The Houston Rockets started Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on a lackluster note, allowing the Golden State Warriors to run rings around their defense in the opening quarter. Fortunately for the NBA’s top overall seed, Stephen Curry encountered foul trouble early and James Harden took over to breathe life back into the Rockets’ cause.
In what is easily the best game of both conference finals, the matchup came down to the final possession, albeit in controversial fashion on the Warriors’ end. The final score was 95-92 and the Rockets have reclaimed homecourt advantage heading into a virtual best-of-three series with Game 5 back in Houston.
What’s most notable in this game was the final score. It was uncharacteristically low scoring for both teams who are known to light up the scoreboard at any given night. But with the Rockets more locked in, the final buzzer sounded with a victory for the visitors.
After the game, Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni raved about his team’s defensive effort, saying that is has peaked in Game 4.
“I thought this is the highest level we’ve ever played defensively. Without a doubt.”
“I thought this is the highest level we’ve ever played defensively. Without a doubt.” – Mike D’Antoni #NBAPlayoffs | #DubNation pic.twitter.com/qVjB8iYWUJ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 23, 2018
While being a vaunted offensive firehouse, the Rockets’ season-long success has been attributed to their surprising defensive spark thanks to new additions Chris Paul, P.J. Tucker, and Luc Mbah a Moute. They’ve turned the table around, allowing them to grab the NBA’s best record in the regular season and the season series against the Warriors.
The Rockets are confident and are not daunted by the Warriors’ reputation. Most of all, the chemistry within this veteran group has been something that takes plenty of the coaching stress out of D’Antoni’s plate.
“You don’t have to say anything to these guys. It’s so much fun coaching them.”
“You don’t have to say anything to these guys. It’s so much fun coaching them.” – Mike D’Antoni on grit of @HoustonRockets in comeback Game 4 win #NBAPlayoffs | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/hm3dU7wtsa
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 23, 2018
The post Mike D’Antoni thinks Rockets peaked defensively in Game 4 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
