1st Round Matchup: Rockets vs. Jazz

[resistanze]

Rockets in 6.

[Mr. Body]

Grayson Allen with 40 points a game, the difference.

[DAF86]

If Snyder comes up with the right defensive plan, and his players execute, I can see the Jazz pulling the upset. They have to remain focused and smart throughout though.

[Benoit]

Rockets in 5-- it'll go exactly the same as last year.

[Benoit]

If Snyder comes up with the right defensive plan, and his players execute, I can see the Jazz pulling the upset. They have to be remain focused and smart throughout though.

There is no right defensive gameplan. Gobert will get shredded by Paul/Harden/Capela like he always does.

[HarlemHeat37]

Depends on Utah's injuries, they weren't resting anybody for the sake of rest, all their injuries are legit..they were missing Rubio and others in last year's series against Houston IIRC..

Rockets definitely win, but it'll be closer than last year if Utah is healthy..Rockets got the worst result from the games tonight, Utah is much better than the other West teams outside of GS/Houston..

[DAF86]

There is no right defensive gameplan. Gobert will get shredded by Paul/Harden/Capela like he always does.

If the right game plan made Gasol look like Mutombo against these Rockets, then Gobert should be alright. Again, it all comes down to smart planning and focused execution on that end. Avoid fouling, overplay the 3 pt line and have Gobert play goalie under the rim.

[Robz4000]

Rockets in 5 due to previously mentioned injuries.

[marinoman]

We should do some sort of prediction scoring contest

[ElNono]

Rox in 6

[HarlemHeat37]

1116211730038706181

:lol

[spursistan]

Rockets in 6.

[ambchang]

Rox in 5

[Killakobe81]

Rox in 5

[lefty]

Jazz in 6

[The Gemini Method]

Rockets in 7. Sets up the rematch of the WCF. Probably the best series of the whole playoffs.

[Millennial_Messiah]

Rockets in 7

[Kobe'sAchilles]

Rockets in 5

[spursreport]

Rockets will win this series. In fact, they have all the tools to win the west despite their seeding. They made the Warriors bleed last May and had their foot on the Warriors throat twice before imploding both times in games 6 and 7. This years Warriors team is even more vulnerable.

[HarlemHeat37]

Rockets will win this series. In fact, they have all the tools to win the west despite their seeding. They made the Warriors bleed last May and had their foot on the Warriors throat twice before imploding both times in games 6 and 7. This years Warriors team is even more vulnerable.

Chris Paul can implode at any time, though, that's the biggest problem:lol

[Mugen]

Houston in 6 tbh.

[mystargtr34]

Rockets in 6 in a tough series. Close out in Utah.

[Dirks_Finale]

Houston in 6 tbh.

[Spurtacular]

The two biggest threats to the Warriors gonna beat each other up in seven games and then face a well rested Warriors team.

:clap Bravo, Stern Jr. Well done! :clap

[TheCultOfPersonality]

Rockets in 5.

[DAF86]

Jazz are trying to take away Harden's 3 but they are allowing him to drive to the basket too easily. If I were them I would mix it up by playing him straight up and baiting him to take some tough step back threes. Just play him like that for a couple of possessions and see if he's hitting.

[Robz4000]

Jazz just don't have enough offense to keep up with the Rockets.

[Pentagruel]

Yeah Harden is torching them. Just an easy run to the hoop with either a floater or a simple pass to a 3-point shooter. I don’t like this strategy by the Jazz. This game is on the verge of being over.

[Benoit]

Weird gameplan by snyder. They're doing what the Bucks did except overplaying Harden when he gets in close, letting him find open 3 after open 3.

[TDfan2007]

This defensive strategy by the Jazz :lol

[spursistan]

I'm still in camp "Donovan Mitchell is an overrated chucker".. Just don't see any meaningful impact outside scoring on high volume..

Poor man's Lillard of sort..

[Texas_Ranger]

Jazz defense looks like they have 5 Patty Millses on the court.

Donovan mitchell is like a smaller devin booker.

[DAF86]

Horrible defensive gameplan (and/or execution) by the Jazz. Gifting Harden draving lanes every possession and leaving shooters wide open is clearly not the way to go about it.

Just play Harden straight up and let him beat you with step back threes. It's a whole lot better than allowing wide open corner 3's every time down the court, tbh.

[Trainwreck2100]

Surprised Snyder isn't employing the Spurs strategy of guarding harden with their hands in clear view like they are a bunch of black men and a cop convention

[HarlemHeat37]

I'm still in camp "Donovan Mitchell is an overrated chucker".. Just don't see any meaningful impact outside scoring on high volume..

Poor man's Lillard of sort..

Top 3 most overrated by the mainstream media, probably #1..I'd only have D'Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson close to him, in that regard..

[Pentagruel]

Jazz getting back in this a little bit. Harden is missing those floaters they are giving him and he’s getting a bit irritated.

[DAF86]

Is Korver done? Jazz can't make shit, maybe he would help on that regard.

[Mr. Body]

Jazz look inept.

[TDfan2007]

Maybe the jazz will adjust their D to avoid the gentleman's sweep, but this team looks outmatched

[Mr. Body]

Mitchell can't do anything but drive into crowds.

[Mr. Body]

Utah looks terrible. Imagine getting a 24 second violation against the Houston Rockets. :lol

[Degoat]

Yeah I think Mitchell is a good young talent but he’s no superstar

[Degoat]

I think Gobert is overrated as well

[Benoit]

I actually think what Utah is doing right now (let Harden drive in paint, cling onto Capela+shooters) is optimal because Harden isn't getting any foul calls when Gobert goes up to contest

[Robz4000]

:lol this might end up being a sweep after all

[TDMVPDPOY]

why gobert continues to complain, is he getting hit in the face with the offarm by drivers?

make harden run down the clock or at leasts attempt to swipe the ball when his dribbling motion

[HarlemHeat37]

Both the Raptors and Jazz should have went harder at trading for Mike Conley..

[Benoit]

Anybody that gambles on the NBA: I would heavily advise fading the Warriors 1Q every game of the Rockets series as long as Demarcus Cousins is starting (he'll probably be benched by game 3)

[TheCultOfPersonality]

I was never high on the Jazz tbh. It's Donovan Mitchell and roleplayers and Donovan Mitchell isn't some big time player. I was shocked when the Thunder lost the series to them last season. I thought for sure that the Thunder would've easily taken care of them.

[lebomb]

Houston will win the series, but it will go 6 probably. Utah is a different team at home.

[napadaj]

https://streamable.com/azl05

:lmao

[Robz4000]

Utah already getting run out of the building.

[TDfan2007]

This defense lol. It's getting awkward.

[Benoit]

James Harden has transcended basketball.

[Benoit]

2019 Harden = 2013 lebron = 91 Dad Killer

[TDfan2007]

Harden's step-back 3 is going to be the difference maker in these playoffs. There's no answer for it, and it's just up to him if he's gonna miss it. Rockets-Warriors might be a series after all...

[Arcadian]

This was a shitty night of games. Tomorrow will be much more interesting.

[Texas_Ranger]

do people really think donovan mitchell is or will be a superstar? sucks that he can't make himself relevant this year with his ROY bullshit.

[LkrFan]

This is PATHETIC djohn2oo8
1119730396575539202

:lmao

[140]

Frauden arguing a questionable call on a 3pt shot :lmao

[Killakobe81]

do people really think donovan mitchell is or will be a superstar? sucks that he can't make himself relevant this year with his ROY bullshit.

Star, not superstar

[140]

Playoff frauden making his 2019 debut :lol

[Killakobe81]

Playoff frauden making his 2019 debut :lol

Yes, but Jazz still can't build a lead

[140]

Yes, but Jazz still can't build a lead

Yeah not taking advantage of the opportunity, might still end up losing this game tbh

[Benoit]

Big FT disparity + Harden 1/16, and Rockets up 3. This is a game even the Warriors would lose

[TDfan2007]

James Harden is practically giving the game away and the Jazz still can't get the lead. This team is so bad :lol

[140]

You could see it coming in the third when they kept missing fts and doing dumb ass shit

[Killakobe81]

Harden was bad to start
Spida Mitchell been just as bad to close this game

[Killakobe81]

Utah lost this at the FT line...

[Benoit]

When PJ gets the rebound, you should immediately call TO so they don't foul him, D'Antoni.

[HarlemHeat37]

Utah should have really pushed hard for that rumored Rubio-Conley deal at the deadline..Mitchell shouldn't be a #1 and Rubio shouldn't be a starter in the NBA .

[140]

Mitchell is such an overrated scrub tbh :lol

:cry b-b-but my ROY :cry

[HarlemHeat37]

Hopefully GS doesn't coast tmw and Houston sweeps so we can get the only meaningful West series started sooner..

[gambit1990]

the point god keeping HOU in this game :tu

stay healthy bruh...

[lefty]

1119834210569805824

[Benoit]

Hopefully GS doesn't coast tmw and Houston sweeps so we can get the only meaningful West series started sooner..

I think they have to wait until G7 of Portland and Denver series to get it started

[LkrFan]

Harden shot 3 for 20? Where's that "6 for 24 energy" for him farmers? :lol

[Clipper Nation]

:lol Choke So Harden

1119969365917564929

[sook]

:lol Choke So Harden

1119969365917564929

Uhhh he scored 14 in the 4th to ice the game—that’s the opposite of choking. Def could have played better but if he goes to chucking mode like westbrick instead of lobbing for 10 assists and 6 steals the rox lose.

Harden living rent free :lol

[djohn2oo8]

:lol Choke So Harden

1119969365917564929
Did they win?

[djohn2oo8]

Uhhh he scored 14 in the 4th to ice the game—that’s the opposite of choking. Def could have played better but if he goes to chucking mode like westbrick instead of lobbing for 10 assists and 6 steals the rox lose.

Harden living rent free :lol
He is a miserable fella

[LkrFan]

Did they win?

Lakers won Kobe's 6-24 game 7, but he still got roasted around these parts. But Har_en gets a pass? :lol

[LkrFan]

:lol Choke So Harden

1119969365917564929

:wow

[LkrFan]

3 FGs made.
2/13 3ptrs.
Still ended up with 22 points.
#NBAManufacturedSuperstar

He better than Kobe tho :lmao

[LkrFan]

Uhhh he scored 14 in the 4th to ice the game—that’s the opposite of choking. Def could have played better but if he goes to chucking mode like westbrick instead of lobbing for 10 assists and 6 steals the rox lose.

Harden living rent free :lol

1120436660255301632

:lol

[sook]

3 FGs made.
2/13 3ptrs.
Still ended up with 22 points.
#NBAManufacturedSuperstar

He better than Kobe tho :lmao

he is tho. Pau and Shaq carried that foo, how many rings has he won without them? Exactly, 0

[LkrFan]

he is tho. Pau and Shaq carried that foo, how many rings has he won without them? Exactly, 0

Kobe 5
Shaq 4
Pau 2

Without Shaq? Kobe 2
Without Pau? Kobe 3
Without Kobe? Shaq 1
Without Kobe? Pau :lol

;)

[mystargtr34]

Lakers won Kobe's 6-24 game 7, but he still got roasted around these parts. But Har_en gets a pass? :lol

Because K:lolbe had 2 of the 3 best big men in the game grabbing all his bricks and putting them back in.

[TDfan2007]

Jazz finally decided to act like somebody when they're about to get swept. Classic sign of mediocrity.

[TDfan2007]

he is tho. Pau and Shaq carried that foo, how many rings has he won without them? Exactly, 0

I think we're at a point now where Harden is underrated and Kobe is overrated (always was, but it's getting out of hand now).

Kobe benefited as much as anyone from the lack of hand checking starting in 2006. That year he had his highest scoring average ever. Coincidence?


Having said all of that, Kobe >>> Harden

[spursistan]

Really tempted to pick Houston to beat the Warriors next round..

Golden State still trumps them talent-wise, but Houston are more hungry and will be looking for redemption..Sometimes a narrative with convenient twists prevail over the logic..

[D-Wade]

Mitchell finally with a good showing.

[Benoit]

Jazz +3 easy money. Houston probably didn't want a long layoff until Oracle anyway

[D-Wade]

The Rockets play such a trash brand of hoops.

[Benoit]

capela hasn't looked right this year- it'll be a concern against GSW. expect them to go with Paul-Harden-Gordon-House-Tucker to close games

[Benoit]

Was really hoping that Utah would win tonight, Houston should blow them out in game 5..

I took Eastern Conference winner to win NBA Finals at +350 earlier.. such a retarded line when you consider GSW will be ~-350 against Houston with HCA-- what are they going to lay on the road against Milwaukee/Toronto?

[LkrFan]

Because K:lolbe had 2 of the 3 best big men in the game grabbing all his bricks and putting them back in.

Kobe had 15 rebs and played staunch defense, unlike Ben Harden.

Try harder son. :lol

[D-Wade]

Playoff Harden shooting like shit again. 2-12 with a missed dunk in the mix.

If Utah can keep things ugly and low scoring, they might be able to win again tonite.

[HarlemHeat37]

Playoff Harden shooting like shit again. 2-12 with a missed dunk in the mix.

If Utah can keep things ugly and low scoring, they might be able to win again tonite.

This series would be much closer than expected if Utah could just make wide open shots..

[DC23]

Rockets are not playing well. Still a lot of game left but the Jazz could force a game 6.

[Killakobe81]

Rockets are not playing well. Still a lot of game left but the Jazz could force a game 6.

Nope
Mitchell ain't ready

[HarlemHeat37]

Chris Paul has to work so hard just to get a clean shot off nowadays..

[HarlemHeat37]

CP3's slow, rotting body carrying Harden tonight..

[Killakobe81]

Chris Paul has to work so hard just to get a clean shot off nowadays..

Not sustainable but he gets good looks off the "harden rules"

Maybe metrics says Harden is a better offensive player than Steph, Lebron Kawhi etc.

but even Bron who is the worst three point shooter of the group you can't force him one way

Harden is great but the defense played on him is comical tbh ...they standing behind that nicca ...

[Killakobe81]

CP3's slow, rotting body carrying Harden tonight..

Sad part for rox Paul Tucker capela and Gordon all have played well in spots and they still cant put away Jazz

[D-Wade]

Lmao Rubio airball wide open 3

[Benoit]

Who the fuck said Harden doesn't play D?

[DPG21920]

What a disgusting last minute for UTA. Totally choked.

[Spurtacular]

SMH Jazz

[D-Wade]

They even fouled needlessly because why not lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Utah is really well-coached with a great defensive system, they just desperately need some offensive talent and a real lead option to reduce the reliance on Mitchell..

[Killakobe81]

What a disgusting last minute for UTA. Totally choked.

yup ...
Mitchell is way more overrated than D'angelo ...Harlem

Russ aint got no defense but can at least score vs good defense in the halfcourt

[Spurtacular]

Jazz might've won if Mitchell was on the bench for the last minute. Then again, Rubio airballing an open corner three. :lol

[DC23]

Jazz had horrendous play calling over the final 3-4 min.

[HarlemHeat37]

yup ...
Mitchell is way more overrated than D'angelo ...Harlem

Russ aint got no defense but can at least score vs good defense in the halfcourt

I had Mitchell as my #2 overrated in my earlier post..I'd rather have him then Russell, at least he isn't bad defensively(Devin Booker is far better than Mitchell, yet people criticize him far more)

No matter the era of NBA, volume scorers are almost always overrated .

[Spurtacular]

:lol The only people Harden could get any love from after the series was Ingles and whoever the Jazz's 15th man is. :lol
:lol Don't think the Jazz like the Rockets at all. :lol

[Killakobe81]

I had Mitchell as my #2 overrated in my earlier post..

No matter the era of NBA, volume scorers are almost always overrated .

Thing is I would prefer Mitchell if he gets with the right shooting coach and if he shows the work ethic that kawhi or tony did to improve their shot.

[Spurtacular]

Thing is I would prefer Mitchell if he gets with the right shooting coach and if he shows the work ethic that kawhi or tony did to improve their shot.

He thinks he's a number one option. That's a recipe for failure, imo.

[Killakobe81]

Jazz might've won if Mitchell was on the bench for the last minute. Then again, Rubio airballing an open corner three. :lol

Rubio kept them in it but their backcourt was worse than Spurs last night (in the clutch)

Mills or White at least hit rim ..that wide ass open

[Killakobe81]

He thinks he's a number one option. That's a recipe for failure, imo.

thats on his coach

Achilles thought he was #1 to shaq at 20 years old too

[HarlemHeat37]

He thinks he's a number one option. That's a recipe for failure, imo.

He's a #1 option by default, regardless..they all defer to him because they literally don't have another player who can create his own shot..

[Spurtacular]

Rubio kept them in it but their backcourt was worse than Spurs last night (in the clutch)

Mills or White at least hit rim ..that wide ass open

At least Rubio shot the three with confidence. He just had too much adrenaline going.

[Spurtacular]

He's a #1 option by default, regardless..they all defer to him because they literally don't have another player who can create his own shot..

He may be in a sense; but it's easy to gameplan against an undersized shoot first star.

[D-Wade]

The fact that Mitchell is the number one option isn't Mitchell's fault. If say, even someone in the realm of Spencer Dinwiddie was on that team, he would become the number one scoring option by default.

[Killakobe81]

He's a #1 option by default, regardless..they all defer to him because they literally don't have another player who can create his own shot..

agreed.
They need a #1 or 1B ...
But black guys don't crave Utah in FA ...

[HarlemHeat37]

Utah actually created a ton of good looks in this series..

Their wide open shot % was HORRIBLE, the worst of any team in the 1st round..Ingles missing open shots isn't expected, but you can't be playing somebody like Thabo Sefolosha in a playoff game:lol

[vonilom]

That Rubio airball is on Mitchell. He should have attacked. It was a 4 on 2 and they ended up with a crappy shooter taking a three under huge pressure. Terrible

[Killakobe81]

Not to get racist but what happen to the good white boy shooters Jazz used to have?
Engles was useless.
Korver did not play much.

A comptent 3 point shooter and Jazz might push that series to 7 at least

[HarlemHeat37]

agreed.
They need a #1 or 1B ...
But black guys don't crave Utah in FA ...

They'll have to do it through trade..Mike Conley will be available again, depends if they want that contract .

[Killakobe81]

That Rubio airball is on Mitchell. He should have attacked. It was a 4 on 2 and they ended up with a crappy shooter taking a three under huge pressure? Horrible.

Good point.
He had no confidence I dont even think he wanted to get fouled.

That being said ... an airball? Come on yo he a pro. Played under pressure in Spain before he got to NBA.

[Spurtacular]

:lol Shaq basically saying Utah lost cos of Donovan.

[Killakobe81]

They'll have to do it through trade..Mike Conley will be available again, depends if they want that contract .

throw big $$$ at Reddick or try and snag Kenard from Pistons

both would be rock stars in Utah ...

[Killakobe81]

not saying they would be all stars but they would be beloved in Utah and can both shot better than engles

[TheCultOfPersonality]

The Jazz are Donovan Mitchell and roleplayers. None of Mitchell's teammates are even 4th option level players let alone 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. It's a miracle that this team even made the playoffs.

[Spurtacular]

Not to get racist but what happen to the good white boy shooters Jazz used to have?
Engles was useless.
Korver did not play much.

A comptent 3 point shooter and Jazz might push that series to 7 at least

Korver getting old. Maybe he'll have a six threes Steve Kerr sendoff.

Engles is a good shooter; don't know how he did in the series.

[vonilom]

Good point.
He had no confidence I dont even think he wanted to get fouled.

That being said ... an airball? Come on yo he a pro. Played under pressure in Spain before he got to NBA.

Surely Rubio is to blame for not developing a stroke, but Mitchell was too eager to get into traffic and lose the ball multiple times in key moments of the game. The one time he had a clear path to the basket, he defered to a three. Mind you they were down by only one point!

[Spurtacular]

The Jazz are Donovan Mitchell and roleplayers. None of Mitchell's teammates are even 4th option level players let alone 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. It's a miracle that this team even made the playoffs.

Jazz are a younger more athletic version of Spurs sum greater than the parts. Mitchell actually fucks it up when he plays hero ball.

[Killakobe81]

Korver getting old. Maybe he'll have a six threes Steve Kerr sendoff.

Engles is a good shooter; don't know how he did in the series.

shitty
He owned PG for stretches last year

He looked like the bad back version of Luke walton in this series ...

[TDfan2007]

Glad Houston put this Utah team out of its misery. Watching them was vomit-inducing, both with their gimmicky defense and their awful offense.

[TDfan2007]

Sidenote: Donovan Mitchell played the worst game that I've ever seen from a "star" player...yikes.

[Killakobe81]

Glad Houston put this Utah team out of its misery. Watching them was vomit-inducing, both with their gimmicky defense and their awful offense.

the gimmicky defense was funny, tbh

The irony is it killed them when they played behind Harden and Gobert and Favors forgot to or were late to rotate ...especially late ...
but it worked at times ..problem is player have a natural instinct to overreact to penetration ...

[Spurtacular]

the gimmicky defense was funny, tbh



Basically mocks today's NBA and Houston's gimmicky offense. That wouldn't happen if they allowed natural contact still.

[TDMVPDPOY]

ingles disappeared

anyone impress with rubios game to date? compared to his days at minnesota where he had no jumpshot

[TDfan2007]

the gimmicky defense was funny, tbh

The irony is it killed them when they played behind Harden and Gobert and Favors forgot to or were late to rotate ...especially late ...
but it worked at times ..problem is player have a natural instinct to overreact to penetration ...

It was a mix of funny and sad :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

It was a mix of funny and sad :lol

It worked for the last 3 games..

[ElNono]

Utah is kinda in the same spot as the Spurs, tbh, they need to tank and get another solid piece... problem is that the talented white player pool is limited...

[TDfan2007]

It worked for the last 3 games..

I don't know if I agree with that. They lost 2 of those 3 games, partly due to not getting timely stops. Plus, they never played a more traditional defensive scheme in the series, so we have nothing to compare the gimmicky scheme with

[LkrFan]

1121350870275375105

:lol