Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls

[millwad]

Game is on!

[DMV2]

...the fck are they wearing? :biggums:

[TheAesirsFinest]

Our offense > all defenses. Fck yeah.

[DMV2]

Our offense > all defenses. Fck yeah.
Hard to argue when the Rockets offense gave the Heat and Knicks trouble.

Suns v2.0 in the making.

[pnyozzzoo]

yeah baby, lets see some real offense.:cheers:

[Mr Exlax]

Those jerseys look worse in real life than they do on 2K13 lol.

[SCdac]

Harden and Ginobili play so similar. Both can score from pretty much anywhere on the court, both fun to watch... When is Rose coming back anyways? :ohwell:

[TheAesirsFinest]

Very nice charge taken by Lin.

[(e)]

Excited to see how well Chicago plays tonight. We could use a win here, give us as much cushion as possible.

Kirk has started off horrible, that will need to change. We need some deep balls from him tonight.

[clayton]

FUGLY jerseys

[IGotACoolStory]

Bulls wearing WNBA jerseys.

Rockets wearing an aluminum can.

[Ramiah]

Dem jersey's...looks really suspect.

[Legends66NBA7]

I like the Bulls jerseys.

Not so much the Rockets jerseys. :oldlol:

[TheAesirsFinest]

Man, Delfino can do some real stupid stuff every now and then, but I love the guy. When he's feeling it, he can impact the game like a superstar for a stretch.

[(e)]

Not a huge fan of our jerseys, but at least the all red isn't as ugly as the all orange.

[SCdac]

Man, Delfino can do some real stupid stuff every now and then, but I love the guy. When he's feeling it, he can impact the game like a superstar for a stretch.

All the players out of Argentina can have some magical moments here and there. Manu of course, Scola, Delfino, Nocioni, Oberto. Something in the water over there lol

[(e)]

Taj's move on Asik. Wow

[TheAesirsFinest]

Oh shit Taj...that was smooth as ****.

[Micku]

Lin is a very good passer.

[derb2k2]

goooo Asik!

[millwad]

Man, Delfino can do some real stupid stuff every now and then, but I love the guy. When he's feeling it, he can impact the game like a superstar for a stretch.

I've been watching him for years, back home in Sweden they ididn't show NBA when I was younger so naturally I started to root for the great team Tau Ceramica which Scola played for and I became a big Scola-fan. And since both of the guys are from Argentina I started to watch their national team play games.

Delfino is a stud, you're totally right about him being very stupid at times but I love that he's not afraid of shooting like many role players are. He takes his shots, he's a pretty good defender and he can create for other player as well. He has been fun to watch!

[poido123]

goooo Asik!

Get out heat troll :facepalm

Bulls clearly are running out of puff after holding the fort, waiting for the return of Rose. Rose coming back will lift the energy and spirits, Bulls look a bit tired out there, Deng and Noah have been playing huge minutes :eek:

I've had enough of Boozer, he's a cancer on this team.

[(e)]

We're getting smashed. Wake up Chicago

[pnyozzzoo]

Houston Offense is Murderous:applause:

[Legends66NBA7]

The Rockets are whooping ass.

I guess those jersey's must be coming in handy. Chicago wants no part of them in front of their eyes.

:oldlol:

[poido123]

Take nothing away from Rockets, they have been on a roll of late, Lin starting to find his groove has helped greatly. F U Asik for playing so well against your old team :mad:

[millwad]

Lin has really stepped up these last games, very nice to see!
I also like how the coaching staff take out Lin early in games and let Harden run the show and then they take out Harden and then they let Lin run the show, smart move.

[DMV2]

Lin looks buff with that jersey.

[Micku]

Very nice pass by Harden

[TheAesirsFinest]

Douglas has been the only dim spot in the game. Lin has been outstanding, wow.

[DMV2]

ESPN halftime show...I don't have words to discuss that train wreck. :facepalm

[poweredbyoats]

Who is this white guy on the halftime show...?

[BlitzForce]

LOL ESPN halftime, talk about every other game, except the one they're showing....

[DMV2]

Who is this white guy on the halftime show...?
Bill Simmons....ESPN writer/blogger based out of Boston, living in LA.

[TheAesirsFinest]

Our ball movement has been absolutely brilliant for some stretches. We've settled for some jumpers, but luckily our lead is still strong.

[inclinerator]

lol lin on robinson

[cuad]

J-Lin just posted up Nate-Rob lol.

[KG215]

Houston is so much fun to watch. They're putting on a clinic for the second game in a row. They shit all over one of the best defenses in the NBA last game and they're doing it again to another really good defensive team.

80 points with 6+ minutes to go in the third is impressive.

[TheAesirsFinest]

Houston is so much fun to watch. They're putting on a clinic for the second game in a row. They shit all over one of the best defenses in the NBA last game and they're doing it again to another really good defensive team.

80 points with 6+ minutes to go in the third is impressive.

Best Christmas gift ever :D

[Mirko Cro Cop]

Rockets are just scoring at will, doing whatever they please with these chumps in Chicago, the Bulls looking like they showed up for a paycheck that they've already collected :facepalm

Houston on route to scoring 120+

[poido123]

Who is this white guy on the halftime show...?

Bill Simmons is a knowledgeable guy, maybe not cut out for TV work, but knows his shit nonetheless. He says the right things but he does lack a bit of showmanship and TV flair.

[Mirko Cro Cop]

63% from the field for the Rockets....:biggums:

[heyhey]

63% from the field for the Rockets....:biggums:
Bulls suppose to be a defensive team...

[TheAesirsFinest]

Bulls suppose to be a defensive team...

So were the Grizzlies until we burned them for 121 a few days ago.

[noob cake]

James Harden euro step is disgusting.

Any type of 1v2 situation, Harden gets 2 FT or a layup.

[poido123]

Houston is so much fun to watch. They're putting on a clinic for the second game in a row. They shit all over one of the best defenses in the NBA last game and they're doing it again to another really good defensive team.

80 points with 6+ minutes to go in the third is impressive.

Take nothing away from Houston's offense, they are playing very well, but like I said before, the bulls need a lift, they look flat... Rose surely mustn't be far away. Amnesty Boozer would probably give them a lift too :lol:

[Derka]

Not often you see Chicago getting outworked like this. Thibs is going to kill these guys in their next practice.

[Mirko Cro Cop]

Take nothing away from Houston's offense, they are playing very well, but like I said before, the bulls need a lift, they look flat... Rose surely mustn't be far away. Amnesty Boozer would probably give them a lift too :lol:
Srsly, getting rid of Boozer would be a Godsend for that squad. The dude is a straight up corpse out there

[Legends66NBA7]

How are the Rockets doing this to a decent team like the Bulls but my Raptors can beat them without 2 of our better players ?

:biggums:

[pnyozzzoo]

How are the Rockets doing this to a decent team like the Bulls but my Raptors can beat them without 2 of our better players ?

:biggums:

Because: raps in 4:D

[spiegel]

People do know that we've been averaging almost 116 points in the last 6 games right?We smashed the Knicks in NY and put a 125 on the Grizz which are the best defensive team in the land.

[TheAesirsFinest]

How are the Rockets doing this to a decent team like the Bulls but my Raptors can beat them without 2 of our better players ?

:biggums:

You guys caught us on a bad night :no:

If it weren't for you guys, we would be on like a 7 game winning streak.

[KG215]

The Rockets scored 121 on the Grizzlies last game and now they have 94 through three quarters against the Bulls. The Bulls have held every opponent under 50% shooting this year and the Rockets are shooting 57% so far.

- Harden has 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 5/9 shooting

- Lin has 18 points and 6 assists on 7/10 shooting

- Asik has 17 points and 16 rebounds on 8/12 shooting

[1987_Lakers]

Asik with 17 PTS, 8-12 shooting, 16 REB (5 offensive), in 29 minutes.
:cheers:

[DMV2]

The Rockets scored 121 on the Grizzlies last game and now they have 94 through three quarters against the Bulls. The Bulls have held every opponent under 50% shooting this year and the Rockets are shooting 57% so far.

- Harden has 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 5/9 shooting

- Lin has 18 points and 6 assists on 7/10 shooting

- Asik has 17 points and 16 rebounds on 8/12 shooting
Suns 2.0

I've been saying this for awhile. This squad is gonna dangerous in the playoffs.

[BlitzForce]

LOve these Blake Griffen ads :roll:

[TheAesirsFinest]

I love my Rockets. Thanks KG for the stats, especially the one about the Bulls' defense. Didn't know about that, much appreciated.

[KungFuJoe]

LOve these Blake Griffen ads :roll:

He's a funny dude. His delivery is great.

[poido123]

Not often you see Chicago getting outworked like this. Thibs is going to kill these guys in their next practice.

Look, I can't criticise what the coach has done with the team, but I cringe when I think how hard Deng and Noah have to work to keep this team afloat. Perhaps Bulls don't really have a choice, they are shorthanded right now and need to rely on the stars to carry them through. I'd like to see Thibs give the bulls stars a night or two off, a bit like what San Antonio did. Look at how Duncan has responded since getting that rest :eek:

[KungFuJoe]

Rockets are now my second favorite team but favorite to watch by far. I missed the Lakers game but have been glued to the tv for this one. There isn't a single guy on the team I dislike and obviously I'm a huge Lin fan but I LOVE Asik's game and parsons as well. And Harden has been ridiculously good lately.

[Derka]

Signs of life from the Bulls.

[IGotACoolStory]

Dat bench

http://i50.tinypic.com/nmglk9.jpg

[poido123]

Dat bench

http://i50.tinypic.com/nmglk9.jpg

No one talks about greg smith, but he's been great off the bench for the Rockets. Very efficient player.

[KungFuJoe]

No one talks about greg smith, but he's been great off the bench for the Rockets. Very efficient player.

He has been good but he blew that gimme from Lin and then over helped on Teague and gave his man the put back.

[ClutchOver9000]

Man I'm surprised at how prolific this Rockets team is. If it wasn't for me witnessing them (twice now) lighting the Knicks up I wouldn't have believed it. They can really blow teams out of the gym...putting up points like nobody's business. 100 pts early in the 4th against the Bulls D which I consider the best in the league :biggums:

[Pra]

Nate with the bernie!

[The Big Skinny]

Nate Rob bernie-ing needs to be GIF'd

[DMV2]

Well, forgot about how shitty the Rockets defense is, so it's not over yet. In a couple of minutes it will though.

[KungFuJoe]

Robinson is an idiot. Hits a great shot, talks shit, gives Lin the glare, then kindly let's him go, to his right, for the layup. I love that guy. :oldlol:

[noob cake]

Well, forgot about how shitty the Rockets defense is, so it's not over yet. In a couple of minutes it will though.

Antoni should be our coach. Score more points than opponent can score on you.

[Shepseskaf]

The excellent offensive plan that McHale and his coaches put together is the most underreported story of this season.

I think that teams are still taking the Rockets lightly, but they've blown too many solid defensive teams out for this to be a fluke.

[pnyozzzoo]

Asik best running big man?:confusedshrug:

[ihoopallday]

Why do so many people mispronounce Asik

[Shepseskaf]

Why do so many people mispronounce Asik
Because they aren't from Turkey?

[Derka]

Nate's gonna go down fighting.

Leave a bum like Boozer sitting, I think.

[DMV2]

Lin with a double double (20-11) !!! :bowdown:

[ClutchOver9000]

Why do so many people mispronounce Asik

how do you pronounce it? Is it "Ah-sick" or "Uh-Seek"? :confusedshrug:

[DMV2]

Rockets have 4 players with 20+ points!!! :eek:

[Derka]

Rockets just don't let up. What a display.

[Mirko Cro Cop]

Rockets have 4 players with 20+ points!!! :eek:
Just noticed this, they are an offensive powerhouse :applause:

[poido123]

The excellent offensive plan that McHale and his coaches put together is the most underreported story of this season.

I think that teams are still taking the Rockets lightly, but they've blown too many solid defensive teams out for this to be a fluke.

Signing Harden to that ginormous deal looks like a bargain right now. This team is scary. They will still need to find an inside presense who can post up on offense.

Lin with 20 points 11 assists so far, definately not overrated

[Ramiah]

Rockets have 4 players with 20+ points!!! :eek:
What a rape....

[longtime lurker]

Does anyone get so many weak ass calls as James Harden?

[poido123]

GG rockets fans :cheers: We got spanked by a better team right now, fans on ISH are classy, good job and good luck for rest of the year. Good to see something McHale can smile about while enduring a tough time.

[Whoah10115]

I think the Rockets are going to make the playoffs.

[Shepseskaf]

Signing Harden to that ginormous deal looks like a bargain right now. This team is scary. They will still need to find an inside presense who can post up on offense.

Lin with 20 points 11 assists so far, definately not overrated
Let's pump the brakes on making definitive statements like this until more of the season plays out.

Don't forget that Lin has played like garbage for most of this year, and Harden has had some horrendous shooting games.

It all seems to be coming together now, but let's see how other teams will respond defensively once they start taking Houston seriously.

[TheAesirsFinest]

I'm so proud of our team right now. Wow.


GG rockets fans :cheers: We got spanked by a better team right now, fans on ISH are classy, good job and good luck for rest of the year. Good to see something McHale can smile about while enduring a tough time.

Good game bro. You guys really gave us a scare. Hope Rose comes back stronger than ever for you guys; he's one of my favorite players.

[blood yes]

Let's pump the brakes on making definitive statements like this until more of the season plays out.

Don't forget that Lin has played like garbage for most of this year, and Harden has had some horrendous shooting games.

It all seems to be coming together now, but let's see how other teams will respond defensively once they start taking Houston seriously.
Oh shut up. Atleast Milwad is admitting Lin is playing well, why dont u do the same?

[DMV2]

Oh shut up. Atleast Milwad is admitting Lin is playing well, why dont u do the same?
Millwad is actually a Rockets fan. Shep is a "Knicks fan" and Lin hater. Don't expect any credit from him. Surprised he even showed up on a night when Lin played really well, he usually pops up when ever Lin struggles.

[BlitzForce]

Lin, ice pack on elbow

[SCREWstonRockets]

merry Christmas everybody!!! :cheers: :rockon:


:lol

[Legends66NBA7]

Well, this game sucked overall because of the blowout, but great for the Rockets fans, I'm sure...

Keep your head up Bulls fans and have a great Christmas to both. :cheers:

[Shepseskaf]

Oh shut up. Atleast Milwad is admitting Lin is playing well, why dont u do the same?
If you could read, you would know that I have been given Lin credit for his recent good play.

Its simply too early to make broad definitive statements based on just a few games.

[KungFuJoe]

Let's pump the brakes on making definitive statements like this until more of the season plays out.

Don't forget that Lin has played like garbage for most of this year, and Harden has had some horrendous shooting games.

It all seems to be coming together now, but let's see how other teams will respond defensively once they start taking Houston seriously.

Rockets are the 2nd highest scoring team in the nba. They blew out the knicks and have been on a absolute tear lately.

Regardless of their record, if you think teams aren't taking them serious NOW you are severely mistaken.

Bulls got run on their own court and it wasn't because they took them lightly.

[Shepseskaf]

Rockets are the 2nd highest scoring team in the nba. They blew out the knicks and have been on a absolute tear lately.
"Lately" is the key word. This current streak dates back to the Dec. 17 blowout of the Knicks. Its only been four games of dominant play, although they have been scoring well all season.

[poido123]

Well, this game sucked overall because of the blowout, but great for the Rockets fans, I'm sure...

Keep your head up Bulls fans and have a great Christmas to both. :cheers:

Has been tough last few games, but we will be fine :cheers:

Onto the next game.

[KungFuJoe]

"Lately" is the key word. This current streak dates back to the Dec. 17 blowout of the Knicks. Its only been four games of dominant play, although they have been scoring well all season.

Im just referring to where you say, "once teams start taking them seriously".

Teams ARE taking them seriously and HAVE been. No one takes the youngest, highest (one of) scoring team lightly,regardless of their record.

Their winning streak (which would have been st seven now if not for the raps game) isn't because teams aren't taking them seriously. It's because they are running the ball down the other teams throats.

[Shepseskaf]

Teams ARE taking them seriously and HAVE been. No one takes the youngest, highest (one of) scoring team lightly,regardless of their record.

Their winning streak (which would have been st seven now if not for the raps game) isn't because teams aren't taking them seriously. It's because they are running the ball down the other teams throats.
To be honest, neither of us really knows how seriously teams are taking the Rockets.

The winning streak would have been seven, if not for the Raptors loss, but this run of dominant play has only been four games. Let's see how it plays out.

[KungFuJoe]

:cheers:
To be honest, neither of us really knows how seriously teams are taking the Rockets.

The winning streak would have been seven, if not for the Raptors loss, but this run of dominant play has only been four games. Let's see how it plays out.

[strifed169]

Are these Rockets the new Phoenix Suns (Nash Era)?

[shoops]

To be honest, neither of us really knows how seriously teams are taking the Rockets.

The winning streak would have been seven, if not for the Raptors loss, but this run of dominant play has only been four games. Let's see how it plays out.I agree that their streak hasn't been that long and all that, I'm cautiously hopeful they can keep it up, but I don't agree on their opponents not taking them seriously though, that's a bit of a cop out reason. The Bulls starters looked somewhat lackadaisical but they lost a close one last time that could've gone either way...why wouldn't they take the Rockets seriously this time around?

[Shepseskaf]

I agree that their streak hasn't been that long and all that, I'm cautiously hopeful they can keep it up, but I don't agree on their opponents not taking them seriously though, that's a bit of a cop out reason. The Bulls starters looked somewhat lackadaisical but they lost a close one last time that could've gone either way...why wouldn't they take the Rockets seriously this time around?
Here's what I mean -- you could make an argument that the Rockets have been the most dominant team over the last four games. They've been blowing out very good defensive squads.

Previously to this, they've played well in spurts, but have also looked terrible on some nights.

Teams are definitely going to respond to this recent level of play from the Rockets by figuring out how to slow them down offensively.

[TheAesirsFinest]

Here's what I mean -- you could make an argument that the Rockets have been the most dominant team over the last four games. They've been blowing out very good defensive squads.

Previously to this, they've played well in spurts, but have also looked terrible on some nights.

Teams are definitely going to respond to this recent level of play from the Rockets by figuring out how to slow them down offensively.

That's what I've been most impressed about in this streak - we have done a fantastic job of dictating the pace of the games to our favor.

[I<3NBA]

McHale said they've already found their identity and now it's just a matter of dictating the pace every time, every game.

they're going to have trouble in the playoffs though, when the game inevitably slows down.

[gyu]

merry Christmas everybody!!! :cheers: :rockon:


:lol
repped :lol

[UtahJazzFan88]

Watched the game, my random thought is that Kirk Hinrich has become a huge scrub, start Nate Robinson & cut down Hinrich's minutes big time or let Marquis Teague be the backup.

[brantonli]

Let's pump the brakes on making definitive statements like this until more of the season plays out.

Don't forget that Lin has played like garbage for most of this year, and Harden has had some horrendous shooting games.

It all seems to be coming together now, but let's see how other teams will respond defensively once they start taking Houston seriously.


I think your wording is a bit wrong here. It's not that teams aren't taking Houston seriously, it's just they are still relying on data over the whole season, rather than adjusting for the recent Houston offensive streak. It's the coaching staff/scouts fault if the team doesn't adjust defensively, not that the team isn't taking Houston 'seriously'.

[All Net]

Bet Asik enjoyed that win.. 20 and 18

[Shepseskaf]

I think your wording is a bit wrong here. It's not that teams aren't taking Houston seriously, it's just they are still relying on data over the whole season, rather than adjusting for the recent Houston offensive streak. It's the coaching staff/scouts fault if the team doesn't adjust defensively, not that the team isn't taking Houston 'seriously'.
I think we're essentially saying the same thing. Taking another team "seriously" applies to both coaches and players.

If Houston's recent scoring upsurge causes opposing coaches to re-evaluate their strategies and institute new plans to avoid being blown out, it means that the amount of attention the Rockets get will escalate -- thus teams will be taking them more "seriously".

[poido123]

Watched the game, my random thought is that Kirk Hinrich has become a huge scrub, start Nate Robinson & cut down Hinrich's minutes big time or let Marquis Teague be the backup.

I dont disagree with you. Nate as backup PG behind rose to help scoring from the bench is a good thing for the bulls. Hinrich used to be solid, but his game has dropped off to the point where his good defense is just not enough to cover up poor offense. Yes he had a good game last game but that will be few and far between...

[TMac&Luther]

Let's pump the brakes on making definitive statements like this until more of the season plays out.

Don't forget that Lin has played like garbage for most of this year, and Harden has had some horrendous shooting games.

It all seems to be coming together now, but let's see how other teams will respond defensively once they start taking Houston seriously.

Put down the crack pipe. You are a complete dumbass if you actually think teams aren't taking Houston seriously defensive wise. They're the top offense in the league and have a top 5 scorer and that just didn't happen "lately".. they've done that all season.

[Shepseskaf]

Put down the crack pipe. You are a complete dumbass if you actually think teams aren't taking Houston seriously defensive wise. They're the top offense in the league and have a top 5 scorer and that just didn't happen "lately".. they've done that all season.
Dumbass is a better description for a someone who could post garbage like this.

Houston has been mostly a sub-.500 team until their current run, and they give up almost as many points as they score. They've also been very up and down, with very little consistency thus far.

So, yes, teams knew that they had the capacity to put up offensive numbers, but were they taken as seriously overall as some of the top squads in the conference? No.

[TMac&Luther]

Dumbass is a better description for a someone who could post garbage like this.

Houston has been mostly a sub-.500 team until their current run, and they give up almost as many points as they score. They've also been very up and down, with very little consistency thus far.

So, yes, teams knew that they had the capacity to put up offensive numbers, but were they taken as seriously overall as some of the top squads in the conference? No.

No, dumbass is a better description for you, because you are one and you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Houston has been a .500 team for most of the season and have a insane winning record vs. the east. If you actually think coaches aren't scheming for them you're stupid. Coaches draw up game plans against every single team in the league, even the shitty ones....and Houston isn't a shitty team.

[brantonli]

Something to cheer up the argument going on in this thread:

http://i.imgur.com/RmIZb.jpg

[Shepseskaf]

No, dumbass is a better description for you, because you are one and you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Houston has been a .500 team for most of the season and have a insane winning record vs. the east. If you actually think coaches aren't scheming for them you're stupid. Coaches draw up game plans against every single team in the league, even the shitty ones....and Houston isn't a shitty team.
Did I say that teams didn't scheme at all for Houston? Did I say that teams didn't have game plans for them? No, I didn't because unlike you I have a brain. Only a stupid person could make such speculations, so its not surprising that you did.

If you could actually read and perhaps comprehend what was posted, what I meant by teams taking the Rockets "seriously" is quite clear. Clear, that is, for anyone with an IQ above 50.

Why don't you have your kindergarten teacher explain to you what 'context' means?

[TMac&Luther]

Did I say that teams didn't scheme at all for Houston? Did I say that teams didn't have game plans for them? No, I didn't because unlike you I have a brain. Only a stupid person could make such speculations, so its not surprising that you did.

If you could actually read and perhaps comprehend what was posted, what I meant by teams taking the Rockets "seriously" is quite clear. Clear, that is, for anyone with an IQ above 50.

Why don't you have your kindergarten teacher explain to you what 'context' means?

Lmao, what a dumbass. So teams don't take Houston seriously.. why? Because you say so? Are you the be all, end all guy who decides who gets taken "seriously". You are a idiot and you don't know what the hell you're talking about.

[spiegel]

If the Bulls didnt know the Rockets are averaging 112 points in the last 8 games and 122 in the last 4 and had beaten Memphis, Sixers, Boston and NY in NY and stil took us lightly then they got major problems.

[spiegel]

Something to cheer up the argument going on in this thread:

http://i.imgur.com/RmIZb.jpg
lol. Funny and cute.:applause: :roll:

[KungFuJoe]

No, dumbass is a better description for you, because you are one and you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Houston has been a .500 team for most of the season and have a insane winning record vs. the east. If you actually think coaches aren't scheming for them you're stupid. Coaches draw up game plans against every single team in the league, even the shitty ones....and Houston isn't a shitty team.

You're beating a dead horse with shepseskaf. He blindly charges forward with his arguments, even when all common sense and logic say otherwise.

It's actually quite admirable, the way he stubbornly plods on, unabashedly.

Kinda like a special needs kid holding a square peg next to a round hole.

[niko]

Teams have yet to be able to scheme to what Houston is doing. Like with Linsanity. It looked better the first few weeks then teams schemed to it. Then he got hurt so we didn't get to see the Knicks react.

Basically we need to look at Houston in a month when teams catch up to what they are doing, see how Houston reacts. IF they react well and can still do what they are doing, then you can take them seriously. I tend not to take teams seriously that win by outscoring their opponents. If you start to see the defense catch up a bit (just a bit) to the offense i'll start to believe more.

[STATUTORY]

Teams have yet to be able to scheme to what Houston is doing. Like with Linsanity. It looked better the first few weeks then teams schemed to it. Then he got hurt so we didn't get to see the Knicks react.

Basically we need to look at Houston in a month when teams catch up to what they are doing, see how Houston reacts. IF they react well and can still do what they are doing, then you can take them seriously. I tend not to take teams seriously that win by outscoring their opponents. If you start to see the defense catch up a bit (just a bit) to the offense i'll start to believe more.

:oldlol: difficult to win any other way bruv

[spiegel]

When you have the youngest and the quickest team in the league ramming the ball down you're throat on almost every possession it's hard to combat it. By the time teams start there defensive sets Harden and Lin have the ball on the other side of court.

[KungFuJoe]

Teams have yet to be able to scheme to what Houston is doing. Like with Linsanity. It looked better the first few weeks then teams schemed to it. Then he got hurt so we didn't get to see the Knicks react.

Basically we need to look at Houston in a month when teams catch up to what they are doing, see how Houston reacts. IF they react well and can still do what they are doing, then you can take them seriously. I tend not to take teams seriously that win by outscoring their opponents. If you start to see the defense catch up a bit (just a bit) to the offense i'll start to believe more.

Yeah, I only take the teams seriously that score less than their opponents.

I mean, it's not like the objective is to score MORE or anything like that.

[pnyozzzoo]

Teams have yet to be able to scheme to what Houston is doing. Like with Linsanity. It looked better the first few weeks then teams schemed to it. Then he got hurt so we didn't get to see the Knicks react.

Basically we need to look at Houston in a month when teams catch up to what they are doing, see how Houston reacts. IF they react well and can still do what they are doing, then you can take them seriously. I tend not to take teams seriously that win by outscoring their opponents. If you start to see the defense catch up a bit (just a bit) to the offense i'll start to believe more.

So by your logic, we should not take Knicks hot start seriously, coz The league thinking " huh its the knicks, lets not play seriously" And they won alot at start, now people are catching up and Knick's been up and down struggle?

Gotcha :applause: Ain't Kama a biotch.

[Shepseskaf]

So by your logic, we should not take Knicks hot start seriously, coz The league thinking " huh its the knicks, lets not play seriously" And they won alot at start, now people are catching up and Knick's been up and down struggle?

Gotcha :applause: Ain't Kama a biotch.
Why is this so hard to understand? Hasn't it been stated over and over that "defense wins championships"? Its true.

Teams that focus mainly on offense (say, the D'Antoni Suns) aren't taken as seriously as a defense-oriented squad like the Spurs.

The Knicks comparison is just dumb. The Knicks started out as a top defensive team. Their margin of victory in the first couple of weeks was among the best. So, of course, they were taken more seriously than Houston -- a team that no one thinks is good defensively.

As Niko said, we'll see how this all develops. Teams will respond to Houston's offensive surge, and it will be interesting to see how they do it.

[pnyozzzoo]

Why is this so hard to understand? Hasn't it been stated over and over that "defense wins championships"? Its true.

Teams that focus mainly on offense (say, the D'Antoni Suns) aren't taken as seriously as a defense-oriented squad like the Spurs.

The Knicks comparison is just dumb. The Knicks started out as a top defensive team. Their margin of victory in the first couple of weeks was among the best. So, of course, they were taken more seriously than Houston -- a team that no one thinks is good defensively.

As Niko said, we'll see how this all develops. Teams will respond to Houston's offensive surge, and it will be interesting to see how they do it.

I am just ****ing with ya man. Knicks and Lin both got into situations better for them. and they dun even meet each other often. There's really not much connection, competition , people can appreciate both.

I am one of those few people think Knicks really give Lin a life time opportunity and the exposure he will benefit his whole career on. I cannot think there is a better way to start of his undraftted career beside Knicks. And everything went down like a blessing. It makes me feel if you be good and try really hard, and life will always turn out fine.

[Shepseskaf]

I am just ****ing with ya man. Knicks and Lin both got into situations better for them. and they dun even meet each other often. There's really not much connection, competition , people can appreciate both.

I am one of those few people think Knicks really give Lin a life time opportunity and the exposure he will benefit his whole career on. I cannot think there is a better way to start of his undraftted career beside Knicks. And everything went down like a blessing. It makes me feel if you be good and try really hard, and life will always turn out fine.
Can't disagree with anything you said.

It was best for both Lin and the Knicks to part ways. Both benefited when he was in NY, but he needed to move on.

[niko]

So by your logic, we should not take Knicks hot start seriously, coz The league thinking " huh its the knicks, lets not play seriously" And they won alot at start, now people are catching up and Knick's been up and down struggle?

Gotcha :applause: Ain't Kama a biotch.
Knicks are a defensive team. Houston is an offensive outscore you team. Knicks have a huge point differential compared to Houston. Which historically lasts?

[spiegel]

Were a team in a rebuilding phase. We are trying to build a core that will be solid for the next 5 to 7 years. Playoffs as nice as it would be to get into is tottaly irrelevant at this point. I dont see how us and the Knicks are a comparison.Most realistic Rockets fans are aware that our core is young and developing. Hopefully with our capspace we can nab a free agent say like Millsa nd add a few vets on the bench to go with Delfino to mentor the young guys and get them ready for the future.

[pnyozzzoo]

Knicks are a defensive team. Houston is an offensive outscore you team. Knicks have a huge point differential compared to Houston. Which historically lasts?
Read my previous post.

Just talking for talking sake. When Rockets start this recent offensive onslaught, their defense aren't the same as b4. B4 they were a typical .500 team u get how many pts u give back how many pts.

Now they defend really nicely, the big improvement is help defense, rotation, and recover. yes they let people score around 100 and they score 120. Thats 20 pt deferential.

Letting opponents score 100 does not seem like a typical good defense say let opponents score 90(grizzly was best at 89 i think). but you have to adjust pace. Rockets have most possessions, and therefore their opponents will have more chances to score too. Their defensive success rate is more important than points allow, which is going up.

Typical case, they force opponents shot a 2, rebound, full court pass, score in 4 secs. the opponent have the ball back on offense again. in 5 seconds the opponent can have another chance to score without offensive rebound this is faster than any other team. So there is no way they can still hold people to below 90 points. If they do they'd be 72 win bulls. + lots blowout and lots garbage time, man those scrubs cannot play for nothing.

[GMAC]

Rockets have the youngest team in the league at 24.1 years average age. When compared to other young squads in NBA history, they are performing well above the mean and anybody's expectations. After only 25 games, the core has already begun to click. I think people forget how young Harden is (23) because he balls like a veteran. And Lin (24) is only entering his first real season with a full time starting job.

[niko]

Read my previous post.

Just talking for talking sake. When Rockets start this recent offensive onslaught, their defense aren't the same as b4. B4 they were a typical .500 team u get how many pts u give back how many pts.

Now they defend really nicely, the big improvement is help defense, rotation, and recover. yes they let people score around 100 and they score 120. Thats 20 pt deferential.

Letting opponents score 100 does not seem like a typical good defense say let opponents score 90(grizzly was best at 89 i think). but you have to adjust pace. Rockets have most possessions, and therefore their opponents will have more chances to score too. Their defensive success rate is more important than points allow, which is going up.

Typical case, they force opponents shot a 2, rebound, full court pass, score in 4 secs. the opponent have the ball back on offense again. in 5 seconds the opponent can have another chance to score without offensive rebound this is faster than any other team. So there is no way they can still hold people to below 90 points. If they do they'd be 72 win bulls. + lots blowout and lots garbage time, man those scrubs cannot play for nothing.

Teams that play at the pace they are playing do not do well in the playoffs. Thus they are not taken seriously. How is this any different than what D'Antoni wanted to do in Phoenix? or in NY?

[spiegel]

Teams that play at the pace they are playing do not do well in the playoffs. Thus they are not taken seriously. How is this any different than what D'Antoni wanted to do in Phoenix? or in NY?
Thats Suns team came pretty darn close to beating the Spurs to go all the way to the finals.

[niko]

Were a team in a rebuilding phase. We are trying to build a core that will be solid for the next 5 to 7 years. Playoffs as nice as it would be to get into is tottaly irrelevant at this point. I dont see how us and the Knicks are a comparison.Most realistic Rockets fans are aware that our core is young and developing. Hopefully with our capspace we can nab a free agent say like Millsa nd add a few vets on the bench to go with Delfino to mentor the young guys and get them ready for the future.
Rocket fans want the Knicks to admit losing Lin was this titanic failure. What it actually was if Houston getting a nice player who fit their team and didn't fit ours. But that doesn't seem to be enough, people want the Knick fans to feel PAIN at losing him.

[niko]

Thats Suns team came pretty darn close to beating the Spurs to go all the way to the finals.
And didn't. And it was an anomoly. I'm not saying the Rockets can't be good, the question was why are the Knicks taken more seriously, it's because they are playing a defensive grind it out style and the Rockets are running up and down the court outscoring people. Anyone who wants to argue both are equally successful in the NBA is full of it. We know which works better.

To me i'll be more a believer in 2 months when teams refuse to let the Rockets run to see where they are.

[spiegel]

Rocket fans want the Knicks to admit losing Lin was this titanic failure. What it actually was if Houston getting a nice player who fit their team and didn't fit ours. But that doesn't seem to be enough, people want the Knick fans to feel PAIN at losing him.
Teanett and Pynno are not Rockets fans as far as i'm aware. This is getting tiresom as i said earlier. Both parties have moved on so should the fans. Lin loves it with the Rockets and the Knicks are doing nicely as well.

[brantonli]

niko is right about Houston. In fact he could've also brought up the fact that the most successful Houston team in the last decade was the Adelman team infused with shades of JVG's defence (55 wins). I think at one point we were top 5 in both defence and offense (But then too much Adelman meant our defence sucked after a few seasons lol).
Sure, this Houston team will never win a championship playing like this, offensive running is difficult to keep up for the season, never mind playoffs where the opponents have 7 games to break down your offense and slow down the pace.

But Houston isn't a contending team now, as others pointed out, we are the youngest team in the NBA, and quite honestly we are just glad that the Rockets are winning and scoring well. When we do get that 2nd star, then ok we can start to worry a lot over the D.

[spiegel]

And didn't. And it was an anomoly. I'm not saying the Rockets can't be good, the question was why are the Knicks taken more seriously, it's because they are playing a defensive grind it out style and the Rockets are running up and down the court outscoring people. Anyone who wants to argue both are equally successful in the NBA is full of it. We know which works better.

To me i'll be more a believer in 2 months when teams refuse to let the Rockets run to see where they are.
The knicks have the oldest roster in the league and wealth of expierence. We are the youngest team in the league. The Rockets defensive game will pickup intime and expierence and additional free agent/trade pickups.. Our gameplan is based on the players we currently have.

Our whole core of Lin, Harden, Parsons and Asik are just getting familiar with eachother. Harden and Asik were bench players last season.

[pnyozzzoo]

Teams that play at the pace they are playing do not do well in the playoffs. Thus they are not taken seriously. How is this any different than what D'Antoni wanted to do in Phoenix? or in NY?
I think Rockets play very differently than the suns and have very different personel on defense than the suns. Coaches too. Dantony and nash and amare which is their core basically just the least defensive minded core you can get. Only thing similar is pace.

Rockets fast break are more like Heat than suns. Suns break more with pg to trail big men dunk, amare matrix. or barbosa coast to coast, rockets usually do the full court pass thing.

Half court suns is nash pick and roll with amare and or kick to shooters let it fly. Rockets sure have that but mostly have more cuts and movement and a bit more freelance from their play maker which they have alot more than suns.
Nash the best. But Lin and Harden can both ran more than good pg play. Parsons can set people up and so does Defino to a less degree. More driving and shooting, suns more finishing and shooting. and Rockets is a top rebounding team.

I am not saying Rockets are better than Suns, which they are not. but they are different young, and interesting. + I think suns are underrated in playoffs. they got some deep play off rans and a piece or a play short of a chip. Which is why Dantoni still can get jobs now.

[TMac&Luther]

Why is this so hard to understand? Hasn't it been stated over and over that "defense wins championships"? Its true.

Teams that focus mainly on offense (say, the D'Antoni Suns) aren't taken as seriously as a defense-oriented squad like the Spurs.

The Knicks comparison is just dumb. The Knicks started out as a top defensive team. Their margin of victory in the first couple of weeks was among the best. So, of course, they were taken more seriously than Houston -- a team that no one thinks is good defensively.

As Niko said, we'll see how this all develops. Teams will respond to Houston's offensive surge, and it will be interesting to see how they do it.

Again.. you don't know what the hell you're talking about. The Knicks are right where Houston is at defensively, their defensive FG% is only .004 points better than Houston, so I guess teams don't have to take NY "seriously" anymore, especially since the scrub Rockets waxed the floor with them 2x in blowout fashion.

[niko]

The knicks have the oldest roster in the league and wealth of expierence. We are the youngest team in the league. The Rockets defensive game will pickup intime and expierence and additional free agent/trade pickups.. Our gameplan is based on the players we currently have.

Our whole core of Lin, Harden, Parsons and Asik are just getting familiar with eachother. Harden and Asik were bench players last season.
I don't see anything wrong with what the Rockets are doing. I'm just addressing the person in the thread who wanted to know why the Rockets were not being taken seriously as a top team in the West. It's because of how they play. It's meaningless to be honest, if they are a top team they'll prove it later. But clearly teams that play at pace have a poor perception as we all know.

[niko]

Again.. you don't know what the hell you're talking about. The Knicks are right where Houston is at defensively, their defensive FG% is only .004 points better than Houston, so I guess teams don't have to take NY "seriously" anymore, especially since the scrub Rockets waxed the floor with them 2x in blowout fashion.

People throw out numbers left and right and i have to wonder how many games they watch. Do you watch Houston play? You want to argue they are as good as NY is defensively? Because you found a stat you like?

[pnyozzzoo]

I don't see anything wrong with what the Rockets are doing. I'm just addressing the person in the thread who wanted to know why the Rockets were not being taken seriously as a top team in the West. It's because of how they play. It's meaningless to be honest, if they are a top team they'll prove it later. But clearly teams that play at pace have a poor perception as we all know.
Lol, Top team in the west are heavy weight man, talking Rockets with them make us flattered.

[niko]

niko is right about Houston. In fact he could've also brought up the fact that the most successful Houston team in the last decade was the Adelman team infused with shades of JVG's defence (55 wins). I think at one point we were top 5 in both defence and offense (But then too much Adelman meant our defence sucked after a few seasons lol).
Sure, this Houston team will never win a championship playing like this, offensive running is difficult to keep up for the season, never mind playoffs where the opponents have 7 games to break down your offense and slow down the pace.

But Houston isn't a contending team now, as others pointed out, we are the youngest team in the NBA, and quite honestly we are just glad that the Rockets are winning and scoring well. When we do get that 2nd star, then ok we can start to worry a lot over the D.
Plus as you said this is just how you are playing NOW. He's fitting the system to the personnel. You'll get new personnel, you'll switch the system. People are very quick to want to see a semi finished product. McHale is not a system coach so he'll adapt.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Rockets in April play differently and focus on different personnel than the team this week.

[TMac&Luther]

People throw out numbers left and right and i have to wonder how many games they watch. Do you watch Houston play? You want to argue they are as good as NY is defensively? Because you found a stat you like?
:roll: um yeah, the stat I found was defensive FG%, which happens to be the only defensive stat I care about, because different teams play at different paces and I hate to break this to you, but NY is no better than Houston defensively.. oh wait I take that back, they're .004 points better, but not better head to head, because we've already saw that beating 2x.

[Grinder]

The fact that the Rockets are 3 games over .500 28 games into the season with a recently assembled roster and exceedingly young team is a success in itself.

Lin seems to have found his game and him and Harden are starting to play off each other nicely. McHale wisely went back to subbing Lin out early so either Harden or Lin are running the offense at all times. Greg Smith has been a revelation and Marcus Morris is quickly showing who the better brother is.


Rockets and T-Wolves have been my favorite teams to watch this year so today's game is win-win (or a lose-lose) for me.

[niko]

:roll: um yeah, the stat I found was defensive FG%, which happens to be the only defensive stat I care about, because different teams play at different paces and I hate to break this to you, but NY is no better than Houston defensively.. oh wait I take that back, they're .004 points better, but not better head to head, because we've already saw that beating 2x.
i don't do troll so play with the others now...

[TMac&Luther]

i don't do troll so play with the others now...

It's hard to argue when the facts aren't on your side isn't it

[Shepseskaf]

Again.. you don't know what the hell you're talking about. The Knicks are right where Houston is at defensively, their defensive FG% is only .004 points better than Houston, so I guess teams don't have to take NY "seriously" anymore, especially since the scrub Rockets waxed the floor with them 2x in blowout fashion.
This is the last time I'm going to waste my time responding to you, because you've got serious reading comprehension problems.

In the post you replied to, I specifically stated that it was in the first couple of weeks of the season that the Knicks had a top-level point differential. Since then, their defensive rating has slipped, so your post about the current defensive fg% as compared to Houston's has no relevance in light of what I said.

[TMac&Luther]

This is the last time I'm going to waste my time responding to you, because you've got serious reading comprehension problems.

In the post you replied to, I specifically stated that it was in the first couple of weeks of the season that the Knicks had a top-level point differential. Since then, their defensive rating has slipped, so your post about the current defensive fg% as compared to Houston's has no relevance in light of what I said.

Who gives a crap what they did the first couple of weeks.. If that's all you're talking about, why bother even mentioning or bringing it up? What you did in the first couple of weeks is irrelevent. You like to pick and choose things that paints your team in a positive light, but then write off another team with some crack pot "teams don't take them seriously yet" argument. :rolleyes: