Jeremy Lin has averaged just seven points per game in the Rockets last two games. (Smiley N. Pool/Chronicle)
Rockets guard Jeremy Lin went from three-consecutive games scoring at least 20 points to three games failing to reach double figures. But Rockets coach Kevin McHale said that might indicate sluggishness and breakdowns of the Rockets’ offense as a whole more than Lin’s play, especially Wednesday against the Pacers.
That can be especially problematic because the Rockets run few plays to determine shots, instead preferring to run an offense built around pace and space. When they do play in the halfcourt and call a set, it is more often for James Harden to handle the ball in pick-and-roll.
“We’re a little more read and react,” McHale said. “It’s systemic to our team not moving the ball, not moving bodies enough, just being a little bit stagnant. Indiana puts you in positions, they do stymie you a little bit. We have to pick our pace back up. We have slowed back down some. This time of year, everybody is getting a little worn out, a little tired. We have to get our pace up.”
Lin’s minutes had been limited by Patrick Beverley’s strong play against San Antonio and the Pacers, and by the rout of the Cavaliers. In the past three games, he averaged six points per game. In the previous three games he averaged 21.7 points.
“I don’t play well without spacing and I don’t play well when we’re really not getting out in transition,” Lin said. “Those are two things we need to get better at, that coach has talked to us about, is pushing the ball more, having the wings run down all the way to the corners, having the bigs run to the post area and having me and Pat pushing the ball and trying to make something happen.
“We have to get back to that formula. It hurts me. It hurts everybody. We’re all figuring it out. I have to keep reminding myself to stay patient and see this as growth. There’s always going to be certain parts of growth you don’t like. You wish you could speed through the process, but it doesn’t work like that.”
For the point guard a lack of ball movement can be especially difficult because he is most likely to give the ball up early in the possession, but not get it back.
“It’s ebb and flow of the season,” McHale said. “Sometimes, it’s going to be there, sometimes not quite as much. He’s had some really good stretches. He’ll find it.”
