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

1. Rebounding woes continue

For the second consecutive game, the Rockets’ woes on the glass would pay momentous dividends for their familiar foes.

Houston — which finished with a -12 deficit on the boards in Game 1 — concluded the night with a -8 margin on the offensive glass, granting the Warriors extra scoring opportunities in Game 2.

Despite scoring 14 fast break points on 12 Golden State turnovers, the Rockets would find a way to give their good fortunes back by getting outscored 20-19 in second chance points. In addition to losing the overall battle inside, Houston’s failure to box out led to the Warriors finishing with +4  rebounding advantage.

Although this best-of-seven series is far from over, finding a way to emerge victoriously in the hunt for loose balls must loom large for the Rockets — particularly in a showdown where the first two games have shown that the team with the advantage in rebounds and second-chance points will stand a better chance of coming out on top.

If the Rockets continue to give up a steady diet of offensive rebounds and second-chance points, then it could prove to be costly. Coming out with a win in the following areas will presumably be a vital element in their march toward their ultimate goal.

Houston will now look to rest up and recover over the next few days, prior to Game 3 at home on Saturday.