After the Houston Rockets lost a brutal game against the 11th seeded Minnesota Timberwolves (27-30), head coach Mike D’Antoni was not happy.
“We didn’t come out with any fire,” D’Antoni said. “We don’t put people away. We let them hang around. Then they make some 3s.”
Houston got out-rebounded 47-37 and could not seem to buy a stop down the end of the game.
“It happened on Saturday. It happened tonight,” D’Antoni said. “We have to get a little more enthusiasm about playing a game.”
Veteran guard Chris Paul was also not happy with the teams defensive intensity.
“We sucked on the defensive end tonight,” Paul said. “We’ve had too many nights like that this year where it feels like we can’t get a stop. The way they were scoring it was almost effortless. We just couldn’t stop them.”
The Rockets have lost the rebounding battle in 3 out of their last 4 games. Fortunately for Houston, they won’t have to play again or another 8 days.
“Everybody needs a break,” Harden remarked after the game.
The Rockets are expected to get some much-needed size back soon in the form of center Clint Capela’s return to the starting lineup after the All-Star break.
