Rockets’ Winning Streak Hides Defensive Woes
The Houston Rockets are basking in the glow of a three-game winning streak, boasting impressive victories against the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers. While any winning run deserves recognition, experts caution that the nature of these wins may obscure deeper issues lurking beneath the surface.
Assessing the Competition
Two of the teams the Rockets triumphed over, the Cavaliers and Pacers, have struggled significantly this season. The Pacers, in particular, sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, far from being a formidable opponent. Historically, the Rockets have had difficulty maintaining focus against teams they perceive as lesser, making these victories less reassuring. The win against the Lakers on Christmas Day, while a highlight, raises questions about its significance. The Lakers, currently fifth in the Western Conference, are still a team in flux, lacking the cohesion necessary for a championship push.
As it stands, the Rockets hold a record of 20-10, placing them fourth in the West and 5-5 over their last ten games. However, this positive record belies troubling trends in their overall performance.
Defensive Decline Raises Concerns
According to insights from analysts, including Zach Harper, the team’s foundational strength is increasingly compromised. “The Rockets’ identity is built on being stronger than most teams, more physical on the interior and the boards, and playing defense as well as pretty much everybody,” Harper points out. Yet, recent weeks have seen a stark decline in this defensive prowess.
Once lauded for their robust defensive capabilities, having ranked fifth last season and second through their first 21 games this year, the Rockets have recently slipped to 21st in defensive ratings. Their record over the last seven games stands at a concerning 3-4, with a particularly dismal showing in defensive efficiency.
Key Defensive Metrics Deteriorate
Harper further elaborates on the areas where the Rockets are faltering. They struggle to force turnovers, have difficulty keeping opponents off the free-throw line, and, crucially, are not preventing shots from going in at an acceptable rate. “The only thing they’ve done well during this time is rebound,” Harper noted. This defensive drop-off is alarming for a team that has built its identity under head coach Ime Udoka on tenacity and defensive integrity.
As December progresses, the Rockets find themselves ranked 17th in defensive efficiency for the month, a stark contrast to their earlier performances. The upcoming months will be pivotal as the Western Conference landscape evolves, especially with the Rockets inching closer to full strength following injury setbacks.
In summary, while the Rockets may celebrate their recent victories, experts urge caution. The team’s defensive struggles, if not addressed, could lead to significant challenges as they navigate the competitive Western Conference. The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, and the Rockets will need to rediscover their defensive identity to maintain their position in the playoff race.
