How do we win game 2?

[Mediocre Man]

Hi MM, haven't seen you posting much, hope you are well. Did you enjoy game 1?

Dont take this in a trollish way, but not at all

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Work seems to pile on at the worst times . . like during the first round of the playoffs.

So many thoughts about game 1 and 2 I wanted to post, but by time I get to my computer I'm guessing my simple observations have been noted and discussed.

When I saw this thread i had to jump in with a thought or two . . . and what I am thinking for game 2 is that Harden is going to want to make a statement. He is not going to go 8 for 28 (or whatever) while trying to take the team on his back.

The way I'm hoping Portland plays Harden is to give him the mid-range 2 point shot. I watched it a little in the first game where Harden would get by the first defender who is guarding the 3, but then LA instead of closing out on Harden gave him the shot at the free throw line but took away the patent Harden drive to the basket to draw the foul. I hope to see more of this.

I also think Blazers should utilize big men so that when Howard gets the ball down low, a hard foul is coming.

OK many thoughts on game 1 and the series but look forward to reading the threads on here during lunch today

 

[maxiep]

Work seems to pile on at the worst times . . like during the first round of the playoffs.

So many thoughts about game 1 and 2 I wanted to post, but by time I get to my computer I'm guessing my simple observations have been noted and discussed.

When I saw this thread i had to jump in with a thought or two . . . and what I am thinking for game 2 is that Harden is going to want to make a statement. He is not going to go 8 for 28 (or whatever) while trying to take the team on his back.

The way I'm hoping Portland plays Harden is to give him the mid-range 2 point shot. I watched it a little in the first game where Harden would get by the first defender who is guarding the 3, but then LA instead of closing out on Harden gave him the free throw shot but shut down a patent Harden drive to the basket to draw the foul.

I also think Blazers should utilize big men so that when Howard gets the ball down low, a hard foul is coming.

OK many thoughts on game 1 and the series but look forward to reading the threads on here during lunch today

Agreed on the big men. Seriously, I want Bieber to come in and lay the lumber on any Rocket that drives the middle. So what if he gets a flagrant 2?

 

[PDXFonz]

Tons of rocket fans are begging for them to double LA and I'm just sitting here like "yes, PLEASE DOUBLE LA!"

 

[blue9]

Yup, if they're in the penalty and Howard is in the game then Leonard should be in the game too. Forget all of the "straight up" that's been drilled into his head and bring the arms down hard to make Howard try to get 1 point from the line.

 

[blue9]

Tons of rocket fans are begging for them to double LA and I'm just sitting here like "yes, PLEASE DOUBLE LA!"

Only if Stotts has diagrammed how LMA can easily pass out. The Rockets will be playing the passing lanes once they go to double LMA. LMA has certainly gotten better at passing out of doubles, but I'm still concerned about them resulting in turnovers and easy fast break points (hopefully no and-1s). We need to be prepared for the double to come from anywhere, and respond with the appropriate cut and pass.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Yup, if they're in the penalty and Howard is in the game then Leonard should be in the game too. Forget all of the "straight up" that's been drilled into his head and bring the arms down hard to make Howard try to get 1 point from the line.

Yep. Just make sure Howard doesn't get the "and one." But besides that, the worst that happens if you foul Howard is he goes to the line.

Overall I think Blazers should be playing hard physical basketball. For me Houston acts tough, but really is not a very physical team. Their 2 toughest players (Bev and Howard) are banged up and I think Chandler and Harden can be pushed around a bit.