During the Rockets' season-long 7 game losing streak, they have been playing horribly. I have some thoughts why they are doing so bad. First, they have had a tough schedule and have been playing teams on hot streaks. The Hornets were on a 3 game win streak when they played the Rockets (the wins were all against teams in Texas), the Celtics were on a 4 game win streak, and almost all of the other teams they played also had win streaks. Second, James Harden's shooting percentage has been way down lately. One important stat is that he is averaging 12% lower field goal percentage during losses than wins. He is also averaging about 6 points lower in losses than wins. Over the last 10 games Harden is averaging 24 points, but shooting only 41% from the field. Finally, the Rockets as a team have also had a huge drop in scoring during the losing streak. They scored 22 more points per game in their last win streak than their current losing streak. During the winning streak they averaged 115 points, but during losing streak they are averaging only 93 points.
I have some ideas on how they can improve. First, they should take higher percentage shots. They have been averaging 41% from the field in the past 5 games (which is 25th in the league). Next, they need to limit turnovers. Finally, they should work on more pick-and-roll and cutting plays. Jeremy Lin and Greg Smith were doing it yesterday and it worked. I hope the Rockets start winning tomorrow against the Bobcats. If they win, they will lift their record above .500 again.
One other thing, I think Patrick Beverly has been a good addition to the team because he can fill up the stat sheet. Scoring, rebounding, steals, and assists. He also wears my number 12.
I also think that McHale is correct about the fatigue factor. They play at such a fast pace that if they lack energy, it is very difficult for them to win.
ReplyDeleteJust hope they have enough steam to make it through the All Star break. (I am certainly fatigued myself rooting for them.)
I hope they adopt your advice; which, as always, is spot on. You the man.
Great analysis... I agree with your recommendations. Lin needs to be more of a playmaker rather than watching Harden drive and waiting for a kick-out. Other team members like Morris and Parsons need to move around more, set screens, and cut to the middle. Definitely need more pick-and-roll. Lin seems to work it well with Smith, but not so much with Asik. Lin was awesome with Tyson Chandler on the Knicks last year.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the Rockets win a few more before the All-Star break, when they can get a break and rest those weary legs. It would be good to see some other guys also in the rotation for extra energy like Terence Jones and Motiejunas.
Great post, Justin. We got to catch a few minutes of the game against the Mavericks, and it was really frustrating to watch. I thought they looked very low-energy (and, as a result, sloppy) also.
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