Houston Rockets: When Offense Is Your Only Defense

James Harden and the Houston Rockets rank 29th in the
league for defense, but 2nd for points. Photo credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

They say defense wins championships. The Rockets, however, have chosen to allow offense to win game in the regular season. After winning one out of four games the previous week, they bounce back win three out of four to improve their overall record to 7-4 by simply putting up huge numbers.

One would think that bringing in the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year would help your team play better defense, but not the case in Houston. The team ranks next to last in the NBA for points allowed. They have combated their deficiencies the best way possible, by ranking second in the league for points per game with 108.8. This past week they averaged 114.5 points per game.

Their only loss came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers on the road in overtime. Neither team had their best guard available, as rookie Michael Carter-Williams and James Harden both sat out. How bad was the Rockets defense in that game? Just ask Tony Wroten. In his first NBA start in his career he goes for a triple double. His comment after the game, “I never had a triple-double at any level, not middle school, high school, anywhere.”

The Rockets loss for the second time this season by game winning shot from unlikely sources. First it was Steve Blake on an inbounds pass, second was Spencer Hawes with :34 left in OT.

Even Jeremy Lin, who had a season high 34 points, had to admit, “it was the worst defensive game of the season.”

The next night they beat the New York Knicks, but allowed Carmelo Anthony to hit 45. Then Saturday they beat the Denver Nuggets, but allowed them to score 111 including Ty Lawson’s 28 points.

Dwight Howard showed signs of improvement on the free throw line. He hit 17 of 24 free throws in the game against Denver. Will this mean the end of the Hack-A-Howard? Not likely.

The Rockets organization are still dodging questions regarding center Omer Asik. He sat out two game this week. Coach McHale said Saturday he did not dress because he was “under the weather.” Many expect a trade to be announced sooner than later, hopefully for a perimeter defender.

For the upcoming week, the #1 rebounding team in the association will need to tighten up their defense. Minnesota ranks third and Dallas ranks fourth in scoring. Boston is not a team to likely either. Just ask the Miami Heat. They rank ninth in opponents points per game.

Upcoming Schedule:

Tue, Nov 19 vs Boston

Wed, Nov 20 @ Dallas

Sat, Nov 23 vs Minnesota