The winless Houston Rockets look to regroup
After a lacklustre start, the Houston Rockets (0-3) look to right the ship as they host the undefeated New Orleans Hornets (3-0) on Wednesday, 3 November. And, if the first handful of games has proven anything, it’s that defence will be the key to success
for both of these clubs.
A win would help New Orleans match its best start in franchise history, as a sputtering Rockets team looks to rebound from its slow start, due mainly in part to second-half lapses in play. As the Hornets went 1-7 during the pre-season, many wondered whether
their season would quickly spiral out of control once the games actually counted. But, led by point guard Chris Paul, who has shaken off last year’s health issues (he missed 37 games) and off-season trade rumours, the Hornets have started the 2010-11 campaign
on a high note.
With wins over Milwaukee, Denver, and San Antonio, each of whom made the playoffs last season, Paul is averaging a hearty 20 points and 9.3 assists per game, pushing his squad to its fourth 3-0 start in the past five seasons.
“I like it, but I'm not surprised,” a candid Paul said of his team’s early success. “We’re professionals. Every night we step out there on the court we go out there with the mindset that we’re going to win.”
Although the NBA season is still quite young, Paul is currently the only player in the league with an average of at least 20 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. It is, however, the Hornets defence that has propelled them to such a great start, as New Orleans
has been able to hold opponents to an average of 92.0 points per game. In comparison, that same Hornets defence faded down the stretch last season, allowing opponents to score a dreadful 105.5 points per game after the All-Star break.
“To me if people don’t understand how important defence is, they should now,” New Orleans coach Monty Williams said. “Our team defence is coming along, (but) we’re not there yet. We’re making improvements.”
One such reason for that defensive improvement and subsequent success could have something to do with the Hornet’s off-season acquisition of forward Trevor Ariza, whom New Orleans netted in a four-team trade with the Rockets. Houston, who has been giving up
a league-leading 117.0 points per game in each of its three losses, could surely use Ariza’s defensive prowess and intensity this season.
Although it has led each game this season going into the half, the Rockets’ defence has seemingly been non-existent in the last 24 minutes of play. On Saturday, 30 October, Houston held Denver to just 37.8 per cent shooting from the floor, but allowed the Nuggets
to score 59 points in the second half of the 107-94 loss.
However, there are those, like Shane Battier, who remain optimistic about what the future holds. “No one’s jumping off this boat yet,” the Rockets forward said. “We’ll correct the mistakes because we have good players, good coaches and we just need to do things
a little bit better, and it will turn.”
Regardless, Houston needs to regroup quickly, or plan on getting left behind.
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