Good win for rockets tonight vs. T-Wolves. Also, Wiggins looks much improved from the first time we played, I know he got similar points, but looked a lot more comfortable and confident out there than last time. Seemed to take the opportunities that presented themselves rather than force as much as the 1st game.
For the topic title from the recap on espn I stole this:
(and something so obvious tonight Bill pointed it out on the broadcast)
How will James Harden adjust to Dwight Howard's return? In the 837 minutes Harden has played with Howard on the court this season, Harden is shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 44.5 percent from 3-point range. In the 1,741 minutes Harden has played without Howard, those numbers drop to 42.6 and 33.3 percent.[-] James Harden with Dwight Howard On/Off Court - This Season (James Hardens FG %).
Howard On Howard off
FG pct 47.2 42.6
3-pt FG pct 44.5 33.3
Quite simply, even when Howard isn't being 'efficient' on offense he adds to James' efficiency and allows him more space. Howard was a +20 tonight and led the team, and it wasn't just because of his defense although that helped. (as did the fact he really only dunked and looked to pass more out of the post than pre-injury) The extra attention Dwight draws just roaming around really helped generate some space for the rest of the rockets to both drive and kick, and to get open shots.
Also Josh Smith worked really well with Dwight tonight, much better than I was expecting as they used him in the mid-post/free throw line area as the p&r roll man being a receiver of the pass with two shooters on the wing and Dwight underneath. No one is leaving Dwight in that case (when they did he got open dunks) and with the double of Harden up top one of the guys on the two shooters had to rotate off toward Josh/the middle giving a lot of open looks. Good variance on the 1 in 4 out we run a lot of the times out of the pick and roll (3 shooters) that fits J-Smoove's playing style (and passing ability) more. Would seemingly work with T-Jones if he can refine somewhat his passing.
Edited by Losthief, 28 March 2015 - 03:47 AM.