Houston, we have a problem
Last year, the Houston Rockets recorded a franchise best 65-17 record which made them No.1 in the Western Conference and in the league. They lost to the eventual champions Golden State Warriors in seven games in the Conference Finals. Despite the tough loss, the Rockets were expected to be contenders once more with a core that includes 2018 MVP James Harden, point guard Chris Paul, and Clint Capela.
However, they are in danger of having a major drop-off. 26 games into the season, the Rockets have posted a 12-14 record and is the second worst problem in Houston.
The Rockets lost forwards Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute to free agency in the offseason and acquired former All- Star Carmelo Anthony to replace them. Anthony, however, despite an obvious decrease in his playing abilities, could not stomach ways with him after 10 games.
The Rockets troubles can basically be drilled down to two factors: a terrible offense and an even worse defense. Glaringly, more than half of their shots are coming from the threepoint range. They lead the league in 3-point attempts but are only 21st in - ciency needed to execute this strategy.
Their inability to outscore opponents by burying them with threes has impacted their offensive rhythm. When they miss their long shots, teams get fast break baskets on the other end.
Harden continues to put up great offensive numbers but his running mate Paul is obviously beginning to slide from being an elite point guard. Paul is playing more minutes but (42%) is the lowest in his career.
The other is defense. The Rockets’ philosophy is a good offense is the best defense. With their offense sputtering, their defense is just terrible. The loss of starting forward Ariza, who is a premier three and D player and the Rockets’ primary defensive player, has been a bane. Mbah a Moute is also a key reserve that could not be easily replaced.
After 26 games, their defensive rating (113.7 points given up per 100 possessions) is only 26th in the league, way down from last year when they were sixth. They are also the worst rebounding team in the league (30th) from last year’s tenth. This means more, easy second-chance baskets for opposing teams.
Currently, the Rockets are trying to secure a wing shooter who can spread the defense and yet guard multiple positions. They are even looking at Cavaliers forward J.R. Smith in desperation. It is obvious that acquiring - fense (he is a streaky shooter) and defense (doesn’t know how).
If Houston keeps this pace, they .500 record and be a laughingstock. raffyrledesma@yahoo.com