Game 1 complaining overshadows a serious flaw–Rockets’ poor shooting.
The big takeaway from Game 1 was that ‘the refs are blind‘–at least according to the Houston Rockets. I’ll give Houston the benefit of the doubt, but the complaining was at an all-time level for the Rockets. Almost after every offensive possession, you’d see Chris Paul, James Harden, or the bench put their hands up in disbelief (that they didn’t get a call).
James Harden did have a case on some of those plays. Harden would rise up for a three-ball and land where Klay Thompson landed. That’s a foul. But where is Klay suppose to land when an opposing player is kicking his feet forward? In my opinion, the NBA needs to take a good look at this aspect of the game because it’s confusing on the defensive side of things.
Harden said he just wants a fair chance, but he did get to the foul line 14 times in the game, and he scored 35 points on 28 shots, going 9-28 from the field and 4-16 from three.
The big story is that the Rockets just flat out didn’t shoot well from the field–41.9% from the field and 29.8% from three.
On the side of the court, Golden State was carried by the snake himself, Kevin Durant, who poured in 35 points on 11/25 shooting from the field with a 38.8% rate from behind the arc. Durant–when guarded by defenders other than P.J. Tucker–was a monster who couldn’t be guarded. Tucker gives him fits because of his physicality down low.
Golden State took advantage when Durant was in the pick-and-roll with Tucker was defending him. With a switch, though, Durant would rise up over the smaller defenders.
The same productivity couldn’t be said for Klay and Steph. Steph was quiet for most of the game and was in foul trouble going into the 4th. Curry had only 15 points going into the 4th but splashed a dagger three to seal the deal. Klay chipped in only 13 points on 13 shots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6tCqhXD1Aw
Both players injured their ankles in Game 6 of the First Round but were cleared to play v. the Rockets. But it sure looked like they were held back by injuries. Klay got angry at himself in Game 1–a side that I’ve never seen from him. Will it affect his game going forward?
Game 2 should be interesting from the officiating side and also with adjustments that will be made. In Game 1, Steve Kerr threw out the “Hampton 5,” which showed where the Warriors stand in this year’s playoffs. I expect to see ‘small ball’ in this series, which is fun.
The advantage goes to the Warriors in Game 2 because of Kevin Durant. If he’s not on, then they have the greatest three-point shooter of all time.
The Rockets will need to have Paul play better and they’ll also need bench production. It’s also a bad thing to miss Austin Rivers this late in the playoffs, but look for Clint Capella to show up in Game 2.
Game 2 Prediction: Warriors 120, Rockets 112
