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Rockets’ defense has been great since All-Star Break

James Harden

When people usually think of the Houston Rockets and head coach Mike D’Antoni, they think of lots of scoring and a very fast-paced offense.

However, since the All-Star break, Houston has actually been owners of the third-best defense in terms of opponents’ points according to a graphic posted earlier today on ABC during the Rockets’ 100-83 road loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Rockets Defense

The NBA on ABC

Although the Rockets held the Spurs to 100 points, the Houston offense had its worst shooting game all season by going just 26-of-77 from the field as a team against a stout San Antonio defense.

Despite the fact that Houston has already locked up home-court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs, coach D’Antoni reiterated that his guys simply cannot afford to relax right now.

“We just didn’t bring it. We just weren’t sharp. We haven’t been sharp now for about three or four games. It hasn’t just been one or two days. That’s scary when you rest guys,” D’Antoni said after Sunday’s contest, per Tim McMahon of ESPN. “You’ve got to play. You’ve got to bring it, and you’ve got to bring it every day. We’ll get it back.”

Rockets superstar guard James Harden, who had 25 points and eight assists during today’s loss, echoed his coach’s words that Houston needs to wake up a bit.

“We’ve coasted these last few games,” Harden said, who 37-of-99 from the field and a dismal 6-of-40 from behind the arc his past five games. “It’s time to amp it up a little bit. Just get our minds and our bodies right and get ready to go.”

On Tuesday night, the Rockets (62-15) will return to host the playoff-bound Washington Wizards at Toyota Center for the first game of a three-game homestand.

The post Rockets’ defense has been great since All-Star Break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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