THIS Defense Will Continue To Slow James Harden And Beat The Rockets

Yet another team resorted to an unconventional defense to stop James Harden, and while he still had 24 points and 11 assists, the Warriors made other players beat them, and Russell Westbrook and company have not been able to convert their effort into wins.
SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR MORE: bit.ly/BBallSub
MUSIC: Fighting For Freedom by Anno Domini
ABOUT BBALLBREAKDOWN
BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. If you're a coach or a player, check out the MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP - filled with an ever growing library of on court demos designed to help you improve your play and your coaching! Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.

[@Dcthetruth85]

Lol Russ got to work on them 3s. They disrespecting him with that defense.

[@thunderb00m]

they respecting him exactly how much he should be respected

[@konnichiyawa1360]

@@Top100-m4k no one cares dude

[@Top100-m4k]

@@konnichiyawa1360 your mum's cares, ugly ass nigga

[@Top100-m4k]

@@konnichiyawa1360 your, mum , sister and girlfriend care, oh wait you don't have a girlfriend

[@yunan9610]

You really need at least an average percentage from 3 for today's NBA

[@john1234gr]

I think for this duo to work come postseason, Russ should work on his 3 pointer (especially when he s next to guys like Harden, House, Tucker) and Harden learn to play more offball.

[@greatest599]

Obviously he works on his 3 point shooting, just like I’m sure Dwight and Shaq worked on their free throws, point being he simply just can’t shoot

[@SacredDiety]

Russ just needs to stop giving the defense what they want. He needs to be in attack mode and make smart plays for his teammates, not shoot when he’s a bad shooter and his shot is off.

[@john1234gr]

greatest599 For argument s sake i could mention Deadre Jordan who was an awful FT shooter and last few seasons he has worked around it. There's no can't do, he just doesn't want to try.

[@aaroncooper2331]

Well when russ was on the wing during the double, he drove and it made plays. Where they messed up was sticking rusd in the corner during most of the 2nd half.

[@greatest599]

john1234gr again it’s pretty obvious he works on his three point shooting but once again just like Dwight and Shaq he simply just can’t shoot

[@sunnyyang285]

Clint "I want the Warriors" Capela must have been a really good boy this year. Santa not only gave him what he asked for this past summer but served him up another helping for Christmas.

[@nathanmcmullen1527]

He was getting bullied down low by Caulie-Stein smh 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Techno4more]

Idk what it is but he turns so soft against the warriors.. actually i know. It's Draymond green. He's so good and smart defensively that he completely reads every movement Clint makes and makes Clint question himself.

[@Asdftrx]

Fearbleeds He also struggled again Montrezl harrell the other day, he was getting bullied

[@MrIncredibleGuy]

IV jshshs Trezz > Capela any day

[@icedawaaave3858]

Sunny Yang grown man talking that way about another grown man. corny

[@Smullet90]

The funny thing is they couldn't do this with Chris Paul in the game since he can make buckets.

[@norpriest521]

@johnDomain And Harden didn't want cp3 in rockets. Harden knew CP3 is high iq player and he's a boss. Harden didn't want to be under anyone

[@RetroShark360]

Exactly rockets were stupid to trade chris Paul.

[@JohnDoe-tl6ve]

True. But CP3 couldn’t stay on the court when it counted. If he could they would’ve kept him.

[@LynxSASW]

@@JohnDoe-tl6ve So does westbrook LMAO

[@flykidddd1235]

Nor Priest chris paul just rubs everybody the wrong way he acts like he won a championship

[@donkeyxote7729]

Rockets don't have any off ball movement especially harden, if he don't get what he wants he would leave the play.

[@theSUBVERSIVE]

exactly what he did last season's Playoffs - and what pissed CP3 off. now not only he doesn't play D but he doesn't play O if he is not the one with the ball, sounds pretty promising... for another Playoffs exit... hahahaha...

[@BlackMarq20]

theSUBVERSIVE But his offense has always been that, if he doesn’t have the ball he mostly just stands there. Outside of the Warriors, that’s mostly how superstars operate. If u look at the Clippers, Lakers, etc... it’s LeBron with the ball, drive, kick to the wing. Same for PG, Kawhi, etc...

[@heigherheights21]

Because Harden's defender does not leave him no defender who guards him helps that is why you see so many iso ball.

[@norpriest521]

@@theSUBVERSIVE And CP3 was a scapegoat of all this. CP3 > Harden

[@nathanielperryii296]

@@BlackMarq20 Yeah no. PG and Kawhi Kawhi don't do that. I've seen them set screens for each other. There's a ton of actions where both players are involved or one is just a decoy. Usually Leonard is the decoy, while they run PG off several screens to set up a Ray Allen esque play

[@daviddial3273]

One of the biggest factors was not fouling Harden. He had exactly one free throw, and he missed it.

[@MrBrachiatingApe]

Miraculous, given his usual Oscar-begging performance.

[@sydguitar99]

They fouled him a lot but it didn't get called

[@sydguitar99]

@@MrBrachiatingApe it's a smart basketball play

[@MrBrachiatingApe]

@@sydguitar99 It may be smart basketball, but it's also _ugly_ basketball and like a lot of fans I find it...distasteful, and in some case he (like so, so many players) outright cheats the rules on one possession only to foul beg the next. And he may have been fouled a lot in this game without getting calls, but he's too used to getting them and the law of large numbers can hit at any time. One of his weaknesses. You can't flop to the Finals because the refs tighten up on touch fouls, and his style is thus just too chancy. That said, even if you took away *all* of his FTs, he'd still be a great offensive player.

[@anthonynorman7545]

Christmas day is like a playoff game. We know how those go for Harden

[@Ye-yz7cx]

Imagine a Point guard getting disrespected and letting him shoot 🤣

[@yg2522]

I mean, traditionally aren't PGs primarily passers/layups like magic? the new gen PGs tend to be considered combo guards where they can act as both passer and shooting guard.

[@TheGrindcorps]

BeN simmons? Oh nah just russ.

[@lkg7467]

He's like Shaq with his shooting tendicies turned to 100.

[@sankeerthkoshy61]

And is still able to drop 40 on your favorite team 😂

[@sankeerthkoshy61]

Michael Jordan you really think the Rockets are losing in the first round this year 😂

[@kevinlam4550]

The Spurs were not the first team to do this to the Rockets this season. Nick Nurse did it first this season. The only difference is that the role players did their job and hit their shots.

[@EE-bg1de]

good point, the role players hit everything. The difference this game was the warriors targeted Russell as the 'let him shoot' guy.

[@Yt_ShadowBannedme]

My Miami Heat also did this as well earlier in the season when we blew them out.

[@codyleblanc9154]

I think once Eric Gordon comes back, this defense of scheme would get abandon fairly quickly. Not the harden double team, but the leaving Russ at the three and closing the paint. so he cant drive. but then again, our guys weren't hitting their shots. Live and Learn. The Rockets are still figuring things out and coming up with different formulas for russ and harden each game because of different defenses.

[@4DeeNguy]

Cody Leblanc Facts. If they continue to do this when Gordon comes back we’ll be able to make them pay. Leaving Gordon open the whole game is a death sentence

[@stefanvujadinovic9991]

It was actually Mike Malone that did it first.

[@nikohalik3073]

How the sixers shut down giannis and splashed all the threes maybe?

[@Nihilitty]

He only does breakdowns on the sixers when they lose

[@sendoh7x]

I think last year's breakdown on the Bucks (during playoff) is still valid to cover this topic

[@winter9242]

Bad officiating from both sides and bledsoe was out so thier perimeter D was bad

[@winter9242]

@@Nihilitty nah coach nick also dont give bucks credit he's a curry fan and likes players who splashes 3s

[@cableerror9790]

Revelation nick nurse is a curry fan ?

[@kb-g5581]

I’m a big dlo fan but if it wasn’t for the shoes I wouldn’t be able to know who’s who between him and damion lee

[@TheReck12]

Honestly I think they're doing it on purpose. Damion lee, dlo, and Jordan Poole always dress the exact same

[@mu99ins]

Damion Lee is forcing coach Kerr to play him more minutes.

[@dii1314]

3;05 can't believe someone believes that was a foul on Harden, he was "falling" before even shooting lmao and that's what cost him last season's playoffs, he was more focused on trying to draw fouls from 3 pt line than actually playing

[@therealmvpee]

Diego Beerserker I swear that made me mad

[@LynxSASW]

Warriors fan here, that was a foul on harden sorry.

[@stolensentience]

rodrigao functioning brain here, defender jumped into hardens landing spot, sorry

[@DoctorJmed]

double team harden, ignore westbrick... the genius of steve kerr

[@back2back379]

Remember the Warriors players said a few years ago that Westbrook is easy to defend

[@thinkfiend]

Lmao “ignore westbrick” bro u made me roll

[@madtitan0825]

qwe asd I’m so done while this is so true, ignore Westbrook😂😂😂

[@Justhimig]

Mad Titan they can just play zone and double with Russell’s defender

[@Mewtiney]

The Warriors did this when they play the Thunder in the playoffs. Sending like 2-3 guys at KD and forced Westbrook to take over. The Jazz and Blazers also implemented similar defensive strategy and it worked cuz Westbrook can’t shoot.

[@7srchoed]

this is what Chris Paul was complaning about Harden just standing around when he gives up the ball. IT was always either Harden runs the offense or Paul runs the offense, but when Paul had the ball it was 4 vs. 5 because Harden is completely aloof if he isn't dominating the ball.

[@marshae8089]

THANK YOU!!! But he was called a cancer & bad teammate. Harden got rid of him. They did cp3 just like they did melo. Scapegoated tf out of him. Game 6 last year: Cp3 27, 11, & 9 +7 on offense & +4 on defense when it was just him. Harden last 2 mins 0-6 from 3 & 2 miss clutch free throws & 4 TOs but.....it was cp3 fault smh

[@schoolboy1984]

Harden was getting doubled at half court... the other people gotta do better... he makes the right play it’s 4 v 3

[@younggggggg]

Alontrae Walker Facts!

[@texchu8331]

@@schoolboy1984 What you said and what this guy said are both problems. It wasn't mentioned when CP3 was around because it was a lot harder for teams to double when he was around, but simply punishing/preventing 4v3s wasn't enough to win a championship. What's ironic is that they are now doing more of the set plays CP3 was asking for out of necessity. Imagine how much better the team would be if they still had him and had listened to him in the first place. At least they wouldn't be struggling to win against bad teams like now.

[@airhco15]

Russ has to stay up too and half court so he can attack the rim downhill like he did times in this games and for most of the Clipper game but for some reason he was camping in the corner

[@stormz7282]

As a rockets fan, I think we should all appreciate the amount of hard work the warriors put in and stop complaining, they clearly played better

[@dantheman6888]

Nah the refs bailed them out

[@crypticdifferent4900]

Chyniz Mahss Warriors woop ur ass every time, stop it.

[@crypticdifferent4900]

Dan The Man Bailed us out? Nigga if ur boyfriend harden cant score then yall loosing 😂, as simple as that

[@marcosromero3738]

No Harden is trash No offence no defence All harden

[@alpachabowl6610]

@Chyniz Mahss warriors got 3 rings in the past 10 years yall aint gettin 1 anytime soon or 3

[@dwyanewade8285]

Russ shooting form is the reason why his jumper is broke

[@gabrielnieves9974]

@johnDomain I think you have a point but his jumper is broke. He jumps really high when he shoots and that's the reason he doesn't reach the basket. Look at shooters like Curry and klay, they barely jump when they shoot.

[@santiagosanchez2467]

He doesn’t shoot at the highest point of his release. He hangs in the air and when he begins to go down, his arms do most of the work, no rhythm, no pattern just a bad shot. His fundamentals are sound just needs that slight tweak so when he’s shooting, he goes through a motion and shoots at the highest point of his shot

[@brionsog2186]

Shawn Valverde kd also jumps high but he has a one motion shot

[@sofakingonmynuts1438]

I bet he is ok in practice, he needs a therapist to get his mind right, mental confidence is so important, being mentally sound will help is form, he needs someone in his ear

[@just.lateef]

Dwyane Wade there’s no rhythm in his shot, he just jumps high and extends his arm

[@tigga2300]

Houston has beaten this defense so many times by taking advantage of the 4 on 3, but their positioning to combat this defense in this game was terrible and they couldn't knock down open shots. I know Houston will be getting EG back, but they should really take a look at Jeff Green. I think Green's size and length along with his offensive skill could help Houston big time, a low risk high reward kind of scenario that could really pay off for them.

[@___________________.]

Mike 2400 we lost because they couldn’t knock down open threes. Simple as that. Warriors didn’t expose shit

[@BayAreaHoops415]

Live and die by the 3 will kill you some games, Rockets had PLENTY of wide open attempts and couldn't knock them down. Same thing happened with the Lakers, couldn't hit their shots in the final minutes. Westbrook isn't a good fit in this system either especially when the traps on Harden usually lead a man open but Westbrook is a liability on the perimeter

[@thomasgarcia8118]

Harden4MVP Fr bballbreakdown just doesn’t like the rockets cuz he’s wrong about them

[@tigga2300]

@@BayAreaHoops415 - Westbrook just needs to stay away from the corners when teams play that defense on Harden. If he remains at the top of the key he will have a head start on the drive and either score a basket or create a wide open look for a teammate on those 4 on 3 opportunities. He just had an off night, prior to this game he had been playing lights out.

[@Miltonman100]

@@___________________. Yall are both correct in a way. Not once did we even attempt to have someone other than HArden dribble up the floor.Wedidnt even try to get him with his back to the basket to stepback. The warriors played the exact same defense the whole game and D'antoni didnt adjust.Sure we missed open shots too but man we gotta pay attention to how bad the Rockets defense can be too. Im a big Rockets fan as well

[@tdcsgo7646]

Russ: *Shoots* Rim: *Next Question* Russ: *Shoots* Rim: *Next Question* Russ: *Shoots* Rim: *Next Question* Russ: *Shoots* Rim: *Next Question* As a Blazers fan I'm allowed to abuse this meme to the fullest.

[@future62]

This deserves more thumbs 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@4DeeNguy]

TD #CSGO They left him open the whole damn game. Anyone would take his amount of shots if they were disrespected like that. Still he needs to atleast get a floater or something since he can’t make open 3s and finish through literally 2 people

[@future62]

Russ can't be coached or taught. He plays like a 12 year old

[@jero6328]

Imma just say fuck the blazers :)

[@tdcsgo7646]

@A Cat If anyone has the right to do so, we do lolll. And I've only seen 3 stupid people in this comment section, the rest agrees fam :p. Don't be too mad, just a little joke (still facts though)

[@ghendao]

Russ' stupid pride, still shooting those threes just cause he got disrespected

[@Jon23189]

he was open on a few of them

[@fatestaytilted8849]

@@Jon23189 yeah cause the warriors did that on purpose since he is a bad shoote

[@sankeerthkoshy61]

Lol this comment aged well

[@ghendao]

@@sankeerthkoshy61 something happened? Haven't watched NBA at all this year

[@sankeerthkoshy61]

Chentao Ji why is it cause your team in the last seed?

[@TheGrindcorps]

Wesbrick city baby! He should have trained this offseason with Ben Simmons to learn how to not shoot... at all.

[@theoneweekwonder]

lol

[@lamadesurvivor5216]

🤣

[@f0rtyy815]

i mean russ and harden both have tendencies to not do much off ball. i wonder if the okc enviroment was what caused this as i remember kd in an article saying smth about kerr's system and how its fine but sometimes, in clutch moments, just give the ball and iso. i dont remember the okc coach during that time but maybe it was his system that causes them to not move off ball much. even if russ isn't a shooter, if either of them moves more off-ball, it would help the team alot as russ cutting would give much more space for other shooters and if harden moves more, he can get going into the lane or even pop out for a pass back from the middle guy.

[@TheGrindcorps]

F0rtyy Yeah, they all just want to Iso all the time. Scott brooks or something? It used to be just your turn my turn horrible stagnant offense with no motion spacing or off ball movement in OKC. KD wasn’t as Good of a passer as he is now or as Harden so it was sort of like this but with non spacing. KD would go to set screens for Russ by basically standing somewhere and just letting people go right by him and not trying to screen sometimes because Russ wouldn’t pass the ball and would just dribble and Jack up shots like Harden difference being, he’s not at all good at that...

[@thiskid7402]

Russell Westbrick had a broke hand hasn't been a good shooter since

[@anodyne57]

Russell Westbrook is a career .305 3-point shooter. For comparison, Draymond Green is at .321, Ricky Rubio .321, and Lonzo Ball at .321. Why in the world does anyone still bother with him out there?

[@aja3longhorn375]

they're starting not too

[@jonwilliam8337]

Rockets are adept at losing, this century at least. Westbrick is their kinda guy.

[@SirTaeman]

anodyne57 nights like last game are kinda why

[@SirTaeman]

The game before last*

[@jsfbr]

Westbrook will never change as a shooter, and his basketball IQ will remain at its present level indefinitely. He plays in the very same way as he did in OKC when he still had KD and JH with him. The same way that led KD to sheer desperation and led him to conclude he would never have a chance at the title if he kept his association with RW and ultimately led him to quit OKC and move to GSW.

[@Yeeah_Budyy]

He left OKC because it was best for his career, but he joined GSW because he is a bitch

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

Looking at guys like Westbrook and Simmons, I wonder how Jason Kidd ever had a career. He not only couldn't shoot, he couldn't drive and finish.

[@Yeeah_Budyy]

@johnDomain he was smart because he left, but was a pussy because he went to GSW (OKCs biggest rival and the team he lost after 3:1 lead)

[@jsfbr]

I see your point. Commenting on KD's questionable, highly criticized moves in and out of the Warriors would fill a good number of pages, for sure.

[@tays8088]

KD left cause he couldn't put the team on his back. Choked as usual

[@mafiantinocrown631]

Welcome to the club RUSSELL WEDTBROOK, said CARMELO ANTHONY 😂😂😂

[@lpy1102]

Totally agree, every time when the opponents try to double team Harden at logo, they had no answer, except pass to Russ for iso or Capela fail those layups (I don't know why this guy had never improved since he was Howard's backup) they do need one more consistent scoring option. As their cap space is ultimately surpass the luxury tax line to sign any guys, besides the chance of trading, healthy Eric Gordon now is likely their only hope to break down the double team on Harden because he can shoot and cut to break down the defense.

[@kingjames95321]

Im hoping Daryl morey is looking at Julius randle or a morris bro

[@lpy1102]

@@kingjames95321 maybe signing Jeff Green with minimum contract is one of the biggest thing they can do right now, their lineup is really short honestly...... They need some good front court to impact.

[@kingjames95321]

@@lpy1102 i forgot jeff green just got dropped he would be a nice fit and finally some athleticism at the 4

[@mshbeatbox]

They just should figure out counter attacks and thats it

[@Senbonzakuraaaapp]

Trade westbrook

[@andyoooooobun]

Best way to beat Harden: Let WB get the ball

[@westbrookmvp4789]

Andy Bun lmao u haters only talk when they lose .

[@lkg7467]

@@westbrookmvp4789 Na Westbrick can't hit a 3 to save his lifeb,even when he's having a good game.

[@rashongrisby791]

@@lkg7467 Russ just shot 3/4 from three the game before this 🤣🤣, the mind is a horrible thing to waste

[@lkg7467]

@@rashongrisby791 So are you just gonna ignore the fact that he is averaging less than 24% from 3 this season. 🤦🏾‍♂️The mind is a horrible thing to waste indeed.

[@dopefresh6231]

LKG Variety hating ass

[@CelticsDude22]

This is just a video explaining how Westbrook sucks😂

[@WBCY2024]

Which is true

[@Stunt877]

This whole channel is a Westbrook hate channel he makes videos when Russ does bad but not when Russ does good. He didn't make a video about rockets beating clippers but wanna do a video every time rockets lose

[@VarsitySniper]

IamaGod StuntGod exactly how is no one else seeing this

[@kevinseveneleven]

Nah it's an indictment of D'Antoni, just another example of him sitting there with no counter to an opposing coach change in strategy

[@LynxSASW]

​@@Stunt877 bro this channel is about coaching, good decisions, playmaking and genius basketball minds, that is the ONE thing russel is not. He is athletic, fast, strong but not the smartest guy, he will be criticized until he change this, stfu and stop crying

[@jsfbr]

"No soup for you!" from Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" episode caught me off guard! 😂😂😂

[@Noted423]

Steve kerr thanks for everything u have done for GSW MVP!!! #loyalGsWfan

[@dopefresh6231]

Bandwagons

[@brionsog2186]

The more I see Draymond, the more I respect his game. He’s the real deal. So smart on the court

[@theokingshango]

good morning

[@matthieusaade3616]

He's a 100M scrub

[@inojin9648]

Belated good morning guys

[@palimo3653]

Same old Russ just a different team.

[@makis7383]

AFTER 1 FREAKING GAME???? JUST STFU

[@jakerizkallah4522]

makis papachristou after like 30 games

[@wyatt5167]

@@makis7383 didnt know the season started yesterday. With that in mind I gotta say, the amount of preseason games they have is ridiculous

[@jjthe13th]

Same player new team.. much like Lonzo But in Russ s defense, Clippers tried this but failed coz he was making his shots

[@dantheman6888]

@@jakerizkallah4522 hes played well for most of that 30

[@castleford2591]

So the moral of the story is, let Janes Harden bring up the ball, they double, Harden cuts backdoor as the defense scrambles back into position, Harden gets freethrows? It just comes down to whether or not Harden's ego will allow him to move offball so that he can get the ball back, instead of just passing it and sulking.

[@fixyourteeth4409]

When Harden stands at half court, he takes two men's attention, which is actually more beneficial for Russ.

[@hiradthebest1376]

Dude Harden doesn’t have an ego

[@alpacino134]

7:09 that MVP defense lmao

[@DeaDAss-gi6vp]

how is that his faul, he helped and contested his not a fucking shot blocker hes a guar, youre an idiot

[@44aljo]

Mavs, Raptors, Spurs... Everyone did it and they were succesefull against the Beard

[@Kirbystare1992]

Clippers and raptors lost don’t forget to mention that

[@imcoolwiththat9668]

Potegniga raptors lost the game, spurs 1W and 1L.. so your point is invalid (no matter what they do, harden is fine.. as long as the other rockets deliver something little bit)

[@davidahrner4876]

The beard has been very effective against this defense, but it is up to The other guys to score when Harden is doubled

[@СепиханСепиханов-ь5ъ]

IMO houston will be able to adapt to this defense in PO, so harden will change his playstyle

[@rollwash4432]

The first team to used this defence was the nuggets and everybody else copy

[@jjthe13th]

Am I seeing this right? In one play Harden jerks his head back to draw the foul...typical Harden.. tricking the refs eyes. But in another, he takes the time to slap *HIS OWN HAND* to simulate a foul after he shoots? Seriously? Tricking the refs ears too? Auditory flopping?! This is some next level stuff!

[@willlomagno8920]

Do a video on the Bucks Sixers game please

[@Ay-sd1sj]

no

[@sofoklis1031]

@@Ben-dp7fx Embiid??? I guess you didn't watch the game lmao

[@mscottlawrence2037]

@@sofoklis1031 oh so what Joel didn't own Giannis? I think he did

[@JZBxTrip]

No. No! Just No! Let us forget about that embarrassment.

[@sofoklis1031]

@@mscottlawrence2037 When did he own giannis he wasn't even being guarded by him. He never did anything to "OWN" giannis lol

[@StuddedsBurner]

Hardens inability to move without the ball is going to continue to hinder the rockets. He needs to take after the prime splash brothers and D’Antoni needs to incorporate some championship level ball movement off of these pin downs to keep his job

[@edsoncharlotin8755]

@@sosalaflare7364 dantoni and playin with realy bad teams lol

[@StuddedsBurner]

Elias Boss it’s fair to say he got lazy and decides to take himself out the play because of the offensive culture that’s been in place since he’s arrived in Houston. With it always being a one man show and iso ball he’s just picking up habits that aren’t essential to breaking down a defense without the ball in your hands for 80% of the shot clock

[@5at5una]

@@sosalaflare7364 they dont want to tire him out early in the game with huge distance travel on the court with rocket analytic. the maybe figure how to minimise the effort for maximum pay.. hance jacking up 3s

[@edumarques9058]

@@sosalaflare7364 scheme

[@GEEZYEA777]

TyStudXVI - “Always iso ball” sounds like someone just started watching Harden lol

[@7ludi]

It was interesting that the times they didn't immediately double Harden in the 2nd Quarter were when Westbrook was on the bench.

[@TheGrindcorps]

7ludi not interesting. Just the team all year.

[@冬甩賓治]

Harden wishes the Rockets traded for Damian Lillard instead of Russ

[@fbicorporation6931]

Or kept cp3 lmao

[@godofdreamzzz]

johnDomain facts

[@Stunt877]

@johnDomain yeah no he's not lol rockets lose 1 game and y'all talk shit not every team can win every game it's not like the rockets on a 5 game losing streak

[@fbicorporation6931]

@@Stunt877 the rockets never had these types of problems last smh. The only problem last year was injury lack of defense. They still have the defensive problem tho. The only thing westbrook has brought to this team was a better fast break presence

[@Stunt877]

@@fbicorporation6931 the rockets did have way more problems last year. Did you idiots forget harden had to go on a scoring rampage around this time last year just to put rockets back in the playoffs

[@playap9977]

The warriors are a well coached team, they executed their game plan perfectly

[@CAPRISUNBLAZE]

hey coach, u should make a series where u discuss the game plans and sets u would run for struggling and or teams of interest. then bring in other coaches and youtube content creators to then discuss high priority games like christmas games. u should take one team and make a plan then have the guest take the opposite team and create a game plan in response. show us how coaches use their players, minutes, etc.

[@chongymeister14]

Rockets shouldve kept CP3 LMAO

[@lionman3378]

CP3 can't play a lick of defense and only scores 11-12pts a game while only averaging 6assist oer game playing with James harden. Russ is a huge upgrade from chris Paul.

[@cameronciampichini9]

@@lionman3378 I'd take cp3 because of his floor spacing (3pt shooting %) and decision making. CP3 has great decision making. Russ is good at best and reckless at his worst. Westbrook just is very inconsistent.

[@rodneymarc9636]

@@lionman3378 Chris Paul 2018: 15.6 ppg 8.2 Ast Chris Paul 2017: 18.6 ppg 7.9 Ast And his defensive iq is pretty good so..

[@MuckNoya]

lion man stop looking at stats dickhead. Efficiency and IQ make cp3 a better pg than russ period. Not to mention assist to turnover

[@jimmychu1783]

Lmao but they're both terrible in the rockets system.

[@pspismyname02]

Russ: *great stretch of basketball* Bballbreakdown: Russ: *has one game* Bballbreakdown: *leaves family during christmas to make a video*

[@varunjoshi2627]

I always get this feeling that Harder sometimes focus on getting fouled intentionally and when the playoff comes refs just don't give foul calls that easy. Rockets play is too unpredictable, you can't rely on them.

[@Frank-hv7xj]

I always stood with the fact that CP was better fit for Houston than Harden.

[@robbnoble1509]

And definitely better than Westbrook

[@schoolboy1984]

Yea an no .... cp injured too much... can’t rely on a guy who never available

[@Frank-hv7xj]

@@schoolboy1984 true

[@Gosinyanglee]

With cp3 they almost got to the finals but we don’t know with russ!! Will see who’s the better fit after this season

[@DeaDAss-gi6vp]

@@sanderseymour2495 they still did lol and cp3 lost the 3/4 all playoffs

[@RuilinLinRyan]

I can only imagine how much this defense messed w Russ’s ego, seeing defenders leave him open

[@WhitePillMan]

this should have been done years ago. nba coaches are dumb

[@JC-li8kk]

Clippers did the same thing and he torched them. Just an off night.

[@prime2239]

So at 0:39 were gonna pretend James harden didn't clap his own hand😂😂

[@jjerrodaustin]

Exactly

[@thabigkahoona]

He was motioning to the ref that he got fouled

[@geno1525]

“In honor of Ben Simmons” I died 😂😂😂😂

[@thebasketballg.o.a.t3993]

3:27 Did he just throw it off his teammates shoulder?

[@zenshirou3201]

8:45 Mike d'antoni looks like a scientist

[@cashboi6258]

*NO SOUP FOR YOU* Lol

[@elmerwilber3308]

Have you ever heard of a team willingly leave an MVP winner alone?

[@extersew23]

Jeremy Lin needs to be back in Houston. Bye to Westbrook

[@makis7383]

STFU

[@s.cookie1136]

makis papachristou loser hahahahaha

[@LoveAshleyCash1]

Linsanity was a BUST

[@hardenthegoat3754]

It’s not the first time teams try this defense and most of the time it doesn’t work but when Harden’s teammates go cold it can work

[@alexandrameganco8104]

Kerr knows how to counter Harden they been kicking his ass for five consecutive years.

[@mikewilliams6506]

Lol I love it, Houston beats the Clippers, " I don't have room for a vid " as soon as they lose u make a vid instantly 😂

[@youngboycarriedamyr]

Difference is Harden wasnt defended well and this team lost to the Warriors who is last in the west

[@JC-li8kk]

lToxicSharpl Harden wasn’t defended well?? Are we talking about the same Clippers team with Pat Beverly, Kawhi, and PG?

[@asceofspades1236]

@@youngboycarriedamyr difference is Rockets aren't going to try 100% against the shitty ass Warriors (which is a problem, Harden doesn't need to drop 40 a night if the team just plays consistent defence for the whole game, but after getting a 10+ pt lead, they'll take their foot off the gas and let teams back into the game). But they'll take games against the best teams seriously... hence why they're 2-1 on clippers, smashed Philly, 1-1 Nuggets with the first loss being due to injuries + tough schedule (b2b game @ Denver + 3rd game in 4th days + depleted roster) and the most recent result being nearly a 30 pt blowout for the Rockets... only other L to a top team apart from that Nuggets game was first game of the season against Bucks; Harden and Gordon were cold asf to start the season - Harden was 2/13 from the field that game and Gordon was 4/19... yet they still only lost by 6 points lmao

[@asceofspades1236]

@@JC-li8kk Yep, the same team that Harden is winning 2-1 against so far this season, whilst averaging 37.3 ppg on 72% True Shooting LMAOOO, whilst averaging 15 FTA/game. Of course, you're going to cry about Harden flopping, cause you're a salty hater, without realising that 'tHe bEsT dEfEnCe iN tHe lEaGuE' couldn't help but foul Harden and send him to the line several times a game - and EVEN THEN that was not an effective strategy for shutting Harden down, as he still absolutely KILLED them from the field with his shooting. He's made 17/35 3's in those 3 games - that's an average of 5.7 MADE three pointers a game on 48.6% shooting ;)

[@JC-li8kk]

Kabhi Sri What does what I said have anything to do with Harden? I’m saying there’s no way the Warriors play better defense on Harden than the Clippers. Harden had 11 assists 2 turnovers and shot over 50%. That’s not good defense. The only reason they won is b/c Westbrook missed wide open shots. The other Rockets didn’t shoot well either, but Westbrook was 0/8 from 3 and they didn’t even guard him. He had 40 pts against the Clippers. So the only difference between the 2 games is Westbrook missed his shots against the Warriors and made them against the Clippers. Had nothing to do with guarding Harden. He gets double teamed every night and still averages 38 points. If the other Rockets shoot 40% they win.

[@victorhugomartinez8473]

Rockets are the most boring team to watch right now. Why not try to put Russ on the short roll?

[@frankyfourfingers8913]

Just imagine being on Harden's team lol.

[@norpriest521]

@@frankyfourfingers8913 Yeah I told people many times. Harden and Dantoni, together they won't win a chip 😂 They're fucking chokers

[@EJGARCIIA]

Nor Priest because loosing to the best team of all time is choking

[@JasonJia11]

@@EJGARCIIA uh, what? Harden consistently choked in every playoff series throughout the years, on different teams too.

[@nicknickens6653]

Jason Jia false

[@IDBTVPoweredbyCXD]

Great Analysis man, love your wisdom. Thanks for your brilliant ideas.

[@troubledouble2306]

Harden not willing to move offball is hurting the Rockets' consistency on offense. They'll improve way more than Isolating Harden every night

[@phealixosrs1831]

Trouble Double the only times the rockets played good today is when harden iso’d

[@MuckNoya]

Jwilly G and clearly lost you idiot

[@heigherheights21]

Because Harden's defender does not leave him no defender who guards him helps that is why you see so many iso ball.

[@EJGARCIIA]

Trouble Double Have you ever heard harden say he’s not willing to?

[@abemickeygaming7742]

Thats not the problem u cant double him if Westbrook is doing his job...hes to inefficient

[@sahilarora2009]

Was waiting for this video ,knew only you would make it ! Thanks :)

[@palimo3653]

I guess when Harden is about 35 then he will finally have a coach that makes him move around without the ball in his hands

[@FR0Z0NEkeys]

That will be when he gets another legit chance to win a chip. With this style of play? No way.

[@yunan9610]

Trade Harden for Curry

[@FR0Z0NEkeys]

@@yunan9610 this isn't 2K.

[@norpriest521]

@@FR0Z0NEkeys Harden should already know that the way the rockets play today won't win him a ring. But I guess he only cares about his edgy step back and all those stats he puts up. Who cares about a ring, right? 😂

[@norpriest521]

@@yunan9610 kawhi > Curry

[@sketchison4005]

The rockets need a team with all starters that shoot threes, well, this would completely ruin double teams on harden would almost always result in an open shooter with decent off ball movement. Russ gotta work on his shooting, he looks nervous or something

[@YTWYOUTUBETEENSWRESTLING]

For now.. I think the return of Eric Gordon a 20ppg scorer will prevent this from happening. Because he can shoot from the outside and create is own shot at a very high level. It adds another threat on the floor so they can't leave him open. Rockets are the real deal.

[@mamatz1262]

Maybe 15ppg since he is aging and coming back from injury

[@mems1224]

@Patrick Bateman he's always ass at the start of the season

[@alpacino134]

The real deal? Lmao

[@10_bimabriliandhikaa50]

well, if russ isn't as selfish as now

[@carinacarmo4788]

Bima Brillian Russ this season is not selfish at all

[@Dhruv1SCeLT]

And this why you need a Post Up Player... The double team play can be rooted off by the Post Up Plays...

[@husseinmurray4705]

D’Antoni is to blame for this. When all you do is rely on your great players to iso and make plays, it’s incredibly easy to eventually come up with a game plan to stop it. D’Antoni has virtually no off ball movement, ESPECIALLY with Harden and Westbrook. He’s an incredibly overrated coach

[@dnoypi206]

The problem is, Harden appears to be uninterested moving on the floor without the ball after he passes it. Nothing could happen after he's trapped.

[@TheNorthie]

Dennis Kuizon there is a vid on twitter of Harden just watching his team scramble for the loose ball and he is still slowly walking up from half court

[@alphadimov9905]

I (a worriors fan)am stunnned that they won againts the rockets

[@stormz7282]

ok *worriors* fan

[@filiperufino303]

@@stormz7282 Imao😂😂

[@harveyscottz]

@@stormz7282 it's about right. As a *worriors* fan, he *worries*

[@alphadimov9905]

@@harveyscottz yeah you got it right

[@mamatz1262]

Same boi But i am a warriors fan 😂😂

[@JoeyIsaiah]

Loving that Seinfeld “No soup for you” reference, feel like I’m the only 23 year old that watches that show throughout over and over still 😂😂

[@bballbreakdown]

Haha thanks!!

[@stolensentience]

GOAT sitcom

[@hudsonhudz]

carmelo laughing from rip city lol

[@marshae8089]

More like cp3 laughing in okc while making that open 3 russ be missing

[@stolensentience]

More like fertitta laughing all the way to the bank

[@dominicl118]

I dont want to jump the gun but It could be beneficial to take russ out of the starting lineup.

[@MrBrachiatingApe]

Yeah, he could be a *lethal* lead guard for the second unit, even with sub-Ben Simmons shooting.

[@gabrielnieves9974]

@@kckc7140 the thing is he's being really inconsistent. When a player like Russ is putting good numbers some nights and really bad one's in other nights we have a problem. I know that Russ is a human being, he is not perfect, but he is hurting the team because of how he is playing.

[@kckc7140]

@@gabrielnieves9974 how is he hurting the team? Lmao, do u even watch the games? The man has been avg 30 points the last 10 games, the rockets were 8-2 in that stretch, everyone has bad games, Russ is an elite player who had one of his off nights, dude hasn't had a bad game in two weeks, I think ur overreacting, watch the games before u say some dumb shit, rockets are 21-10 which is 3 games behind from the #1 seed, Russ is helping and not hurting

[@TheGrindcorps]

Been saying that since preseason.

[@Stunt877]

@@kckc7140 exactly these mfs love to talk shit when rockets lose a game and overreact. It's not like the rockets on a 10 game losing streak of they were then I would seed but these idiots act like rockets got to win every game of the season.

[@draxoz7949]

When a team works together and plays defense anyone can win like lets be honest on paper majority of us thought that rockets had an easy game and some the bucks vs 76ers would’ve been a close game but playing pro level defense rather than all-star game defense can stop a good offense focused team

[@OtherJesus]

Harden: Never afraid to bitch out and disappear in those big moments.

[@MrDLHarris]

So the way to stop Harden is to wait until Westbrook finally has a bad game... wow that's brilliant 🤦🏾‍♂️ Y'all have to stop basing everything off of one game

[@Michael-mt6yb]

No the plan is to get the ball out of his hands and make others playmakers and shooters. The goal is to disrupt their offense.

[@Michael-mt6yb]

Also this is not based off one game it’s based off several recent games.

[@bluesrockfan36]

@@Michael-mt6yb Oh you mean the last 10 games when Westbrook is averaging 30 points on 48% shooting? Yea ... sure. Name one recent game other than this one where Westbrook or the Rockets played bad. They only had 3 losses this month. 2 of them on the road. That's a better record than the Lakers. So, zip it.

[@ymjtuk3374]

bluesrockfan36 😂😂 exactly one game Westbrook was missing now it’s a problem I tell you about stupid people 😂

[@jadedragon5541]

which is 90% of his games.

[@thirtyacres7504]

Gotta make the defense work. And in order to do that is, work on 3-point shooting. When opponents respect your 3-point shot, it's over. Same with 3-way scoring ability.

[@eyeofagamotto6078]

Imagine 2017 and 2018 MVP'S lost to 15TH SEED LMAO fix your mistakes Rockets

[@Beingben247]

I love how you watch only one game where that worked and say now it worked

[@dantheman6888]

The clips and raptors did it and the rockets won both so it's not a sound defensive plan

[@bballbreakdown]

It worked so it works 🤷🏻‍♂️🏀😅

[@Beingben247]

Dan The Man yeah he’s just baiting

[@Beingben247]

BBALLBREAKDOWN then why didn’t you make a video of when it didn’t work???? You just love to haye

[@dantheman6888]

@@bballbreakdown it only works if the role players don't hit their shots, and that won't happen most of the time, oh and the refs bailed them out, remember this games was still close

[@KingA-jl2jq]

They should move Russel into the midrange and hope he can hit that shot, like the Warriors did with Draymond when Zach Collins was sagging of Draymond at the 3 point line, and disrupting the play in that Warriors-Trail Blazers regular season game 1 or 2 years ago. It was a good temporary counter but I'm pretty sure Draymond shoots better than Russell, which is kinda sad but true.

[@edumarques9058]

"The analytics says to not shoot the mid range"

[@KingA-jl2jq]

@@edumarques9058 *Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant would like to know your location*

[@HappilyEverEvan]

@@KingA-jl2jq McCollum too

[@mykeviper]

I really like how you breakdown games on a play by play analysis. keep it up! your fan here.

[@Cobusftwmahoniez]

Westbrook has the worst decisionmaking

[@Miltonman100]

I love Westbrook yr but niggas was mad at me last week when I said Rooting for Westbrook n HArden can be frustrating sometimes because they get in their own way more often than not.

[@w00t777]

Low basketball IQ westbrick

[@LoveAshleyCash1]

Oh yeah

[@otakurocklee]

The guy sucks at defense. He always loses his man. They keep talking about how he works hard... certainly not on defense.

[@ruddinnasir]

Isn't this what the Clippers also tried to do but Russ just made them pay?

[@rimskyrichard8651]

Yep not just Russ but the other role players were hitting their shots.

[@hoanghale2671]

It was the risk they want to take.

[@deejaay387]

The warriors just leaving russ open in 3 and defend him in the paint in case he drives. The clippers not leaving russ wideopen so thats why russ easily drives to the basket. And also they did not stop the fastbreak points by russ.

[@isaiahbailey2733]

They affected them mentally too

[@htdo2003]

it's all about how much Russ wanted..... at clippers he play hard since his families are there at the game....

[@dmytroskrypka]

Just another nail in the Westbrook coffin. Time to start betting when he will be out of the league

[@relevantjay7617]

He won’t be out of league any time soon

[@jimmychu1783]

He should've just stayed in OKC and took the money tbh. He won't win a chip(probably) so just take the bag, and build on your brand.

[@kckc7140]

24/8/8 yeah that's certainly nail in the coffin, one bad game a dudes over react

[@Stunt877]

@@talktome975 Westbrook isn't that athletic anymore this how I know you idiots don't watch the games

[@dmytroskrypka]

@@kckc7140 I'm very consistent in my opinion of Westbrook

[@arkangel5116]

No one noticed Damion Lee and 3.26. He passed it of his shoulder

[@MrYoumitube]

Simmons sag...that's harsh coach!

[@daltongross5400]

Great video man keep up the great work

[@isaacyim536]

Please do LA

[@VanSanProductions]

hey coach! just wanted to let you know there is 1080p60 feeds available now.

[@joerk992]

Remember when the rockets ranked 2nd in defense after the all start break last year? Yeah, that’s gone

[@StewartRoss]

Well done Spurs & Warriors. I hope every team adopts similar defensive plays. 👍

[@torispeaks2718]

No one’s gonna talk about the main key to their success? Harden only shot one single free throw!

[@tmstudios2713]

MADE one single free throw

[@bnard3745]

He had 55 and 54 on 5 and 6 freethrows so stop it

[@torispeaks2718]

B Nard I was referring to this game lol.

[@KrisMavericko]

Beautiful explanation & analysis. Well done mate

[@jasonr3165]

let Russ shot 2 rather than 3. Problem solved.

[@skwong94]

still bricks

[@jjthe13th]

Bricks.. PLUS mid range is to the Rockets what rabbies is to us.. something to be avoided at all costs

[@hoanghale2671]

Russ can only make shots driving to the hoop

[@benjaminwong1369]

Hey coach, could you do a video on how DAL have the best efficiency in the NBA and what they’re doing well and more importantly what there players aren’t doing that are leading to a higher efficiency?

[@DOUBLETAPM4A1]

I don't get how Russ shot so well during his mvp season (well for him especially with the volume he shot) with that form but now he can't hit anything with it. Judging by how many threes he takes, I'm assuming he's thinking they'll just start falling eventually, but he clearly needs to make some sort of change either with his form or just stop taking so many damn threes. I'm a big Russ fan and I know his shot selection isn't great, but damn he was an mvp for a reason and he needs to go back to those roots. He was punishing double and triple teams play after play with zero shooters around him in OKC and still dropping 30+ game after game and now he can barely score when they're not even defending him at all and they're doubling harden. It's so frustrating watching the rockets offense as a long time Russ fan. Hope Russ does something I want us to upset them "longtime" LA fans lmao

[@bluesrockfan36]

You clearly don't watch games.

[@DOUBLETAPM4A1]

@@bluesrockfan36 I've watched almost every rockets game this season and when Russ was on OKC I watched a majority of those games as well. I'm not afraid to say I'm a Russ fan more than a rockets/okc fan. My area has no team so that's just what I do lol

[@bluesrockfan36]

@@DOUBLETAPM4A1 The you should realize that Russ shooting has drastically improved. He's shooting in the 88-90's from FT. His at the rim shooting percentage went through the roof and his mid-range and 3pt game (with the exception of this game) has seen a drastic uptick. He's improving. Considering he didn't train all summer.

[@DOUBLETAPM4A1]

@@bluesrockfan36 my mistake for not clarifying. I'm talking specifically about his 3 point shot. Not his overall shooting like going to the rim and his mid ranges. I'm talking strictly about his 3 point shot. It just doesn't seem like what he's doing right now is working and it's a shame to not see him make much of a change. I watch the games and I know his shot selection inside the three point line is better right now but when talking about outside the three point line, open or not it's almost always a bad shot if it's Russ taking the three (at least at the moment). During his mvp season you had to respect his three ball. He wasn't Steph curry efficient obv with his 3 but he was shooting way better than his abysmal like low 20% from three. He's gotta do something about the three or just stop taking it imo

[@gabrielnieves9974]

@@DOUBLETAPM4A1 the thing is his shot is broke. He jumps way to high when he shoots.

[@makis7383]

Videos coach Nick has made for the Rockets; vs Heat, vs Spurs & vs GSW

[@s.cookie1136]

makis papachristou stfu loser

[@alexiscando5709]

Yeah, 3 games that Russ is HORRIBLE but ignored the games Russ is on fire

[@TheGrindcorps]

Alexis Cando because this is typical russ.

[@kostaskatsaras1111]

I was sure that the Rockets made a mistake sending away CP3

[@MD-cy8uj]

It was a mistake keeping him too.

[@kostaskatsaras1111]

@@MD-cy8uj look, I'm not a Rockets fan. If we compare Russ and CP3 as 3 pointer shooters, CP3 is a lot better. Okey, he never had Russ' athletic ability. In the beginning I wasn't sure if Russ was going to be a perfect fit, but as I saw and agreed with the video he will never be unless Harden accepts and learn how to play off-ball! As he learns, they are going to be a very scary team.

[@joshloach7670]

And they thought trading Cp3 was the answer.!

[@ST-tf4sq]

Loved you calling harden a "foul drawer" at the end. People dont realize how much him drawing silly fouls helps the team.

[@nickcarter299]

Yet hes dropped over 30 with less than 5 ft a game past 5 stop hating.

[@shaft9000]

OP wasn't even being critical. drawing fouls is a formidable skill. "stop hating".. lol.... 'lil niggie , please. were u helicopter-mom'd into hypersensitivity or what?

[@JC-li8kk]

Idk why ppl think they’re insulting Harden by saying he draws fouls. Jordan was a foul drawer. Kobe. Dirk. Wilt. All the greats were skilled at drawing fouls.

[@万能的夜]

@@nickcarter299 It's not about his ft quantity， the way he got those calls , it's ugly

[@Jeffberg42]

Coach I'm surprised you didn't know that Nurse is the coach that first went to this defense on Harden this year. Kerr mentioned Toronto's creativity with this defense and Zac Lowe talks about the defense and other teams interest in it.

[@salvatore.s1901]

As a rockets fan , yes I agree this deffense is slowing him down but once we get Eric Gordon back where gonna be good

[@vcertifiedhorse4280]

Salvatore .S yea it will slow anyone down if your teammates have an off game and your pg is literally the worst shooter in the league

[@nerdymidwesterner3662]

3:24 it kinda looks like he threw it off his back from this angle 😂😂

[@wusselrestbrook3217]

Which begs the question Refs or Russ?😂😂

[@0devildante0]

Hahahahahah after eliminating "CP3 injury" I guess that leaves those two options now..

[@JaredAlexanderStevenson]

@bballbreakdown that's why I always said they need a stretch 5. Why? Because if you put Westbrook in those situations where he's playing 4 on 5, and the center has to respect the shooter like a Kevin Love or recently available Dwayne Dedmond. Then it's 4 on 5 with no rim protector, or it's bombs away. Pick your poison!