Rockets @ Suns 12-21-16

[Mainstreet]

The Rockets play at the Suns tonight after losing at home to Spurs last night by 2 points. This broke the Rockets 10 game winning streak. I have to think the Rockets will miss Clint Capela who reportedly will be out at least 4 weeks.

This will be a chance for Suns fans to watch first hand a D'Antoni coached Rockets team. I have to think there will be some adrenaline flowing from both sides. Look for the Rockets to light up the Suns defense.

Game time is 7 p.m. Arizona time.

Here is a link to an ESPN article discussing the Rockets loss to the Spurs.

http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899867

 

[3rdside]

They shot <16% on 3's in the loss to San Antonio including a whole bunch of open misses at the end:

"After making at least 15 3-pointers in an NBA-record five straight games, the Rockets struggled from long range, making just 6 of 38 tries."

When they broke the NBA record for 3's made with 24 the other day, they shot 61 of them .

Losing Capella will hurt a bit but if there's one position that matters least to an MDA team, it's gotta be C.

 

[Mainstreet]

They shot <16% on 3's in the loss to San Antonio including a whole bunch of open misses at the end:

"After making at least 15 3-pointers in an NBA-record five straight games, the Rockets struggled from long range, making just 6 of 38 tries."

When they broke the NBA record for 3's made with 24 the other day, they shot 61 of them .

Losing Capella will hurt a bit but if there's one position that matters least to an MDA team, it's gotta be C.

This is true about the center position at least in the past. However, I believe this is less true now.

For some reason Steven Hunter comes to mind. Suns fans kept wonder why DA didn't play him more.

 

[Suns_fan69]

Steven Hunter's problem was that he had terrible hands. I'd argue the Center position is quite important of an MDA team. He needs someone rolling hard to the hoop to draw the defense in for those sweet open 3s. Despite his aversion to the label, Stat was nominally a 5 for most of the time he was on the team, and it was the threat of him in the PnR that gave the Raja Bells, Qrichardsons, Jrichardsons of yonder teams all those looks.

Of course, without Nash to find the right guy at the right time it wouldn't have mattered...

 

[3rdside]

That's true but Capela is no Stat and it's Harden that's making them tick, to state the obvious.

Step on up Nene Hilario who's still playing and was - on topic - drafted the same year as Amare (and ahead of him - 7th vs 9th - no less)

 

[Mainstreet]

Steven Hunter's problem was that he had terrible hands. I'd argue the Center position is quite important of an MDA team. He needs someone rolling hard to the hoop to draw the defense in for those sweet open 3s. Despite his aversion to the label, Stat was nominally a 5 for most of the time he was on the team, and it was the threat of him in the PnR that gave the Raja Bells, Qrichardsons, Jrichardsons of yonder teams all those looks.

Of course, without Nash to find the right guy at the right time it wouldn't have mattered...

Also as I recall Hunter couldn't shoot away from the basket. However, I believe Hunter played on a Nash team with the Suns.

Spacing, shooting and running was everything to DA.

 

[Mainstreet]

Watson says he intends to play Dragon Bender more. I do not see the downside this season.

On Tuesday's weekly radio appearance, Watson discussed the balance of playing his veterans while giving his younger players time to develop. He specifically mentioned the need to get more minutes for Dragan Bender, the fourth overall pick in last June's draft.

"Dragan Bender, to me, is key for us,'' Watson said on the Doug & Wolf show. "We have to find time for him to take steps forward."

A 7-1 forward, Bender has averaged 11.4 minutes in 22 games. He did not play in Monday's loss at Minnesota.

"Love Bender,'' Watson said after Tuesday's practice. "We have to find a way to get him in the game."

From a Doug Haller article at azcentral dated 12-20-16.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...s-earl-watson-we-have-get-toughness/95670852/

 

[ArizonaSportsFan]

Isn't this at least the 3rd time he has said this, though?

 

[Mainstreet]

Isn't this at least the 3rd time he has said this, though?

It does sound familiar.

 

[Mainstreet]

It's hard to believe Harrell and Beverly are starting for the Rockets. These are not the type players DA would start in the past.

 

[Mainstreet]

The Suns have some rim protectors. How I wish they would run like the Rockets.

 

[Mainstreet]

Harden is perfect to run the Rockets. He is so good at getting other players the open shot.

 

[Errntknght]

It would be smart of Watson to play Ulis a good bit this year in light of the fact that there are going to be some PGs available when we pick this year. Settle the question of how well he stands up playing starters minutes, especially on the defensive end. People will naturally try to exploit his size but his fast hands and overall quickness may neutralize that.

 

[Mainstreet]

TJ Warren is moving well this game. Good to see.

 

[Mainstreet]

Brandon Knight is playing so well in a wide open game. Maybe this is what he needs to play effective.

I love to see the Suns run. It's exciting.

 

[Ronin]

Oh my the Suns defense parted for the rockets player on that last play


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[Ronin]

Warren for three! Suns down by nine


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[Ronin]

Nice pass from knight to warren for the layup


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[Ronin]

2 point game


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[Mainstreet]

Knight likes an uptempo game. Maybe the Suns can learn something from this game.

 

[Ronin]

End of the third quarter
Rockets 91
Suns 84


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[sunsfan88]

For being such a shutdown defender, Tucker sure commits a lot of stupid fouls like fouling on a 3pt shot at the end of a quarter.

 

[Mainstreet]

Warren is officially back. He is so smooth.

 

[Mainstreet]

Ulis and Knight are the Suns backcourt.

 

[Ronin]

12 point deficit now


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