Friday’s Locked on Rockets podcast episode with host Jackson Gatlin and analyst Ben DuBose offers more analysis on Houston’s current five-game winning streak, punctuated by a 102-93 win over reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The episode begins with a discussion of the NBA’s defensive stat tracking, and how Patrick Beverley really did get burned by James Harden (47 points) multiple times throughout the game.
The conversation then transitions to how the team’s defensive identity continues to grow and improve, with the Rockets now ranked No. 17 in defensive rating for the 2019-20 season after previously being second-to-last in the NBA through six games.
The 93 points allowed by Houston to the Clippers (7-4) — viewed by many as a legitimate NBA title contender — were the least allowed by the Rockets (8-3) in any game so far this season.
Other topics include the need for Russell Westbrook to take advantage of his style of play and maximize his output in “Russ-only lineups” with the second unit; rotation speculation given several injuries to key contributors like Eric Gordon (out six weeks), Danuel House Jr. (day-to-day) and Clint Capela (day-to-day); and praise for unexpected contributions from veteran center Tyson Chandler.
The show concludes with a preview of Houston’s upcoming schedule for the remainder of November, with seven consecutive matchups looming against potential playoff teams. Tune in!
