Houston Rockets: 5 Keys to Climbing Out of 0-2 Hole

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May 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) reacts after making a three point basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Bench Play

The Houston Rockets have built a second unit that primarily consists of players with questionable pasts on the court. Some have struggled with inconsistency and age, while others have gone from borderline All-Stars to role players while still in their prime.

During the Western Conference Semifinals, a perfect storm was brewing.

The Rockets’ bench, specifically Corey Brewer and Josh Smith, led an unbelievable 19-point comeback during Game 6 of Houston’s surprising series victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. That was the embodiment of how good it can be.

That doesn’t mean it’ll always show up.

During the final two games of the Rockets’ comeback against the Clippers, Houston’s second unit averaged 35.5 points per game. In the other five games—three blowout losses and a pair of foot-on-the-brake wins—the bench averaged 25.0 points per game.

In two games against the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets’ bench is averaging 21.0 points per game. Both of those games were close losses.

Next: Healthy or Not?

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