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Houston Rockets: A Conversation About Their Defense

By Mauricio Putz

May 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) and guard Nick Johnson (3) in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockets 128-95 to take a 3-1 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) and guard Nick Johnson (3) in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockets 128-95 to take a 3-1 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sixty-four percent!

During the Western Conference Semifinals, the Houston Rockets‘ defense, or total lack thereof, has allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to shoot 64 percent (!!!) from inside the paint. If the previous statement is not enough to convince the Houston Rockets that it may be time to part ways with the declining Howard, I’m not sure if anything will.

HR
HR /

Sure, Dwight Howard is just one year removed from a 26-point, 17-rebound playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, he’s just coming off a 20 and 15 game against the far superior Los Angeles Clippers, and he’s been a consistent 17 points and 13 rebounds for the entire 2014-15 playoffs.

Also, with Howard on the court, the Houston Rockets are holding opponents to 95.4 points per 48 possessions and an overall plus/minus of minus-8.3, whereas without him, they allow 101.8 and minus-1.2, respectively.

Then why should the Rockets move such an important player?

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Well, for one, the Houston Rockets owe Dwight Howard the depth-crippling amount of $45.6 million over the next couple of seasons.* That is a really hefty price for an injury-riddled big man that, even though he had missed a combined 24 games throughout his first 10 seasons, just missed exactly half the season. Never a good sign for a big man.

Also, Dwight Howard is the man responsible down low. When he came into the league he immediately bestowed upon himself the “Superman” nickname, a clear reference to the previous most-dominant force in the league, Shaquille O’Neal.

No team with Dwight Howard — a player that’s supposed to be Shaq’s second coming — on its roster should ever allow an opposing offense to shoot 64-percent from inside the paint.

For perspective’s sake, even the Cleveland Cavaliers (48 percent), the Washington Wizards (55 percent), the Atlanta Hawks (54 percent) and the Chicago Bulls (49 percent) are holding opposing offenses to a lower percentage from inside the paint. The average annual salary of those team’s starting center is $10.7 million per year.

Screen Shot 2015-05-13 at 8.14.39 PM
Screen Shot 2015-05-13 at 8.14.39 PM /

Regardless, the Houston Rockets’ defense is not only at fault inside the paint.

Mid Range

HR2
HR2 /

Beyond the Arc

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Unknown /

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2 Houston Rockets international players that never played a single minute
2 Houston Rockets international players that never played a single minute /

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    • Throughout the playoffs, the Rockets have allowed 113.1 points per game — worst among the remaining teams — on .465/.337/.711 shooting.

    Sure, Dwight Howard is far from the only reason why the Houston Rockets find themselves in a 3-2 hole against the Los Angeles Clippers – General manager Daryl Morey’s offensive style, Coach Kevin McHale‘s lineups, and the array of injuries to their starting lineup are also to blame — but he just might be the biggest of them all.

    The Rockets’ defense is not only struggling against the intimidating Clippers, as a matter of fact, they also had a lot of trouble against the overachieving Dallas Mavericks.

    Nevertheless, if the Rockets want to force a Game 7 in front of their home crowd for a fighting chance at advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 18 years — and

    eventually

    hopefully the NBA Finals — their defense has to stop taking games off and go back to what made them great during the regular season.

    Based on what we’ve seen 10 games into the postseason, I wouldn’t bet on it.

    *Note: This is only if Dwight were to exercise his 2016-17 Player Option, which he obviously will.

    Next: Rockets: The End Of Howard's Era.

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