The Houston Rockets have two more wins to go before moving on the Western Conference finals but a lot can happen between now and then. But to put them over the top, the team needs to incorporate Ryan Anderson more into the lineup. All he needs is 15 minutes. Here’s why that’s the case.
The HoustonRockets‘ journey through the postseason has been one of mostly of precision with a few light hiccups along the way. It’s pretty much what we’ve all expected with the tremendous amount of the depth that this team has. There’s not a position that doesn’t seem too tall of a order to match up with any team they face.
They can play against the match ups — they can go small, they can go big or make partial adjustments on the fly to counteract against things that are going wrong during the games. That’s what separates this team from others in the past, their ability to make adjustments on the fly and still win games.
Just last season, either the HoustonRocketswould have an immense lead or they’d get blown out with very few in-between scenarios. Once they’ve lost their way, it was tough for them to get back into games.
But that has changed so much this season, with so many come-from-behind wins with my favorite beingGerald Green‘s go-ahead buzzer-beater with 1.4 seconds to topple over the Suns, 104-103 back March 30.
The Suns were playing extra-hard and I think it put the Rockets off-guard so they had to give everything they had to eke out that win. What was sweeter was I was in attendance of that game and the crowd was electric, even for a what should’ve been just a mundane regular season game.
But enough of my platitudes about how great my team is and let’s focus on something thatMike D’Antonineeds to do stat.
The time isNOWto theUNLEASHRyan Andersonwith more playing time. His three-point shooting will be more than useful to put the Utah Jazz to bed for good and although I’m not
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proposing that he should start, I think he’d needs more time than the four minutes he received in Game 3.
Here’s why that’s case.Anderson shootsDAMN GOODfrom behind-the-arc on the road. This is a trend that has continued through his career with the Rockets and it holds true for 2017-18.
Anderson is currently shooting at a42.2 percentclip from three on the road and a WHOPPING 63.6 percent against the Utah Jazz this season. With all that has transpired, it wouldn’t hurt to give this man a bit more playing.
Here’s what I suggest. From the paltry four minutes he got Friday night, I think D’Antoni shouldbump it up to 15 minutesfor tonight’s game. Why? That’s one of his most effective sweet spots — he’s currently shooting38.2 percentfrom three when he plays between10 and 19 minutes.I know it’s struggle to juggle minutes at this time but I think Anderson could be the X-Factor to make this team be one game away from putting this series to bed.
And may I add that Anderson drains his shots at an amazing39.3 percentrate off one day of rest which is certainly the reasoning ofWHY HIS TIME IS NOW.
I’m aware we may lose a step on the defensive end with him in there but if the pace of HoustonRocketsoffense and the rate of the three-pointers remain high, it honestly won’t matter. His shooting matters the most in this game of chess and he’ll be ultimately one of the last men standing on the board — er…uh hardwood. All I’m asking for is a slight tinker of this man’s minutes. Get it done D’Antoni!
Next: Gauging James Harden's performance through the playoffs
Anderson is averaging3.2 points, 1.7 rebounds while shooting 38.5 percent from three and 43.8 from the field in 11.2 minutes per gamein the playoffs thus far.
The HoustonRocketstake on theJazztonight atVivint Smart Home Arenain Salt Lake City for Game 4. Both teams will be tipping-off at7 p.m.and game will be televised onTNT.The game will be broadcast onNewsRadio 740 AMandLa Ranchera 850 AM in Spanish.
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