The Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets are evenly matched teams. The playoff series between these two teams should be a good one. Many NBA observers anticipated that the Western Conference championship would come down to these two teams.
It will be challenging for Houston to contain Golden State's explosive offense. However, it will be equally difficult for the Warriors to stop the Rockets from scoring. While the Warriors have played in the last three NBA finals, the Rockets have closed the gap between the two teams. Golden State will be the favorite to win the series, however Houston could win the series.
Both teams have marquee stars. The Warriors have Steph Curry, Trey Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. The Rockets have James Harden, Chris Paul and Chris Capella. Both teams have players that are true difference makers.
The teams have played eachother three times this season. Golden State won 122-121 at home on opening night. Golden State also won at Houston 124-114. They lost at Houston 116-108.
The Houston Rockets' offense centers around James Harden and Chris Paul. Harden looks to shoot the 3. If the three point shot is not available, Harden drives the lane or passes to another perimeter shooter or Capela in the lane. Harden can step back to get more room between him and the defender, which allows him to shoot a 3 point shot.
Paul is one of the best point guards in the league. He has a good cross over dribble and good shooting ability.
The first game this season between these two teams was on October 17th. The Rockets won 122-121 at Golden State. The Warriors shot a blistering 53% from three point range, whereas the Rockets could only muster 36% from beyond the arc. However, the difference in the game was the Rockets ability to score in the paint. Houston had 54 points in the paint as opposed to 32 by Golden State. Despite the loss, the Warriors had 36 fast break points, while the Rockets were held to 15 fast break points. The Warriors were able to get ahead in transition, but the Rockets controlled the paint.
Durant made a shot just after the buzzer on October 17th. This game went back and forth and could have went either way.Houston benefited from a fast start. The Rockets lead 40-28 at the end of the first quarter. On this evening, the Warriors received their NBA championship rings that they earned last season.
On January 4th, 2018, the Warriors defeated the Rockets 124-114. This game provided Golden State with a blue print of what they have to do in this series. The Warriors played better in just about every facet of the game. Golden State played a much better all around game than Houston did. Although, the Warriors trailed at the half, but they outscored the Rockets 62-51 in the second half to win the game.
In the game on January 4th, The Warriors did better than the Rockets in just about every category. Golden State made a greater percentage of their three point shots (43%-34%); They outrebounded the Rockets (45-38); The scored more points in the paint (56-42) and they had more fast break points (9-2). If the Warriors can do these things again, they should be able to win the series.
However, Houston beat Golden State later on in the month. On January 20th, The Rockets beat the Warriors 116-108. Golden State still shot a higher percentage from three point range (46%-33%) However, the Rockets did better in just about every other category.
On January 2oth, the Rockets dominated the boards with 46 rebounds, while the Warriors could only muster 33 boards. The Rockets had 11 fast break points, while the Warriors had 6 fast break points. The Rockets did better in the paint as well. The Rockets had 48 points in the paint, while the Warriors had 34 points in the paint. Addionally, the Warriors turned the ball over 19 times, while the Rockets turned it over 15 times.
On January 20th, the Rockets also got off the a good start. They outscored the Warriors 40-28 in the first quarter.
The Warriors will be the favorite, but the Rockets will have the home court advantage. Houston is 34-7 at home. Only Toronto had a home record equal to Houston. It is possible that the Rockets could steal one of the two games at home in order to maintain home court advantage. Golden State is 29-12 on the road. So, the Warriors have played well on the road. Golden State will need to play well on the road in order to take back home court advantage.
The Rockets' offense is predicated on the three point shot and making lay ups. A recent Sports Illustrated article pointed out that Houston does not take a lot of mid range jump shots. They look to shoot three point shots. If the three point shot is not there, a player on the perimeter will drive into the lane and look to score on a layup. Harden is the one who does this the most. Harden is clearly the focal point of the Houston offense.
Capela is also an important part of Houston's core. He is a true force on the boards and down near the basket. If he can be a threat down near the basket, he will add versatility to Houston's offense. He could be difficult for Golden State to stop.
Eric Gordon can be a force off of the bench for Houston. He handles the basketball well and can drive into the lane to score a lay up or dunk. If he can play well, then he would provide the Rockets with a lot of depth off of the bench. He could allow Harden or Paul to rest.
Nene could also be a key contributor for Houston. Nene can put the ball on the floor and has a decent move to the basket. Nene has a good mid range jump shot and can be a force around the basket both offensively and defensively. However, he may struggle to guard Durant, who can make threes or post up.
Regarding the Warriors' offense, Scott Davis, of "Business Insider" said "The Warriors like to pass the ball to their big men, then run their guards off screens, creating confusion until a hole opens up." In this scenario, the guards are often moving and the power forwards and centers are involved through catching and passing the basketball to open players.
The Warriors have one of the best offensive games the NBA has seen in years. Curry, Thompson, Durant and Green can all score. Nick Young can provide some scoring off of the bench.
Curry and Thompson have outstanding long range shooting ability. They are among the best three point shooters in the NBA. Durant is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. Durant can post up players or he can shoot from the perimeter. Additionally, he can also drive into the lane and pass the basketball to a player open in the corner. Durant's versatility is a match up nightmare for opposing teams. It will be difficult for Houston to guard Durant.
Davis points out that the Rockets and Warriors appear similar on offense, but they are actually quite different. Davis says "The two teams may seem similar. They both push the pace, bomb three pointers, and are driven by defense-bending guards. However, the similarities just about end there. The Rockets are a true Mike D'Antoni team - they play small, fast, spread the floor, rain three pointers, and rely on the pick and roll." Truly Steve Kerr and Mike D'Antoni have both put their stamps on their respective clubs.
Houston plays more isolation basketball. Harden and Paul dribble and try and score in isolation. Golden State runs more screens than Houston does. Both teams have different offensive approaches. However, both approaches work well for each team. Golden State is ranked first in offensive efficiency and Houston ranks second in offensive efficiency. Both teams will have to work hard on defense in order to keep the score down.
Some are predicting that Cleveland and Golden State will meet in the finals. They have played in the last 3 finals with Golden State winning twice. However, Houston has had a better record than Golden State. The Rockets have been more consistent than the Warriors this year. Additionally, Houston has home court advantage.
If Houston can win game one and maintain home court advantage, then they can challenge Golden State. Many have said that the first game of this series will be very important. If Golden State can win and steal home court advantage, it will give the Warriors confidence and momentum. Such a victory would implant doubts in Houston's mind.
However, if Houston can win, it would remind Golden State that the Rockets have been the more consistent team this year. It would also reinforce the fact that Houston has beat Golden State two of three times. Often times, a pivotal game occurs later in the series. However, game one may be the pivotal game in this series between Houston and Golden State.
Both teams will be challenged in this series. The winner of this series will definitely deserve to play in the NBA finals.
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