

      Delete
    14. Jeremy did talk about how if he was on the court he had to make sure he's a net positive to the team. he must had felt prior to the game that he wasn't able to contribute enough positively and thus sat out.

      In the same analogy, if his shoulder would recover in time by game 5 for him to be effective, he would play and make an impact.

      Delete
  26. bleacher report grade for harden will be A++

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. don't read too much into bleacher report. The writers are hacks that will do anything for views.

      Delete
  27. To be fair BEV deserved some compliment and shoot pretty well and played better second half and controlled his fouling. And the offensive foul on KD was huge with 2 min left. But he does not make plays and set up asik or others like Lin does, I don't think he will start over Lin when Lin is healthy but will take good min away from Lin next season if Lin stays. I think Lin will start with BEV next game as if he is healthy to go, Mcfail has no excused to say no and can always Lin out if Lin not productive. One area that BEv has to learn more if Mcfail is inclined to start him is that BEV always get foul trouble.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I had to guess... I think Beverly will contribute more as a backup pg than a starter. Where as I think Lin has all the components to be a starter and perhaps a great one at some point.

      Delete
  28. Harden when asked about his struggles tonight: "well I did have a double-double."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HAHA. At least Harden has some humor... although it's not really funny.

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    2. Good for him :)

      But I don't think he's ready to change his ways yet. He'll try again given another chance.

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    3. James...we're trying to win the game here...

      Delete
  29. Replies
    1. Nope. He had 9 in a game when he still had 26 pts (on 18 FGA), 4 steals and 5 assists.

      Delete
    2. No but he's come close!

      http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/linje01/gamelog/2012

      http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/linje01/gamelog/2013

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    3. At NOH last season (it stopped the 6-game win streak).

      Delete
    4. For Lin
      the 9 TOs happened in the time with NY
      The most TOs in a game this season is 7.
      In April the most TOs in a game is 4

      Delete
  30. I always try to tell James when he's trying to go for 30pts and 10 TO's... "Hey buddy, we're trying to win here!" -- Kevin McFail.

    If Lin does play next game, they should NOT start Beverly, nor should they have done it last game. The only time the should start LIN and BEVERLY is when Westy is around. The reason they started so well tonight was they had Parsons at the PF, Harden at SF, and Garcia at SG... The floor was spread with shooters. You put LIN in this situation with on ball screens and your recreate NY. Its one of their best line-ups as long as they are not getting killed on the boards.

    ReplyDelete
  31. If JLIN had 10 TO's... which I think he had once this year maybe??? he would be picked to pieces.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope. He's never had 10 TOs ever. His most this year was 7...in a WIN against the Lakers where he also had 19pts/6rebs/5asts.

      Delete
    2. Lin's never had double digit TOs in his career.

      Delete
  32. ESPN.com shows Lin as the first player to lead its intro. There are those that hate him but there are many who love Lin for his character and amazing athletic showmanship.

    Btw, Kirk Hinrich may be out for more than a week with a calf bruise they are saying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. http://instagram.com/p/YtzRIXIn7A/

    I put the above in 2nd half thread, too.

    R u guys excited? TBH, no Lin in it, I am really not excited.

    BTW, Rox fans are not so bad, they did cheer very loudly for the team during the whole game - thunderous noise which hurt my ears :-)

    Do you guys know why Rox fans booed Derek Fisher whenever he stepped on the court, I remembered he was traded to some team, but refused to go few years ago. Was it Rox?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, he was a Rocket briefly. Actually, I think he decided to briefly retire when he was traded there, lol, so maybe that's why they booed him.

      I like Fisher. Tough, savvy, underrated, has to put up with Kobe's ego, ha.

      Delete
    2. Feel bad for you HY, for all those efforts you've put in to root for Jeremy just to see him playing hurt and then in a suit. Keep your head up as God would reward your patience and effort.

      Delete
    3. Hey, HY, Have a great remaining trip!

      Delete
    4. Thx, Brent. Actually I am flying back home at 6am in the morning, guess I'll read you guys' comments all night, and wait for the shuttle to pick me up.

      Guys/girls: keep your comments coming, I enjoy reading them.

      I don't have much to contribute today, as all I saw is JL in a suit, that's it :-)

      Delete
    5. Thx, Hans. I prayed and prayed these few days for JL's speedy recovery, then it came to this.

      I guess God has His own plan.

      Delete
    6. I hope you took a lotta of pics, at least. :)

      [Have a safe trip tomorrow!]

      Delete
  34. Turning around from his locker to see a mob of media waiting for him, PB says, "Sorry. JLin's not here."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Media - Damn let's pack our camera gear and head back to China and Taiwan...

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. Lol, PB still haunted by his own MACHADO EXPERIENCE in the past...

      Delete
  35. Has Mchale ever called Jeremy's play "tremendous" as he called Beverly's play tonight? If so, more than once In 82+ games? How many times has Jeremy stepped in and taken charges this season?

    ps... who leads the team in charges taken?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course NOT.... Mchale just is PB lover. Tremendous ... Wow.. He just said Lin made big 3 shots when Rox won against OKC during regular season.. when KD & WB played.

      Delete
    2. I saw KM walked over to PB to give him a high five after PB was out to take a rest.

      I don't recall I ever saw KM did that to JL.

      Delete
    3. Well, if Lin leaves, PB will be McHale's next target.

      Maybe its all those rebounds PB is grabbing that got McHale's heart...Thinking PB is a center in a guard's body.

      Delete
  36. McHale described Harden's many turnovers as 'uncharacteristic.'

    It goes to show that McHale discounts and dismisses Harden's many mistakes as anomalies.

    These supposed anomalies have been happening repeatedly since the latter half of the season and into the playoffs. But somehow 'uncharacteristic' because McHale's preconceptions are so powerful he cannot shake them despite information that is obvious to all of us.

    When Lin plays well, we know those must be anomalies too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mcfail is willing to turn a blind eye to harden's glaring weakness. I feel like this is where the egos of nba superstars are born, with a weak ass coach. Coaches like pop and PJ could reign in their players with easy, while mcfail just lets it go only for it to get worse.

      Delete
    2. wow, really? So Beverley has a good game, McHale says he's tremendous. Harden has a bad game, McHale says it's uncharacteristic. Lin has a good game, McHale doesn't say anything about it. Lin has a bad game, McHale will criticize him publicly.

      Wait, it just hit me. McHale is actually applying Asian parenting/coaching techniques to Lin. He's not being hypocritical or holding double standards, McHale is actually applying cultural values! #sarcasm

      Delete
  37. Why are some of you worried about JLIN's shooting percentage? It's better than Hardens..

    .441
    .438

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. And he started out the season with a bum knee!

      Not to mention he was often benched during his best quarter (the 4th).

      I see Jeremy at 48% FG 37% 3pt 82%FT next year. That's basically what he has during the 2nd half of the season.

      Delete
    2. Take away his layups, and what's his fg%? He's got to get more consistent with his outside shot.

      Delete
    3. Lin gets many of his shots from driving to the hole. And so, his fg % doesn't reflect his lack of shooting ability. I'm not saying he's a terrible shooter, but it does need to improve.

      Delete
    4. Of course he needs to improve (everyone but Curry could improve their jumper!).

      But he's already made a ton a progress in a short span already, and Doc Scheppler has nailed Jeremy's problem areas. Nothing to worry about in that area.

      Delete
    5. you could say the same thing for Harden. He gets a ton of points driving to the hole. Harden shoots .438. Lin shoots .441. It doesn't matter where the shots are coming from... LIN is a better shooter than HARDEN percentage wise.

      Can LIN get better at his 3 point shot. YES. and he WILL. and this will open up a lot more for opportunities for him.

      But why are we concerned about it? Right now... Kevin McHale can't say that Harden is a better shooter than Lin because he isn't. Lin gets to the basket. Why knock a positive. Why not take advantage of it? These are the bigger ???'s in my mind. Why has James Harden been annointed the leader of this team? Allowed to turn the ball over 10x's without critique. Allowed not to play defense. Rewind Bev's charge Harden not only doesn't defend Durant but he fouls him reaching.

      HARDEN sucks.

      How laughable is it when we hear Cwebb tell us that Harden called a team meeting to talk about defense?

      hahahahahaha.

      The Marginalization of Jeremy Lin will be televised!

      Delete
    6. @ksmith "Take away his layups, and what's his fg%? He's got to get more consistent with his outside shot."

      Of course Lin needs to improve his jump shot, but it's better than people perceive or realize. Lin has a better mid-range fg% than Harden, Parsons, Delfino, and Beverley. His corner 3% is the same as Harden's. His above-the-break-3% is not far off from Parsons and Beverley. So if there is one area to improve, it would be his corner 3's. That's a weakness of his, and also where the coaches want him to take shots (clueless coaches love to maximize Lin's weaknesses and minimize his strengths).

      Mid-range FG %:
      Lin 40%, Harden 37%, Parsons 35%, Delfino 36%, Beverley 27%

      Corner 3pt %:
      Lin 38%, Harden 38%, Parsons 53%, Delfino 45%, Beverley 53%

      Above the break 3pt %:
      Lin 31%, Harden 37%, Parsons 34%, Delfino 36%, Beverley 33%

      http://www.nba.com/advancedstats/player.html#Jeremy-Lin|202391;year=201213;season=r

      Delete
  38. Replies
    1. You should post all the replies. pretty ugly LOL.

      Delete
    2. like a good, little role player.

      Delete
    3. @Brent~ Haters got too much time on their hands.
      ---

      Anyhow, JLin's always been SUPER SUPPORTIVE of the team...

      Delete
  39. I think it was team defense on KD that was the key to this game. We made if tougher than the last game and think we gotta to play KD rough and physical next game to have ANY chance in OKC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OKC minus Durant didn't really show up. It happens when you're up 3-0 and playing on the road.

      On the bright side, Harden played incredibly poorly and they still won. So maybe Jeremy comes back and they can force a Game 6.

      Delete
  40. Yes Harden was good in the 1st half of the season, but look at his numbers since march.

    March: 5.7-14.6 .389%
    April: 7.5-19.3 .390%
    Playoffs: 7-19.3 .363%...4-25 16% on 3pts this series...

    in April he averaged 5.1 T/Os per game...in these playoffs he is averaging 5 TOs a game also...

    these are just the pure numbers...Going from an eye test you can also tell there is so much less ball movement as a result of what he does at points in the game...I am not sure how any of that is "efficient" or winning basketball...

    Granted he has been playing hobbled...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Injury is no excuse. If you are not at the top of your game, that is all the more reason to use your teammates more.

      There was a play at the end of the game in which a teammate was WIDE OPEN for a 3 on the left wing. Instead of passing to him, Harden shoots the 3 himself from the right wing and bricks it. That has nothing to do with being supposedly hobbled.

      Delete
    2. He scores more with FTs than FGs.

      Delete
    3. Consistently bad decision making. If you are not feeling it or are somewhat injured, why are you ISOing against the opposing team's BEST WING DEFENDER instead of working for a switch, or setting up your teammates?

      Delete
    4. Morey called Harden 'unstoppable'

      Morey is no basketball expert. If Lin did not play in all 82 games, the Rox couldn't even go to playoff. It's safe to say that the Rox can't go to playoff w/o Lin.

      Delete
  41. The Key of this game is Harden took less shots.
    He took 12 shots about 50% of a normal day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He took less shots because he turned it over 10 times.

      The key to the hame was OKC stinking it up. They're up 3-0 and playing on the road, nobody but Durant was willing to fight.

      Even the Knicks won Game 4 against the Heat last year.

      Delete
    2. On Apr 6 when Harden played in the game against Phoenix, he turned over 9 times and still put up 21 shots making 9.

      Delete
    3. Rockets won this game because Harden played less minutes due to foul trouble.

      Hmm, seems to me like the optimal strategy should be to have Harden guard Durant in game 5. The refs will give Harden 6 fouls in the first quarter.

      Delete
  42. The Rox can't keep Lin for long.
    The Rox can't keep any player for long with exception of Harden.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Remember the game with the Clippers, they keyed on Lin but he still found a way to win the game.
    Lin's defense is underrated.
    He's an all round player.
    Next season, if he takes more precaution, wearing pads, mouth guard etc like Irving does, he will be more healthy. He's going to break out and outplay Harden in all aspects on per minute base of course.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Absolutely. He's the only young PG with an all-around two-way game. Every other young "star" has some huge glaring weakness (Rubio's shooting, Irving's defense, Lilliard court vision).

      Delete
  44. garcia joining the handshake club

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298283_600461753306597_1178284064_n.jpg

    ReplyDelete