The Houston Rockets leaned on their defense as they won back-to-back playoff games in Utah. We bring you three takeaways from their latest victory, Game 4.
The Houston Rockets took care of business in the way most elite teams should Sunday night.
After dominating Utah on their own floor Friday, Houston still had more to accomplish. In their 100-87 victory in Game 4, the Rockets were less explosive offensively, but made up for it with pristine defense.
The Rockets only allowed three Jazz players to finish in double-digit scoring, with Donovan Mitchell totaling the team high at 25. But it took Mitchell 24 shots to get there in a night where he has almost as many fouls (six) as field goal makes (eight).
Defense is what’s taken Houston to the next step overall. They’re not just a pretty team that gives up as many points as they score anymore. Even their most formerly unwilling defenders will give their all on that side of the floor now.
It is really not said enough how much better James Harden's defense is. He contests Mitchell perfectly and then gets the steal off the attempted lob. He has at least one steal in every single playoff game #Rockets pic.twitter.com/BRrNLO06iQ
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) May 5, 2018
Your daily James Harden defensive update:
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) May 7, 2018
9 games 21 steals (#1 in playoffs) 7 blocks
Harden has needed the defense as he hasn’t quite been unstoppable on the offensive side of the ball in the series. The Beard connected on just 8 of 22 attempts to finish with 24 points on the night.
The real star of the night, however, was Chris Paul. He finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Game 4 and is one huge reason why this Rockets team is capable of being champions.
He’s also the beginning of our three takeaways from Game 4.