2024 NBA Season

[Reid]

That's a big task ahead of him, of course, who wouldn't be a fans of Pops? Even the late Kobe Bryant acknowledged that if San Antonio was not in the West during their ran with Shaq, they could have won more championships.

That's the respect that coach Pop commands from other teams and players. However, their chances this season is very slim in sweeping their next 5 games.

We could conclude that the era of basketball really changed a lot.
Coz if not, then we will be still seeing SAS at the top 4 to 6 in the West.

Jazz beat the Rockets on the road, Bojan Bogdanovic hit a game winner to beat the effort Russell Westbrook.
In this game, it was almost Westbrook and Clarkson showdown but that surprise in the end Bojan Bogdanovic really shock the fans.

Check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXO-ccuwEaA

and this one another game winner agianst the bucks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyxb71eAxoM

That was some great game.
I am screaming like hell.
That shot from Bogdanovic really ended it all. Even with the two man defense he still made a way to create a good shot.
How about Clarkson? Wow! Off the bench he is on fire.
This young man could really shine more if given a chance. This was his night.

Now, I am still trying to analyze how Houston will play all the game.
One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

[Sanitough]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

[Rikafip]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

Rockets are fun to watch i must admit, with this lineup, but it ain't easy to play that, and i don't predict them deep playoff run. They might even meet Jazz in the first round of playoff.

Regarding Bogdanovic and buzzer beater, yeah it was a tough shot, but i wouldn't call it lucky shot. 1.6 seconds before end of the game, Utah has few options: give ball to Mitchell that is their primary scoring options; give ball to Conley who is having pretty good game as well, and is experienced or maybe  even to Clarkson who is on fire, scoring 30 until then.

But what Snyder is doing is taking O'Neale off, getting  Bogdanovic in and letting him shoot for win. Until then Bogdanovic had bad game, shooting 1/6, but coach knew who is clutch player. After all,  he is  and excellent shooter, having 42.5 % for 3 pts this season, and he knows how to handle this situations, he has been our (Croatian national team) key player for years, and every time it's tough, he takes the ball.

[Botnake]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

Rockets are fun to watch i must admit, with this lineup, but it ain't easy to play that, and i don't predict them deep playoff run. They might even meet Jazz in the first round of playoff.

Regarding Bogdanovic and buzzer beater, yeah it was a tough shot, but i wouldn't call it lucky shot. 1.6 seconds before end of the game, Utah has few options: give ball to Mitchell that is their primary scoring options; give ball to Conley who is having pretty good game as well, and is experienced or maybe  even to Clarkson who is on fire, scoring 30 until then.

But what Snyder is doing is taking O'Neale off, getting  Bogdanovic in and letting him shoot for win. Until then Bogdanovic had bad game, shooting 1/6, but coach knew who is clutch player. After all,  he is  and excellent shooter, having 42.5 % for 3 pts this season, and he knows how to handle this situations, he has been our (Croatian national team) key player for years, and every time it's tough, he takes the ball.

That's why you don't call it lucky, just kidding mate..

anyway that was really a tough but he made tough shot and a game winning shot at the same time against the Bucks, so we can say that Bogdanovic was really into this kind of clutch moments, good steal by the Jazz actually for signing him.

[Oasisman]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

That shouldn't be a close game if they have a legitimate center (big men). I know they can play with a smaller line up since they have Westbrook and Harden that could both score from everywhere on the floor. But, one thing is for sure, if they can't shoot at a high percentage, it will be a guaranteed loss for them.

[Questat]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

That shouldn't be a close game if they have a legitimate center (big men). I know they can play with a smaller line up since they have Westbrook and Harden that could both score from everywhere on the floor. But, one thing is for sure, if they can't shoot at a high percentage, it will be a guaranteed loss for them.

In this game, the Rockets shoot 46% FG, and that's a good percentage, they just lost in the rebounding department where they out-rebounded by the Jazz  by 12 rebounds. (Jazz total rebound 48, Rockets total rebounds 36).

[Reid]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

That shouldn't be a close game if they have a legitimate center (big men). I know they can play with a smaller line up since they have Westbrook and Harden that could both score from everywhere on the floor. But, one thing is for sure, if they can't shoot at a high percentage, it will be a guaranteed loss for them.

In this game, the Rockets shoot 46% FG, and that's a good percentage, they just lost in the rebounding department where they out-rebounded by the Jazz  by 12 rebounds. (Jazz total rebound 48, Rockets total rebounds 36).

And that is because even Clarkson could get the offensive rebound out of the Rockets players.
Something is really off with it.
Haven't you noticed guys?
Snyder didn't even abuse the small line up of the Rockets.
He didn't make plays for Gobert. 12 points 15 rebounds 37 minutes
Unlike what Lakers did using Davis and McGee under the rim. He fought the rim attackers like Westbrook and Harden with points in paint too.
This means something.

[Jating]

One thing I am sure to which is why Clarkson want to attack the rim.
There is no shot blocker.

That was their weakness now that they don't have Capela, however we can't say that Rockets are not effective, this was a close game until it ended by a lucky shot of Bogdanović, yeah I will call that lucky as the percentage of it getting in is low since it's a contested shot.

That shouldn't be a close game if they have a legitimate center (big men). I know they can play with a smaller line up since they have Westbrook and Harden that could both score from everywhere on the floor. But, one thing is for sure, if they can't shoot at a high percentage, it will be a guaranteed loss for them.

In this game, the Rockets shoot 46% FG, and that's a good percentage, they just lost in the rebounding department where they out-rebounded by the Jazz  by 12 rebounds. (Jazz total rebound 48, Rockets total rebounds 36).

And that is because even Clarkson could get the offensive rebound out of the Rockets players.
Something is really off with it.
Haven't you noticed guys?
Snyder didn't even abuse the small line up of the Rockets.
He didn't make plays for Gobert. 12 points 15 rebounds 37 minutes
Unlike what Lakers did using Davis and McGee under the rim. He fought the rim attackers like Westbrook and Harden with points in paint too.
This means something.

I guess they really see something different with the game between Houston and Lakers. LA try to attack their small line up but still lost in the end. They played mind games with Houston and not the other way around.

And it could set up a blue print, and that will spell doom for that small line up that Rockets wanted to experiment.  Clarkson dropping 30 points and that winning shot by Bogdanovic slience the crowd.

[milewilda]

Jazz beat the Rockets on the road, Bojan Bogdanovic hit a game winner to beat the effort Russell Westbrook.
In this game, it was almost Westbrook and Clarkson showdown but that surprise in the end Bojan Bogdanovic really shock the fans.

Check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXO-ccuwEaA

and this one another game winner agianst the bucks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyxb71eAxoM

This guy should really be guarded when it comes to last seconds close score games. LOL! I didnt event expect for that last shot to go in on a very hard position.

Also they do really have some problems about rebounding on Rockets yet ive notice that Capella isnt there thats one of the main reason but still Rockets do able to
have some high percentage shooting in spite of losing a center man.

[RealMalatesta]

Rockets didn't just lose to any team, I get that losing to Suns was a bit bad but they were lacking Westbrook there, now they lost to Jazz which is actually a good playoff team that may even pass the first round if they are lucky, so losing to jazz is not really a big deal. However, they were outrebounded was again, I understand that they are shorter than any team they face, however with harden and Westbrook being able to grab boards that well, I was assuming they would have high flyers going above the rim instead of tall guys waiting for a ball to reach them.

I still think even if they want to keep the starting five this way, they could simply just get one tall center for bench purposes, they can't trade for it now but they could get one from free agency if there is any left, just for a bench help.

[Captain Corporate]

 I agree that the biggest handicap of not having Capela is not rebounding but the shot blocking. Capela wasn't a terrific shot blocker like Gobert maybe but he was a presence inside to say the least, without him and only a 6'6 PJ Tucker inside, players were capable of going in and doing whatever the hell they wanted. Thats not really a good defensive scheme even if you are capable of rebounding the ball in case a miss. They still reached to a last second shot situation which is really all they could ask for really, they didn't had to beat by 20+, a 1 point win would be a win anyway. Plus they almost certainly guaranteed playoffs so I can sort of understand why they are not playing %100 anymore and just taking it slowly, during playoffs they will hopefully play better.

[Golftech]

 I agree that the biggest handicap of not having Capela is not rebounding but the shot blocking. Capela wasn't a terrific shot blocker like Gobert maybe but he was a presence inside to say the least, without him and only a 6'6 PJ Tucker inside, players were capable of going in and doing whatever the hell they wanted. Thats not really a good defensive scheme even if you are capable of rebounding the ball in case a miss. They still reached to a last second shot situation which is really all they could ask for really, they didn't had to beat by 20+, a 1 point win would be a win anyway. Plus they almost certainly guaranteed playoffs so I can sort of understand why they are not playing %100 anymore and just taking it slowly, during playoffs they will hopefully play better.

Yeah right, second round would be a different stories to every team inside the league. They all will do the best in order to get the semi-finals bet
and if it's possible to reached the conference finals and move to the world champion.
Rockets move trading their big men still a puzzle to every fans and viewers of this league.

[tbterryboy]

He was seriously as guarded as possible. I mean look at PJ Tucker and Harden, they were literally on him when he was shooting, even moving him mid air when they collided but it went in so I guess it wasn't really a foul. The only minor thing was maybe PJ Tucker shouldn't have swiped near but just stand in front but it was still an amazing defense, he just scored without really caring about defense since he had to either shoot or lose so he shot without caring about defense.

[harizen]

And with or without Rudy Gay, Spurs are struggling.

But at least without Rudy Gay he could help the Spurs because he is the starting 5 IIRC.
Spurs rank at no. 10 right now, with 22-30 w/l record but the number 8 spot which is Memphis Grizzlies only has 26/26 record so it's not too far away.

Of course, he can help lol. And there is no connection from being a starting 5. Even bench can help. Everyone is contributing.

What I'm saying is general, Spurs are struggling even with an on-off night performance of Rudy Gay and honestly, even with a good average from Demar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. That's how difficult the competition in the Western Conference. You can check their season stats by yourself.

And don't look at the difference of the 8th Spot with 26 wins and 10th spot with 22 wins. Look at those teams around them instead. That 4 wins gap is already a big deal when you are at the bottom of the Western Conference. That's not how it should be measured. It's not easy to climb 4 wins consecutively or within a few games when you are at the bottom. Other teams above are gathering wins too making it more difficult to climb.

[Botnake]

And with or without Rudy Gay, Spurs are struggling.

But at least without Rudy Gay he could help the Spurs because he is the starting 5 IIRC.
Spurs rank at no. 10 right now, with 22-30 w/l record but the number 8 spot which is Memphis Grizzlies only has 26/26 record so it's not too far away.

Of course, he can help lol. And there is no connection from being a starting 5. Even bench can help. Everyone is contributing.

What I'm saying is general, Spurs are struggling even with an on-off night performance of Rudy Gay and honestly, even with a good average from Demar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. That's how difficult the competition in the Western Conference. You can check their season stats by yourself.

And don't look at the difference of the 8th Spot with 26 wins and 10th spot with 22 wins. Look at those teams around them instead. That 4 wins gap is already a big deal when you are at the bottom of the Western Conference. That's not how it should be measured. It's not easy to climb 4 wins consecutively or within a few games when you are at the bottom. Other teams above are gathering wins too making it more difficult to climb.

Rudy Gay is still not playing right, and maybe that's the reason why the Spurs are struggling because they miss a peace of him.
It's the information I can found here : https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/29187/rudy-gay

The Spurs are reportedly willing to move Rudy Gay for the right price.

When there is a player that is gonna be traded his interest in playing in a team will be different or let's see he is not playing inspired basketball.
Gay has been part of the Spurs success, so spurs needs to acquire a player that equals to his skills or better than him in a trade.

[goinmerry]

Do people really think the absence of Capela is the reason why Rockets lose? They are only downed by 1 and almost a win if there's no buzzer-beater happened. Let's give credit to both teams. They are doing good. There is no reason why the other team won and lost. That buzzer-beater is also contested. No question about the defense.

And you guys forget that Houston Rockets won against the Utah Jazz just last Jan. 27 @ 126 - 117.

No Capela, No Harden, No Westbrook against the same Utah Jazz lineup that played last night but still they won.

[mirakal]

Do people really think the absence of Capela is the reason why Rockets lose?

Some people do, including me, lol... I don't know but they need to prove something more like beating good teams.

They are only downed by 1 and almost a win if there's no buzzer-beater happened. Let's give credit to both teams. They are doing good. There is no reason why the other team won and lost. That buzzer-beater is also contested. No question about the defense.

That was really a close game, but what will be put in the minds of the people are just a win or a loss, in that game Rockets lose so they'll think that they really miss Capela, and with Capela they could have beat the Jazz EASY.

And you guys forget that Houston Rockets won against the Utah Jazz just last Jan. 27 @ 126 - 117.

No Capela, No Harden, No Westbrook against the same Utah Jazz lineup that played last night but still they won.

But with harden and Westbrook the young guns won't have more opportunity to show their talent since it's been Harden and WB who are the focal point of their attack, we can check their minutes and their shot attempts, no room for the teammates to grow in offence.

[Reid]

I still think even if they want to keep the starting five this way, they could simply just get one tall center for bench purposes, they can't trade for it now but they could get one from free agency if there is any left, just for a bench help.

They do have Tyson Chandler on the sidelines cheering.
But their coach just really want that fast paced game. He will not be stopped with his new gameplay for his new roster.
He is an offensive type of coach. I believe he doesn't rely much on defense.

Do people really think the absence of Capela is the reason why Rockets lose?

Some people do, including me, lol... I don't know but they need to prove something more like beating good teams.

Yeah, I second the motion. 
They have been the talk at First Take and other basketball analysts shows.
One win against the Lakers cannot prove it yet. I want to see more with this Houston team. I like how they are doing it but maybe it needs a little bit more of a chemistry for it to be fruitful.

[Bttzed03]

Do people really think the absence of Capela is the reason why Rockets lose? They are only downed by 1 and almost a win if there's no buzzer-beater happened.

Considering how close the game was and how the trade that happened is still in the minds of fans, the "what if they still had Capela" argument is to be expected. Had Capela played, the result could have been different like the Rockets winning or getting blown out by the Jazz. But the truth is, those are just speculations.

~ They didn't review the play because there was no call, and that'as very unfair for not listening to the players concern. I don't blame how Lillard was so upset and frustrated from the outcome of the game. I think those officiating refs needs re-evaluation, because that was a clear goaltending.

Yeah, it's unfortunate that it can't be reviewed because of that rule. Maybe another change needs to be made to address incidents like that.

For sure those refs have to be evaluated if they haven't been yet.

[Oasisman]

In this game, the Rockets shoot 46% FG, and that's a good percentage, they just lost in the rebounding department where they out-rebounded by the Jazz  by 12 rebounds. (Jazz total rebound 48, Rockets total rebounds 36).

Then I guess they need to shoot better than 46% because they will going to be easily out rebounded by any teams in the NBA right now.
Come playoffs it will never going to be easy for them to win a series. I dont know how they will going to acquire a piece that will fill the center position, or they will stick with playing small ball.