The Rockets’ most recent struggles this season are no secret to anyone who has bothered to pay attention. 1-3 in their last 4 games and a 43% field goal percentage since the New Year indicate some troubling issues with the Rockets who are now 5th in the West following last night’s loss to the Blazers.
So what, exactly, is the problem?
According to Stephen A., it’s their continued expectation that James Harden will carry them to the promised land.
Stephen A. thinks it’s time for the Rockets to stop looking at Harden as a savior and get him the help he needs.
The biggest issue, of course, remains on the defensive end — which is starting to become a trend for the D’Antoni-lead Rockets. They rank in the bottom 10 in defensive efficiency and they’re giving up an average of 114 points per game.
While some blame a roster tailored towards offense and spacing, Stephen A. also points out a lack of defensive emphasis from Mike D’Antoni.
Whatever the case, it seems arbitrary to say that defense is essential in winning a title. No doubt, the Rockets’ failures over the years can be attributed to their inability to get stops when they needed to. And their struggles now can likely be blamed on their efforts on that end as well.
