James brings new pitfalls
LOS ANGELES — After several days making repairs to their defense after a blowout loss to the Pelicans to open the season, the Rockets will be unable to use many of the corrections against the Lakers.
Though the Lakers play at a pace similar to the highspeed Pelicans, many of the Rockets’ mistakes came after double teams in the low-post on
Anthony Davis. The Lakers will spread the floor, rather than post up anyone in the style that led to many of the Rockets’ breakdowns. But the Lakers have their own superstar demanding attention with
LeBron James and the challenges he presents.
“They have LeBron,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said of the greatest difference. “You have to switch gears and make adjustments for every team. So they have more athleticism and less shooting and less big guys, but you make the adjustment.”
Many teams have traditionally sought to keep their defensive player best suited to match up with James on him as much as possible, but the Rockets might start with James
Ennis III or P.J. Tucker on James, but will continue to switch as he makes his way around nearly every screen.
“We’re going to switch,” D’Antoni said. “That’s what we do. You can make a case, who is our best guy? We’re comfortable with what we’re doing. We just weren’t real good at it last time.”
At least one shortcoming against the Pelicans will be a priority against the Lakers.
“You have to be as physical as possible and you have to help each other out,” guard Eric Gordon said. “You have to be in a scramble mode. Every play down the floor is not going to be perfect. You have to be in a scramble mode. ( James) draws a lot of attention. The reason we switch is we don’t let a lot of people shoot 3s or have an easy way to the basket.
“We didn’t come to play (against New Orleans). We didn’t do any of that. That’s why you have 82 games to get better. We’ll for sure make an adjustment.”
The Lakers shot badly against the Blazers in their season-opening loss, going 7-of-30 on 3-pointers, but coach Luke Walton said he was pleased with the shots they got and took. The game was played at the fastest pace of any of the season openers.
“They play extremely fast also,” guard James
Harden said. “We have to match their speed and intensity, get really good shots. Just get really good shots, make sure we get back in transition, limit them to one shot.”
Knight’s rehab is on track
The Rockets’ long-awaited update Friday on guard
Brandon Knight’s rehabilitation of his left knee offered no timetable for his return, indicating only that he is working toward “NBA-ready level of strength and mobility.”
General manager Daryl
Morey had said on media day that Knight developed an infection in his left knee following an offseason procedure the Rockets described Friday as necessary “to accelerate recovery from his previous a surgery year ago.”
He had missed all of last season following anterior cruciate ligament surgery, but returned to practice with the Suns’ summer league team only to need the follow-up procedure.
The eighth pick of the 2011 NBA draft, Knight, 6-3, averaged 15.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in six NBA seasons with the Pistons, Bucks and Suns. He had his most productive stretch with the Bucks, averaging 17.9 points and 5.1 assists per game.
The Rockets acquired Knight along with center
Marquese Chriss from Phoenix in a deal for Ryan
Anderson and secondround pick DeAnthony Melton. Chriss is out with a sprained left ankle.