Houston Rockets are in a world of trouble. They are currently behind 2-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the series and have found themselves struggling with a major issue in the series – they are absolutely incapable of finishing their shots.
This has proven fatal for them thus far.
Durant Comes Back… But it Does not Matter
There were reasons for optimism heading into Game 2 as far as the Houston Rockets vs Lakers series goes. Kevin Durant, who missed Game 1 due to a knee injury, was back in the starting lineup. He announced his presence early as well as blocking Luke Kennard’s shot on the first possession of the game.
It did not really matter.
A solid first quarter for Kevin Durant where he scored 11 points and was shooting 4-of-5 from the floor was basically all Houston got from him as he did not manage to score another 12 points for the remainder of the game and did so on only three possessions in the second half. Additionally, the Rockets turned the ball over nine times through him.
It was a strategy of the Los Angeles Lakers that worked well for them throughout the series – double teams, aggressive defense and the assumption that Houston would not take advantage of it.
“They are daring us to shoot. They’re daring us to make plays. It’s on us to make them pay for it,” said Kevin Durant.
As of right now, the Rockets do not seem to be able to do that.
Houston Rockets vs Lakers Match Player Stats: When Effort Does Not Matter
Here are some of the numbers for the Houston Rockets vs Lakers matchup from the perspective of match player stats to see where Houston struggled.
The Rockets held a sizable edge when it comes to rebounds (42-37), second-chance points (21-17) and field goal attempts (17). Yet, that did not matter when the scoreboard showed a score of 101-94 in favor of the Lakers at the end of the game.
Why?
Efficiency.
Los Angeles Lakers hit almost double the amount of three-pointers compared to Houston Rockets and made sure to do so. Houston managed to find ways to get their shots off, but never managed to convert them at any considerable rate.
Outside of Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün was the leading scorer for Houston with 20 points as well, although he managed to score on a paltry 9-of-20 attempt ratio which is slightly worse compared to his performance in Game 1 (6-of-19).
This is especially worrying seeing as L.A. does not have Luka Dončić on the floor right now…Read more
Houston Rockets vs Lakers Timeline: Déjà vu, Again!
If you watched Game 1 of the Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers series and then watched the Game 2, you would be forgiven for having the sense of deja vu.
Great start, momentum swing, decent first quarter and then a complete offensive breakdown.
Just like before, the Rockets found themselves down by 15 points in the first half of the match, only to fight back thanks to Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. This lineup helped ignite a 9-0 run.
Only for Houston to do it again.
Kevin Durant went an entire 24-minute span in between the shots during the game. This was combined with Houston failing to establish any real offensive rhythm and predictable nature of the Rockets being taken advantage of in terms of doubling the ball.
Ime Udoka chose to bench Reed Sheppard, who hit five threes in Game 1 despite starting for Houston. The Rockets coach decided to use his smaller lineup and try to defend better in doing so.
“We just failed scoring. Go back and get ready for Game 3,” Ime Udoka said succinctly.
Houston Rockets vs Lakers Standings: Series Picture
The Rockets vs Lakers standings for now paint a picture that Houston is facing the near-impossible challenge of turning things around.
They are currently down 2-0 in the series and have won only one playoff game since the last season, which saw them finish 3-12. Teams facing a 2-0 deficit in the postseason manage to pull off a comeback only in less than 13% of cases.
Additionally, their struggles in this year’s playoffs mean that the Rockets will face a huge difficulty in overcoming the Lakers, which has left them with just a one-shot opportunity at turning things around.
“We need to play better offense,” Udoka continued.
This would be a devastating blow for the Rockets organization coming just another season after making the postseason and showing the potential they possess Rockets vs Lakers.
What Must Change For The Rockets vs Lakers In Game 3
The problems are known. The solutions, however, are still not that clear.
Kevin Durant should be more aggressive offensively. He himself admitted that he needs to learn to “shoot over those doubles” and “shoot with confidence.” Having 22-year-old turn the ball over nine times is not what a successful series is about.
Houston needs Şengün to get back to dominating inside. Reed Sheppard needs to be used more often, and the Rockets, overall, have to stop being bullied on the offensive side of the ball and not be dictated upon.
Right now, Houston Rockets vs Lakers matchup shows the latter team as the smarter veterans getting the better of Houston’s young roster.
Final Words
Houston Rockets vs Lakers matchup has turned into nothing close to a game of chess as far as the first couple of games of the series are concerned. Houston has the talent, the rebounding ability and Durant when he is clicking. However, they lack something critical when trying to overcome Los Angeles – consistent scoring.
Game 3 in Houston might be a must-win situation as far as this series is concerned…Read more
