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Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 2 loss vs. Warriors

By Gavriel Wilkins

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 30: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 30: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images /

2. Transition defense must be better

On a night where early turnovers would prove to be costly in the Rockets’ chances to complete their comeback, Houston’s overall lack of focus and attention to detail on defense would be just as difficult to overcome.

Despite putting together one of their best shooting performances on the playoffs, Houston would surprisingly exhibit little to any effort in getting back on defense following made shots, which led to Golden State pushing the pace and creating several easy scoring chances inside.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1123429553358032896

Although the Rockets managed to get their offense somewhat back on track, their lack of effort to get back on defense will more than likely be a critical element that the coaching staff will seek to point out in film studies leading up to Game 3.

Should they fail to do so, then it could lead to a dream unfulfilled, as taking the proper protocol and effort to make the key hustle plays at this end of the floor will likely play a factor in whether or not Houston is able to keep its hopes of winning the Larry O’Brien trophy alive.

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