Houston Rockets: In Need Of Defense

With the acquisition of Dwight Howard, the Houston Rockets had high expectations coming into the 2013-14 season.

After starting the season off 3-0, the Rockets have lost three of the last four, including a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in which they surrendered 137 points. Houston’s defensive problems seem to lie in their (in)ability to guard the perimeter.

Although Harden is one of the most prolific offensive players in the game, his defensive skills leave plenty to be desired. On several plays in the Rockets loss to the Lakers, Harden’s man was able to make a baseline cut to the basket without Harden giving him so much as a glimpse. On one play, Steve Blake cut to the basket, got the ball down low and kicked it to an open shooter in the corner for a 3-pointer.

Giving up 3-pointers has been a team wide epidemic. In their most recent loss to the Clippers, the Rockets allowed Los Angeles to attempt a franchise-record 38 3-point shots, of which they made 39.5 percent.

With Dwight Howard’s presence in the paint, opponents have a significant deterrent from driving into the lane, thus encouraging them to take more shots from outside. However, for Howard’s defensive impact to take full effect, the Rockets must be able to guard the perimeter and minimize the amount of open shots their opponents have from beyond the arc.

The Rockets offense has not changed much from last season, it still consists of a lot of fast breaks, pick and rolls and three-pointers. Unfortunately, even if you have a fast-paced, prolific offense, you’re still probably going to lose some games if you give up 137 points.

In defense of the Rockets defense, it’s still early in the season and it takes time for things to click. That being said, if Harden or Parsons decide to take a night off from playing defense, Rockets players and fans alike could be in for a long night.