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[Red94]

New post: Houston Rockets 103, Detroit Pistons 93: Oh no biggie, just another triple double
By: Paul McGuire

Player A: 28.3 points per game on 20.6 shots, 5.4 assists, 24.2 PER, .576 TS%, .208 WS/48, +7.0 on/off Splits.

 

Player B: 26.9 points per game on 18.0 shots, 7.0 assists, 26.9 PER, .608 TS%, .270 WS/48, +11.7 on/off Splits.

 

Player A is Kobe Bryant in 2007-08, when he won his only MVP (which he should not have won, but I will digress). Player B is Harden this year.

 

Oh, and tonight Harden picked up his third triple-double of the season, scored 38 points, and led an 18-0 run in the fourth quarter which all but ended the game with 5 minutes left. Just Harden stuff.

 

As great as Harden is, even he is not capable of winning a game entirely by himself. The Rockets needed to make sure that Detroit’s big men did not run amok like they did in the last contest between these two teams, a Pistons victory. They also had to keep Reggie Jackson from scoring at will just like D.J. Augustin did last time.

 

The Rockets managed to accomplish both tasks – and in words which I thought I would never utter this season, the Rockets might need more Joey Dorsey. Unusual times may require unusual measures, but with Howard out and Motiejunas slumping hard, Dorsey and Jones stepped in to stop Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe.

 

As our own Robert Dover pointed out a few weeks ago, Dorsey has some advantages. He is quick for a center, has good hands, and has a very solid base. Longer-time Rockets fans may remember how the beloved Chuck Hayes anchored Houston’s defense for multiple seasons. Dorsey is nowhere as smart on the defensive end compared to the Chuckwagon, but there are similarities. Dorsey managed to body up Drummond for much of the game and keep the offensively challenged center off tilt. While Drummond managed to grab 21 rebounds over Dorsey, Dorsey still won by forcing him into a 4-16 shooting performance.

 

And then there is Terrence Jones. Houston’s second-best player has fluctuated from Howard to Motiejunas to Smith throughout the season, but I would have to say that Jones has been that player over the last few games. There was a brief scare early in the second quarter when he left for the locker with what appeared to be a right hip strain, but he came back with a minute left in that quarter and scored a three-point play before halftime. Jones’s versatility is a huge asset for a Rockets team that at times seems to compartmentalize its players – there are the shooters, there is the superstar Harden, there is the low-post Motiejunas and so on. I realize that this invites further comparisons with Josh Smith, but I would note two differences. First, Smith has a real knack for the pass and finding the open man which Jones does not have and probably never will. On the other hand, Jones does not have Smith’s three-point problem. And Smith’s three-point shooting has fallen back to Josh Smith levels after that hot spurt last month.

 

Now, as for Motiejunas. After scoring over some of the best defensive big men in the league this season, it was disheartening to watch Motiejunas fail to struggle over “one foot out of the NBA” Anthony Tolliver. If that was not enough, Motiejunas got into foul trouble in the first half and played just 19 minutes tonight. While Houston’s hopes for Motiejunas are far higher now compared to the start of the regular season, the past order has reasserted itself. Like he did last year, Jones currently appears to be the better of the two.

 

In light of Motiejunas’s struggles, I believe Rockets fans should understand what should be expected from him. Motiejunas in past interviews has compared himself to Luis Scola, and their games bear similarities. Comparing Motiejunas to a younger version of Scola can show where he needs to improve in comparison to Scola and the league. Motiejunas’s differences from Scola, where he could learn from the former Rockets forward, and how he is similar – but he can start by stealing a march on Scola and play the defense he showed earlier this season. That would represent a change from his past few games.

 

With 20 games left, the Rockets are 42-20. That is one game behind the Rockets team from last year which had a healthy Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons in place of Trevor Ariza. Furthermore, the defense focus of this team should reduce variability and prevent any slump like that which killed the Rockets last year. And as Morey pointed out around the trade deadline, the Rockets have never had a fully healthy lineup. Either Jones or Howard have been injured aside from the very beginning, at which point Houston had not obtained Brewer and Smith.

 

Tonight was a solid win over an inferior team thanks to another MVP performance from Harden and a sound defensive game from Jones and Dorsey. Sometimes that is all you need.

[thejohnnygold]

Here is some Terrence Jones appreciation. His back-to-back blocks.

 

I can't help but find amusement in the recurring theme.  Clearly, someone is not a Josh Smith fan.  After a compliment about Smith's passing acumen apparently it was necessary to make sure everyone is aware he went 0-3 from deep.  

 

 

 

First, Smith has a real knack for the pass and finding the open man which Jones does not have and probably never will. On the other hand, Jones does not have Smith’s three-point problem. And Smith’s three-point shooting has fallen back to Josh Smith levels after that hot spurt last month.

 

If memory serves, this is a bit of back pedaling from the previous declaration that "Terrence Jones doesn't think he is a three point shooter" when the author last compared them.  Now, it is simply that he does not share Smith's "three-point problem".  Oh, really?

 

It seems Jones is 33.3% from deep and Smith is 32.7% (as a reserve since I think we all can agree the starter thing doesn't count).  Not exactly a huge disparity there nor a glowing endorsement of Jones' superior ability.  Yes, Jones shot 2-4 last night.  Prior to that he was 2-10 since returning to the line-up, but that's irrelevant now--let's not dwell on the past, right? (unless it's to harp on Josh Smith's terrible shooting)

 

I like how Smith's solid shooting was so quickly diminished to "that hot spurt last month".  Relativity is being thrown out the window here.  Context as well.  Smith's 2-5 in the box score from the Memphis game does not include an asterisk making sure people know one of those attempts was to bail out a near turnover by Harden at the end of the shot clock where he literally had to catch and heave the ball.  But let's not let that get in the way of a good story.  In the Atlanta game he was 2-6.  Last I checked, 4-10 (excluding the heave) was a solid performance.

 

In the 2 games prior to that he combined to go 0-9.  Thus, in 3 out of 5 games he has shot 0-12.  That's not good.  The reality is he has shot 35% since January 1st.  We can cherry pick small samples all we want.  I prefer to look at more important things than my own bias.

 

Smith has gone from 2.3 attempts per game in January to 5.0 per game in February to 4.5 per game in March.  What does this tell me?  He has the green light from management, coaches, and his teammates--who are all trying to win basketball games.

 

Interesting, it seems Trevor Ariza is shooting 32.8% from deep this season while jacking 7 attempts per game.  Last I checked, only King's Gambit Accepted took much issue with that...maybe he was right after all?  Oh my...Ariza is 1-17 on threes in the last 4 games.  I guess he should stop shooting from deep like KGA said.

 

Ah, does anyone remember when Harden shot 7-41 from deep across 6 games.  It seems everyone is allowed to slump and be off a little unless they are a team-killing cancer like Smith.

 

Smith is putting in the practice.  He's got the ability.  He has shown he can shoot well from deep in 16 of the 35 games he has played with us (meaning 33% or better).  Considering he just started to really practice his 3 point shooting that's very good.  The reality is this: Josh Smith is going to take some big shots for us in fourth quarters of close games and they are going to be from behind the arc--and he is going to make some of them.

 

As for the take on Motiejunas...I'm not real sure what to make of all that.  Learn defense from Scola?  Is that what I read?  I'm pretty sure he is fine and, like everyone else not named Josh Smith, is allowed to have a few off games.  By the way, Motie has shot 42% (25-60) from deep since January 1st.  He is 36% for the season.

[Jatman20]

In comparing TJ vs D-Mo (prior to the return of TJ to action); someone posted D-Mo's numbers in a 36 minute projection. I questioned D-Mo's endurance and conditioning to compete at such a high level logging in that many minutes......consistently. This game vs the Pistons was game 3 in the 4 games in 5 nights with the Nuggets game set for this evening. D-Mo appears tired. Hopefully he can muster up another gear tonight. D-Mo has earned my respect since last year; just was stating my basketball observations a month ago.

In watching the clip of JSmoove driving (on Drummond) and showing the ball, then pivoting and flipping up the hook shot for a made basket. Watch TJ pushing someone directly under the basket. Nice to see our young players learning and are doing the pushing....instead of being the pushed (under the rim like last year). Being under the rim is "no-mans-land"; positive things rarely happen when that happens.

[timetodienow1234567]

Rockets fans have to have somebody to hate on. It's just inevitable. Lin is gone and DMo is playing well so that leaves Beverley and Smith. I wouldn't get too worked up over it.

[Jatman20]

True......when Lin joined the Rockets I defended ( on another sports site) him that first year; but when I saw how he needed the ball in his hands (which does not compliment Harden), and the idea of the Rockets paying on that final year of that poison pill contract, I couldn't wait to move Lin. Asik becoming a malcontent created the same feeling. D-Mo not accepting that stint in the D-league last year and still looking lost in space didn't sit well with me. I can tell he has worked on his game this year. I like D-Mo.....I just don't put him on a pedestal like most people here. Josh is doing everything I could ask of him. The mid range shot has disappeared.....and his 3 pt shooting fits right in with Ariza, Brewer, and Jones. Now it's my opinion that Beverley will be gone this offseason. Rondo did not fit in well with Houston/Harden (despite many who demanded we trade for him); Dallas is finding that out. The question is will Mark Cuban offer Beverley a crazy contract like he offered Parsons.....and let Rondo walk this offseason.
I can see Cuban offering Beverley 7-8 mil., which Morey should walk away from. I like Beverley; but he is not a shutdown defender like Gary Payton "the Glove" was......Bev is a pesky, bothersome guy that was awarded second team all defense last year......but I would still go after Mo Williams at about 4-5 mil. this off season. Beverley does not play PG in the conventional sense.....the team that offers him the big contract will find that out. Dallas could use him sense M Ellis will handle the ball much like our own Harden handles the ball a lot.....and Cuban will rob his hated rival (Houston at the same time). How has that worked out with Parsons!! His numbers are down since last year.

Edited by Jatman20, 07 March 2015 - 08:10 PM.

[clydesmoustache]

Rockets fans have to have somebody to hate on. It's just inevitable. Lin is gone and DMo is playing well so that leaves Beverley and Smith. I wouldn't get too worked up over it.

So true Kelvin Cato and Alston anyone? The guy I hate on at the moment is D-Mo! I love him but I think I have set the bar too high for him. I want him to rebound like Dwight. We are paying Smith around $2 million isn't that one of the best bargains since Chandler Parsons? Shouldn't we be ecstatic?

[Jatman20]

Correct on Smith.....Pistons could not play Josh off the bench at what they were paying him. We can though. He can build his rep back up in time for free agency (good playoff run would work wonders for him). Same with Beverley. I expected 12 points per game and solid defense equal to last year. Instead he is giving us about the same numbers and what appears, "lesser D". I felt Bev was dogging it so he would not be traded......but what now? LeBron got him mad and he played like I expected him to play every game. Maybe LeBron uncovered the truth unexpectedly? Bev may not be hungry enough this season. Bored!

[thejohnnygold]

Maybe he is saving himself for the playoffs.  I recall many, many people saying he can't play that hard all season because he will get hurt and not be useful.  Then, when he doesn't play that hard all season people say he's no good.  Bev can't win.   I have a hunch he's saving that extra gear for the playoffs.  We definitely got a taste of it against Cleveland.  I love his fight and the way he makes plays for us.  Patience people...Bev is going to bring it come playoff time. 

[thenit]

Bev is an energy guy and with the playoffs he will be amped. Only worry is that he gets to amped and gets in foul trouble

[thejohnnygold]

Bev is an energy guy and with the playoffs he will be amped. Only worry is that he gets to amped and gets in foul trouble

 

I disagree.  Bev's reputation as "just an energy guy" misses the mark in my opinion.  I think he is more intelligent and calculating than people realize.  Game in and game out he uses his fouls like trump cards in a game of Spades.  He has only fouled out of one playoff game and that was in OT against POR.  I think he'll be just fine.  If not, no big deal--we've got Pablo!