Game Thread GAME# 62: ROCKETS @ BLAZERS - MARCH 11, 2015 - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 PM (PST), KGW & ESPN

When he flopped attempting to draw the 6th foul on Aldridge... Literally that cost his team the possession.......... He could have just dribbled it out when the Rockets were struggling to get defensive rebounds. Instead he flops, trys to deceive and costs his team the possession. Silly.
I can't complain, because it led to a Blazer win..
But I find the Rockets are difficult to watch at times due to acts like this.

At the very least he could throw the ball off Aldridge....

 

I don't know what goes on through his head, it feels like whenever he's playing against an elite PG he does this mess where he tries to outplay the guy, in this case Dame. Instead of being the 3 and defense guy his talent limits him to, he tries to show that he can hang with the leagues best PGs. This is why if you see Rocket fans talking about him, nights like this is why. I want him on the team as a pest (and he has to be on the most annoying team. We all know), as a back up energy guy but nothing more.

Dmo used to look a lot better, his post game is still solid but recently the only other thing he's been good for is that outside 3 and post defense flopping. Which I know I hate because back in the days (Pre Vlade) they'd never reward big guys for falling down like that as often as he does it. Some nights it's funny because the refs will call it a blocking foul instead of a charge and he'll get in foul trouble real quick. Has little interest most times in playing actual stand up post defense. He's like 25 though so hopefully he toughens up. If not, there's always Jones whose about the same age, but Dmo has much more potential with his shooting and post moves. He just needs the mentality now.

Lopez does the things that needs to be done that's for sure. His offense is really underrated too, I've watched more than this Portland game but it feels like he has to be like 60+ percent in the paint. I'm not going to look up the stats for his paint percentage but I'm sure it's high. Also though Meyers Leonard always comes in and hurts us. Actually I don't know if he's really that great of a player but the Rockets seem to have little interest in guarding him or rather don't seem to understand that he can hit open shots. This is the 2nd time this year he comes off the bench and scores a quick 8 points or something.

Harden has to get more aggressive at times, that was just too reminiscent of the the playoff series where at times it looks like he was just fine with being shut down. Think he took 2 shots in the 2nd half. He's way too unselfish some nights. I feel like tonight though he just conceded that the defense was just too good and wasn't going to give the effort tonight.

Any ways I've rambled about this game too much for one night. I would wish you guys luck but I think the Clippers will finish 4th or 5th and no way I want to play the Clippers. That team owns the Rockets pretty bad, no Rocket fan actually wants to see that team in the playoffs. Especially with Blake. So I hope you guys drop enough games to get us into 3rd

 

just downloaded n watched the game. pretty intense.

some great performances in there. Nic continues to play more effectively - that new strapping is like a miracle. Myers hit some big baskets. Harden was marginalised but Brewer was (pains me to say) epic.

Great game between 2 great rivals.

9/10. would watch again.

 

also that mugging by brewer on DL right at the end that called a steal will be included in the ref review as a wrong no-call? or whatever they call those.

and lol at beverly flopping himself out of bounds contesting LMA on that rebound at the end. he's obviously learning from the master.

 

The Rockets are a pretty good team that I hate. It's obvious McHale has coached them to include the flop in their arsenal, which I think is chickenshit, but it's what I've come to expect.

 

Brothers crew?

 

They are definitely up there. If we are talking who the team rivals against, I think it's different with each player.

I would probably rate it like this:
1.) Lakers by default
2.) Tied with OKC and Houston
3.) Flop City
4.) Dallas

I think those 4 teams really bring out the best from our stars and coach. You can tell they absolutely want a win against them.

This is one reason why I don't want to face SAS. I think we like them as players and really respect them as a team. The motivation to play our A game against them is not there.

I've also excluded Memphis on the rival list until we actually can show we can beat them. As Mr. Tough Shit once said "it ain't a rivalry until a team can beat you"

 

I agree with this. I'd probably put Golden State at #5.

 

Yeah same here. We just haven't played Golden State enough this season to see a rivalry. I'm still hoping we have a Blazers vs Warriors WCF. It would be so fun to watch and most likely cement a huge rivalry for the many years to come.

 

I would like to see the referee grades for this one. Anyone know when they're up?

 

Portland gets no love for any wins we get. It's quite a shame we get no respect. Seems like anytime we win, it's cause the other team had an "off night".

 

Kind of seemed like Portland created an "Off Night" to me....

 

Yeah I saw that too.
Then you watch that video and we get monster love in there from those guys....

Win some and lose some I guess.

oh yeah, FUCK THE ROCKETTES.