NBA Playoffs: Must-read storylines between the Rockets vs Lakers

Key Question No 1: Can Houston continue to play at a high level defensively?

Since James Harden came to Houston, the Rockets have been described as a team that does not play defense or fails to show any effort defensively. But that narrative is old news. It was the Rockets’ defense, not their high-scoring offense, that won them the series against the Thunder.

In fact, Houston’s defense ranks number one in the playoffs with a rating of 101.7. The Rockets are also averaging 9.3 steals and 3.9 blocks in the playoffs.

Harden was defensive the hero of Game 7 when he blocked Luguentz Dort’s potential game-winning 3-point attempt. Harden’s block will be talked about for a long time in Houston, as it should be, but it was just one of the many great defensive plays he made in the series. Harden’s impressive 99.3 defensive rating for the series serves as evidence of The Beard’s top-notch defense.

Along with Harden, Robert Covington played some of his best defense against the Thunder, posting a 100.0 defensive rating while averaging 2.4 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 3.4 deflections. Covington’s active hands make him such a dangerous defender because he always has the ability to force turnovers.

The Rockets proved that they have what it takes to be a defensive wrecking crew but the big question now is whether or not they can carry over their top-notch defense from Round One to their series against the Lakers.

While the Rockets are certainly capable of shooting their opponents out of the gym, it is defense that wins championships and their defense will ultimately determine whether they advance to the Western Conference Finals or watch the rest of the playoffs from the couch.