Houston Rockets Need To Focus On Defense In 2015-16 Stretch Run

By Dave Daniels

The Houston Rockets have had a tumultuous season. James Harden and Dwight Howard aren’t exactly getting along like bosom buddies, but this team still has the talent to make a playoff run. They were both bickering to the media before the trade deadline, and it is honestly surprising that no one got moved.

They were in the Western Conference finals last year, though, and it could be that former head coach Kevin McHale was holding them back from a higher ceiling. That is unlikely, but we won’t know for sure until they get there. McHale didn’t get a fair chance this season, but that is the way it goes for most NBA coaches. He’ll eventually get a shot somewhere else if he wants it.

Trading for Ty Lawson turned out to be a horrible idea, and general manager Daryl Morey will have to answer for that. The Rockets should focus on their defensive effort in the last month of the season, because that is an area where they have struggled in the past. Harden, in particular, shows a complete lack of concentration on defense at times, and this filters down to his teammates.

Howard can be better on that end as well, and he should be more vocal on the court to insure the back line stays protected. Patrick Beverley and Josh Smith can provide help on defense also; however, it is always on the stars who set the tone for how their team plays.

The Rockers will certainly have their hands full in the first round, because they’re likely to face the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder. Either of those teams would be difficult for the Rockets to beat, and that is why they must be on point defensively when the playoffs start. The stretch run will tell us a lot about what Houston can do in the postseason.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like