Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 4 loss vs. Jazz

2. Bench fails to show up

In spite of receiving a slew of scoring contributions from several key reserves in Game 3, the Rockets’ bench failed to provide the same production on Monday night.

Houston, whose bench posted 31.3 points per game through the first three contests against Utah, manufactured only five points from the second unit on a putrid 2-for-16 shooting (12.5 percent).

"“Yeah, that’s not good,” D’Antoni told reporters when asked about Houston’s lack of bench production."

Although the Rockets did find a way to stay within striking distance until the final frame, one cannot help but wonder how things may have played out had Houston’s bench found a way to make an impact on the contest.

Despite receiving significant contributions late from the likes of James Harden, Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker and Clint Capela throughout the series, timely baskets from players such as Gerald Green and Austin Rivers proved to play an important factor in the wake of Harden’s struggles during Game 3.

That was in addition to Danuel House Jr. and Kenneth Faried in the first two games of the best-of-seven showdown, as receiving an instant offensive spark from at least one or more members of the second unit has played a key role in the Rockets placing pressure on the Jazz’s defense.

Should the Rockets bench fail to show up for Game 5, this could place serious pressure on their leading cast mates. Houston’s bench must seek to take advantage of quality looks and generate points come Wednesday night.