Houston Rockets: A 3-Step Guide To Make The NBA Finals

After calling himself a champion, Houston Rockets‘ self-proclaimed cornerstone Dwight Howard will likely miss the start of NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors as he tries to piss off Houston Astros fans sitting behind him:

With the start of the NBA Finals, everything related to the Rockets — a team that’s clearly not in them — immediately becomes dated, bordering on irrelevant. So, for every single Rockets fan who, after one of the most exciting Game 1s in NBA Finals history, are still desperately trying to find some relevance, here’s a step-by-step guideline stating what exactly can your team do for you to eventually reach the NBA Finals.

Step 1: Expand The Offense

Under statistical-mastermind Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets became arguably the most effective/conscious offense in the NBA. They lead the league in three-point shot attempts, 2,680, and three-point shots made, 933.

Only 14 percent of their shots came from outside the paint. During the playoffs, as opponents started running the Rockets’ shooters out of the three-point line, that number increased to 18 percent.

This is usually a good thing. The midrange jumper is, by far, the most ineffective shot in the NBA.

But when your offense relies — almost exclusively — on two weapons only, your ability to create offense (read: score points) will take a huge hit when if one of those weapons disappears.

Step 2: Find The Earl Joseph “J. R.” Smith III Of Your Life

Yes, you’ve got Josh Smith which is, undoubtedly, as much of a loose cannon and an unheralded player as his Cavaliers counterpart. However, Josh Smith is not nearly the heat check guy that J.R. is. Yes, J-Smoove kept your season alive in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and had some decent games against the Los Angeles Clippers during the Western Conference Semis, but J.R. took over Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, on the road.

And if he has shown something ever since getting to the Cavaliers, other than being a monster from beyond the arc, is that when he has an undeniable leader in his team, he’s a pretty good, borderline great NBA player. He is a personality who favors contested jump shots over wide open ones.

Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:

"“I’d rather take a contested shot than an open shot any day… It’s kind of boring when you take open shots.” – J.R. Smith"

He is a fun player.

On the other hand, as good as J-Smoove is, sometimes it seems as if not even BFFs Dwight Howard and/or James Harden want to be play with him. And he was the one to blame for the Rockets losing Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on the road.

Whereas, 15 games into the playoffs, an unheralded J.R. Smith has yet to cost the Cavs a game.*

You don’t have to go full-J.R. on us but my God, live a little, Josh!

Step 3: Leave The Western Conference

Wouldn’t you love this?

Unfortunately for the Houston Rockets, it seems as if the Golden State Warriors are taking over the league for at least a couple of years. So it would be better for the Houston Rockets — and every other team in the NBA for that matter — to not expect much out of the next three seasons.

* Keyword: yet.

Next: Golden State Warriors: 5 Lessons From NBA Finals Game 1

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