re: Houston Rockets vs. LA Clippers | Game 6 | 9:30 (CT) on ESPN | LAC 3-2

Went to the game last night. A couple of takeaways:

1. Clips 3pt shooting came back down to earth after an absurd last couple of games. While the Rockets finally was picked up out of the mud to 30% on the night (still less than their ~35% on the season, but much better than it has been).
2. Can't overstate the energy and confidence that the game was played with, especially Harden. He finally took a few of those step-back jumpers at the elbow which is one of his better shots in his repertoire, IMO.
3. Rockets PF position between Smith and Jones finally got some production after coming up with virtually nothing in the first 4 games. Both played fairly well, especially TJ. I like the move of Smith starting, especially for rebounding and defense.
4. Game 6, if nothing else, should be competitive. I think this mostly due to the Rockets confidence after this game. If it's a victory by more than 10 for either side, I'll be shocked.

Here's to bringing game 7 back to Clutch City.

And how about that Capela slam

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Rivers/Crawford 5/21

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Exactly. Won't happen again. Clips in 6.

Clippers opening between -6 and -8.5, depending on the book. Rockets going to have to play their asses off.

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Rivers/Crawford 5/21


Exactly. Won't happen again.

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Probably not. I mean, those two guys have reputations as efficient, high-percentage shooters. Rivers especially. It would seem obvious that they return to the >60% shooting both of them displayed in games 2 & 3.

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Clips in 6.

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More probable than not.

I'm going into Game 6 cautiously optimistic. Worst case scenario is that we win Game 6 and lose Game 7. That would be beyond frustrating.

Game 7, this thread would be so epic and so terrible!

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Rivers/Crawford 5/21


Exactly. Won't happen again. Clips in 6.

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Seriously? Austin Rivers' career is summed up by "5/21". Austin Rivers was simply not being defended, which allowed him above average production. I laugh at the fact that now he's supposed to consistently provide Jamal Crawford level production, who has won multiple 6th man of the year awards.

Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford aren't even in the same conversation.


Its as simple as this for the Rockets (although I still think its too late because they fricked up game 1)


Dont let Redick, Crawford, and Barnes all go off or 15+ pts a piece. The end. They control those guys, they win. Oh, and just defend Austin Rivers, average defense will easily stifle him, he's not a quality player.

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Game 7, this thread would be so epic and so terrible!

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This thread will hit 200 pages if this series goes to 7. No doubt.

Yeah. Jamal Crawford is the biggest offender of the leg kick.

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Crawford is a net negative player nowadays, like Rivers.

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Im not disagreeing when I say this, and i do believe you, but can you explain how?

I feel like he destroys the Rockets. Is it because volume of shots? And how it takes away higher percentage opportunities? Rivers has always been end of the bench talent.