40 replies to this topic

[Red94]

New post: Minnesota Timberwolves 112, Houston Rockets 110: Is it Lebron? Is it Durant? No, it's...Corey Brewer?!
By: Rob Dover


The Rockets have very little to show from tonight's performance. They played lackadaisically for much of the game, the starters didn't get any rest and they didn't even get a win to show for it as the Timberwolves pulled out the victory on the back of Gorgui Dieng's late game-winner. With the playoffs coming up, you want to keep your starters fresh, but tonight's game was a masterclass in not doing that as McHale elected to play Harden 46 minutes and Parsons 43. This is the sort of game that the Rockets should not be having at this stage of the season. Either your team should be ironing out the last kinks before the playoffs come around or wrapping your stars in cotton wool. Houston did neither. I can only hope they don't come to regret it.
For the second game in a row, an opposing shooting guard found themselves white-hot against the Rockets. Last time it was Randy Foye with 30 points, but Corey Brewer came out and absolutely crushed that mark tonight with 51 (I repeat, 51!). He jetted out of the gate with 20 points in the first 14 minutes and then just kept on going. Off-balance circus shot? No problem. Half court buzzer beater? Naturally. His game is fuelled by steals and run-outs, and a sloppy and sluggish Houston team proved to be a perfect hunting ground for him (he had 6 steals to go with that points haul). Everyone took turns guarding him, and nobody stood up to the challenge.
The first half started out very poorly. Transition defence was non-existent and Brewer was happy to set a fast-breaking example for the rest of the Timberwolves to follow. In the first quarter alone the Rockets gave up 15 fast break points (a tally which rose to an unspeakable 39 over the course of the game). And even when the Rockets did manage to get into a half-court setting they were not much better. Terrence Jones was the perpetrator of possibly the worst defensive breakdown of the year as he allowed Ricky Rubio to come off a pick and have an unchallenged drive from the three point line to the rim. Words cannot describe how ugly it looked - it felt like I was watching the Knicks out there!
This was a game that on paper the Rockets should have cruised through. Minnesota's bench play this season has been poor, and they were missing three starters in Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin. But the Rockets' swiss-cheese impression on the defensive end forced them to work much harder than they needed or wanted to at this point. They were fortunate to be able to claw their way back into the game in the second quarter on the back of some hot three point shooting (8-14 in the first half), without which they would have been embarrassed. They lived at the line for the majority of the second half as the whistles started blowing, but they were never going to pull away while they were making the likes of Brewer, Cunningham and Dieng look like offensive geniuses.
Harden, Parsons and Lin all had scary moments where they came up limping. Harden collided with Brewer while scrambling for a loose ball and grimaced in pain as he hopped it off. Parsons attempted a spectacular dunk over Turiaf and landed heavily on his tailbone to obvious discomfort. Lin rolled his ankle late on as he rushed to foul Ricky Rubio. The most lasting image in my mind from this game will certainly be both Harden and Lin lying on the floor after the game had finished, looking both exhausted and possibly hurt. Injuries are random, but one of the things research has shown is that they are more likely to happen when players are tired. At the end of a long season, to play Harden and Parsons for so many minutes was a reckless gamble from McHale.
Then there were the players who missed out. No Jordan Hamilton (who was not listed as injured). Isaiah Canaan played just 4 minutes, with McHale preferring to go to an unusual lineup with Harden running the point guard rather than play the rookie (there were 20 minutes of the game where the Rockets had no true point guard on the floor). Shuffling everyone up a position and giving Garcia and Casspi big minutes actually worked pretty well (Casspi was +15 and Garcia +9 on the night), but the extra workload on Harden had a particularly detrimental effect on his defence. There were multiple fourth quarter possessions in which he completely ignored his man, often standing still near the paint as his assignment cut to the opposite side of the court. But what can you expect when you force him into extra ball-handling duties and give him a grand total of two minutes of rest all game?
As an observer and a fan I am not quick to criticise, but tonight was baffling. Hopefully it won't happen again.

[kidnextdoor]

Its Corey Brewer, Ronnie could never score 51

[ale11]

Multiple mediocre players having career nights against the Rockets lately....it's becoming a disturbing trend.....

[Cooper]

Kind of an embarrassing loss but also a basically meaningless game might have made sense to sit Harden and or Parsons. There Dwight less defense has been worrisome past several games. 

[Sir Thursday]

Its Corey Brewer, Ronnie could never score 51

 

Well that's embarrassing! 

 

What can I say, the game annoyed me so much I couldn't think straight when writing the title (now fixed on the main page).

 

ST

[Bigtkirk]

Asik's limited minutes from foul trouble and lack of production from the true PG's were the difference in this one. Totally agree that McHale should be moderating playing time at this stage of the regular season.

[timetodienow1234567]

When they give up 51 points to a marginal wing, you blame the PGs?

[Bigtkirk]

The point is that if Asik plays more and/or the PG's produce more, the Rockets probably win despite Brewer's effort.

[Rockets911]

Asik's limited minutes from foul trouble and lack of production from the true PG's were the difference in this one. Totally agree that McHale should be moderating playing time at this stage of the regular season.

We don't D up anyone, we constantly get out hustled, lack of commitment , it's not just the previous 3 games, it's the last 10. It's not "lack of production by the PG's". It's the lack of consistency on the defensive side of the ball . When was the last time, post-D12, post-Beverley injury that we saw anyone else held defensively accountability? Anyone?

What is the average number of points we gave up per game the last 10 games? I don't have that stat but can someone post please.

51 to Corey Brewer? Who was suppose to guard him? Why did he have 14 shots 4 ft. from the rim? Who did he out hustle to get to the rim so much?

[thenit]

Since Bev and Howard went down, we are ranked 27th in D. I think someone posted this before. McHale has done a  decent job this year, but he is insistent on wearing down Harden and Parsons. Since we clinched the playoff, he is still riding them like secretariat. I can't phantom how a NBA coach can't figure this out when you have clinched the playoffs that you can't even change the rotation enough to get their numbers under 35 a game. That's not even hard too do. He has secured a playoffs and his job is not on the line during the regular season so it would be prudent to save your players for the playoffs because that will determine if this year is a success or not. I didn't watch the game but the past few games Harden's D has slipped, and I think he is just worn down a bit that he starting to play like last year. He puts so much energy on offense that he can't even a pylon right now. Lin is still inconsistent. Its not even game to game now, its Q by Q. Like the previous game he went hot 18 in 2nd and nothing in 3rd and 1st. His averages for the past 5 games are actually pretty good, but its baffles me that he is even inconsistent within the game. He either is hot or cold.

 

The game doesn't mean much but its embarrassing to have Brewer score 51 on you. No pride and bad coaching decisions.

[Rockets911]

Thenit is right about wearing down players. It's just embarrassing to watch the lack of focus on one end of the floor. There is no pride in giving up 51 to Brewer. It's not even him being hot from 3, or hitting midrange jumpers like crazy. It's how he got to the paint anytime he wanted, no hard fouls given, no toughness, just go ahead and score. That mentality itself will kill you in the playoffs.

McHale is so concerned about the 4th playoff seed and gaining home court, he's on the verge of getting someone hurt by playing Harden and Parsons so many minutes. If he plays Harden and Parsons another 40+ min. And they get hurt, it's all on him. I just hope that doesn't happen but he's headed that way.

[Mario Peña]

I know fans want to put it on the coach but I'm pretty sure Harden and Parsons have made it clear they want to play. I believe it's common knowledge many players in the NBA dictate when they rest and Harden definitely deserves to be in that class. I know fans are mostly commenting on the present in these post game pieces but what Harden is doing is growing as a player. He will learn lessons from this season and post season on his own terms and of course that frustrates fans. It will be okay guys.


I agree with Bigtkirk. Asik should know he is the one center and pace his fouls accordingly, he is also learning still.

[QNoir]

My man Harden had an awesome stat line, but why is it that EVERY second-tier shooting guard or player he's matched against has his career night against him? It's so hard to watch. I swear if I see another 3-pointer made because he's lollying under the rim trying to grab one of TJ's rebounds ...

Edited by QNoir, 12 April 2014 - 04:00 PM.

[Rockets911]

Supersonic: I can understand learning, and the development process. But do you agree that there's also a fine line at the end of the regular season, gearing up for the playoffs, between learning and also taking care of yourself to ensure that you are 100% to look forward to the immediate future as well which is the playoffs?

I think resting right now takes priority to having homecourt. That's just my opinion. If I'm McHale, I'm thinking that whole learning process is overrated with Harden especially. He's been to the finals, Parsons was in the playoffs last year. What is the "learning process" playing against non-playoff teams at the end of the season? I rather have my best players health. That to me supersedes anything.

[Steven]

It's still one meaningless regular season game. Once everyone is healthy, this game will mean nothing. McHale was experimenting last night, to see how the team would respond with Harden at the 1. It's what you do in a 82 game schedule when your playoff seeding is all but locked up. Defense is about effort, and right now the Rockets are trying to get healthy, not win every single meaningless game.

[txtdo1411]

My man Harden had an awesome stat line, but why is it that EVERY second-tier shooting guard or player he's matched against has his career night against him? It's so hard to watch. I swear if I see another 3-pointer made because he's lollying under the rim trying to grab one of TJ's rebounds ...

 

If you watched the game, Harden was on Brewer probably about 25%  of the time... If that. Everyone we threw at him couldn't stay in front of him. Parsons and Garcia consistently got blown by. It was a horrible defensive effort by the whole team. You can't solely blame Harden for their SF scoring 51 points. Plus the man played 46 mins while also running the offense through him for the majority of those minutes. We need better defense from every one of our players, not just Harden. 

[timetodienow1234567]

I am interested in what you all think a coach actually does and is responsible for. Once we know where everyone is coming from we can have a more intelligent debate.

This is what I think a head coach should be in charge of.

1) Creating and installing an offensive and defensive system and having the players buy into it.

2) Player Development. As a HC he will delegate this to an assistant coach and is ultimately responsible for creating the plan at the beginning of the year( such as re-working a faulty shooting motion, working on dribbling, etc....) and periodically checking on the progress.

3) Creating a rotation based on the players given to him by the GM. He is responsible for deciding which lineups work well and which players will work and be efficient at different roles. For a young team sometimes you have to balance trying to win with trying to improve.

4) Managing the players. This includes physically, spiritually, and emotionally. All players have egos. It is up to the coach to create a culture where the good of the team needs to come first. Also, the coach is in charge of giving his players enough rest to keep them fresh for the playoffs.

5) Working in tandem with the FO in order to acquire not just talent, but the right talent. The players need to compliment each other to create synergy.

This is just a list of what I think are a few of the major things a coach is responsible for.

[QNoir]

If you watched the game, Harden was on Brewer probably about 25%  of the time... If that. Everyone we threw at him couldn't stay in front of him. Parsons and Garcia consistently got blown by. It was a horrible defensive effort by the whole team. You can't solely blame Harden for their SF scoring 51 points. Plus the man played 46 mins while also running the offense through him for the majority of those minutes. We need better defense from every one of our players, not just Harden. 

 

Hummel and Brewer are both listed as small forwards. Minnesota didn't play anyone listed as a 2, so one of them is going to play the role of (and be primarily guarded by) a 2 guard. That's Brewer. I agree it's not all on Harden, but this is hardly an isolated incident. If you watch Harden closely on any given night, as soon as there's some inward ball movement on the opposite side, he completely turns his back to his man, his stance and body language change from defensive to rebounding/offensive (before a shot even goes up), and he looks for the cherry pick. We love it when it turns into fast break points, but it's just not worth it.

Edited by QNoir, 12 April 2014 - 06:30 PM.

[thenit]

@FSS

 

Its only one game and it had barely any value, however even if the players want to play then its too much ego. They are not looking down the road and McHale as the coach has to be able to reign that in. Harden deserves to decide what he wants to do to an extent, but if its detrimental to our future playoff run which is a week away, its not that hard to say look we need you then not now. Last game against Denver, Harden bumped his knee into Brooks, what if it was a real injury and not just a bump? Imagine he got a contuision and he was out for the 1st round or the first couple of games. If you want to be a contender you have to manage minutes especially when the games are basically meaningless. He doesn't have to sit, but play him 46 minutes is just dumb. There is no other young player that plays these minutes heading into the playoffs. With Bev and Howard not 100% we can't afford to lose Harden. We can lose any other player on the roster but not him. Harden been to the finals so he doesn't need those extra 15 min the last few games. We would gain a lot more by giving those minutes to Canaan so he at least get as much time as possible in case Bev injury hampers him to the extent that he can't help the team, that may be the case or play Lin through his mistakes so at least he has some comfort level of not being benched as soon as he turns it over. Its looking at the big picture that McHale fails. Even he should recognize that finishing 4th or 5th won't get him canned. If he can't control the rotation now by telling Harden that we need him or fail to make him understand, then he already lost Harden's ear.

 

We could have lost by 50 or win by 50 doesn't matter, we should be able to limit the minutes on the starters. For me its that harden is our only SG, and best player. We can't replace him. We lost anyone else we kind of have players to plug in for PG, C, SF and PF. But not SG that's why its bothers me that McHale can't even recognize that or if he does recognize that but can't get his will through, either way its a failure to me.

Edited by thenit, 12 April 2014 - 06:37 PM.

[Willk]

@FSS

Its only one game and it had barely any value, however even if the players want to play then its too much ego. They are not looking down the road and McHale as the coach has to be able to reign that in. Harden deserves to decide what he wants to do to an extent, but if its detrimental to our future playoff run which is a week away, its not that hard to say look we need you then not now. Last game against Denver, Harden bumped his knee into Brooks, what if it was a real injury and not just a bump? Imagine he got a contuision and he was out for the 1st round or the first couple of games. If you want to be a contender you have to manage minutes especially when the games are basically meaningless. He doesn't have to sit, but play him 46 minutes is just dumb. There is no other young player that plays these minutes heading into the playoffs. With Bev and Howard not 100% we can't afford to lose Harden. We can lose any other player on the roster but not him. Harden been to the finals so he doesn't need those extra 15 min the last few games. We would gain a lot more by giving those minutes to Canaan so he at least get as much time as possible in case Bev injury hampers him to the extent that he can't help the team, that may be the case or play Lin through his mistakes so at least he has some comfort level of not being benched as soon as he turns it over. Its looking at the big picture that McHale fails. Even he should recognize that finishing 4th or 5th won't get him canned. If he can't control the rotation now by telling Harden that we need him or fail to make him understand, then he already lost Harden's ear.

We could have lost by 50 or win by 50 doesn't matter, we should be able to limit the minutes on the starters. For me its that harden is our only SG, and best player. We can't replace him. We lost anyone else we kind of have players to plug in for PG, C, SF and PF. But not SG that's why its bothers me that McHale can't even recognize that or if he does recognize that but can't get his will through, either way its a failure to me.

Lebron's last two games 41 mins & 34 mins. KD's last game 41 minutes. CP3 & Blake Griffin's last game 39 mins each. All of these players are crucial to their teams and each of their teams have clinched playoff births. Is it bad coaching by spoelstra, brooks, & doc to let these players play this many minutes? Players want to play. Harden & parsons played limited minutes vs the Lakers & Nuggets. I am ok with them playing big minutes vs the timberwolves in a close game. This Houston team needs the 4 seed. They are too young still to go on the road for the 1st series. Most Blazers players will be playing in their first playoff series. The crowd can intimidate the young blazers in at least the 1st game like the crowd intimidated most of the rockets in game 1 last year. McHale has handled the rotation fine this year.