5 replies to this topic

[Red94]

New post: New Orleans Hornets 88, Houston Rockets 79: Rockets Come Apart as Hornets Come Together

[Alituro]

The loss last night was a product of 2 things, first the Rockets being tired after a high energy, high emotions showing against LA the night before. The exhaustion slowed the Rockets down tremendously which made the 2nd factor a problem: The Hornets kept 2 seven footers on the floor most of the game. In predominantly half court sets against a slower, tired team we weren't able to muster the strength inside. I think last night would have been a perfect opportunity for D-mo to get some burn at the 4. His size alone would have negated the advantages NO gained in that area, and his range would have created some much needed space. His fresh legs and ability to run the floor would have taken it's toll on NO's, less athletic bigs (Smith and Lopez) by the fourth quarter. Patterson and Morris were just outsized and out-hustled. Props to PPat for once again having a good showing on the boards though. I noticed Asik posted up Lopez, owned him with his power, and finished with a sweet baby hook. I hope he keeps that up.

[tombrokeoff]

I hate losing! But its inevitable. Hope they rebound and go on another win streak, but the schedule is tough right now.

[DaDakota]

10 points in the 4th quarter is not going to get it done.

This is a product of McHale not playing more guys on back to backs - should have gone deeper in the bench to find that energy/spark.

DD

[Sir Thursday]

I've got to say this is by far the ugliest game I've seen from the Rockets this year. Even getting blown out by San Antonio and OKC they played better than this. Definitely some tired legs on the back-to-back, but I think you have to give some credit to Monty Williams' defensive scheme as well. As I understand it, it aims to force teams to shoot as late in the shot clock as possible. This hasn't really worked out all that well for them on the season as a whole (29th in defensive efficiency), but against the Rockets it is exactly what you need to do because it breaks up the fast paced rhythm the team thrives on. Without the benefit of large numbers of possessions, the Rockets don't have the time to recover if they fall behind like they normally would. In most of the recent games, falling to a 10 point deficit is no big deal because of the speed in which the team can put up points to close the gap. But the Hornets' strategy took that away and when they went on a run, the Rockets were unable to respond in time.

But seriously, what a terrible game to watch. 36 points at half time is abysmal, and yet somehow the Rockets were winning?

ST

[Alituro]

ST-- Yeah it was pretty ugly, but those happen to everyone. Fresher legs and the Hornets D plan wouldn't have been as successful. And, DD's right coach needs to expand his rotations on back-to-backs.