Game 25: Houston Rockets (15-5) vs. Dallas Mavericks (8-16)

[DanSchwartzgan]

It was an interesting starting lineup. I'm not sure exactly what to make of it. Klay was out with knee soreness, but it looks like there was some intent on getiing Naji, PJ, and Flagg in the lineup early - Christi being the odd man out.

Both Naji and Flagg look like players that can be plugged in anywhere. I'll be interested to see if this happens again when they come back from this short break.

Probably the most frustrating thing about this game was Houston getting so many Offensive boards.  It felt like it was 100, but was only 16 (and we had a fairly big lineup out there most of the night).  Otherwise, good game against a team missing an important player.  It was hard to watch every detail as I had the Big 10 Championship on TV and the Mav's on my IPad.

Shooting nearly .600 from the field will make up for only taking 18 three's (making 7 for .389%).  Houston took 28 to make 10.  We basically jammed the ball down their throats.  Obviously, that strategy doesn't work with OKC, but if you can't guard your rim, Dallas is going to try to live in the paint.

I agree, the Naji for Max sub was a bit strange for a team needing spacing and already down Thompson.  I will point out that we blew it open in the third (13-0 run followed by a 9-2 run) when Naji sat and Christie came in (along with Williams).  So, whatever the reason, it seemed to work.  Kidd still had Christie end the first half and had him set up to close the game had it been necessary.  The only thing I can think of is Kidd wanted another ball handler in case Thompson completely neutralized Nembhard.  The other note about the rotation is that one of Flagg or PJ was in at all times (other than garbage time).  So, how you work Marshall into that is a consideration (though I would think it would be easier to manage with Naji off the bench).