The Rockets are likely headed to the NBA Playoffs, but are they ready?
Now that the All-Star Break is well behind the Rockets, we’re in the home stretch of the regular season. With all that said, here are three areas the Rockets need to improve at in order to not only finish the regular season strong but hopefully make a deep playoff run.
Increased effort overall from the starters
The starting lineup for Houston must enter each game prepared to win. Just before the break, the starters’ performance against the Golden State Warriors was among their worst of the season. They didn’t argue at all since they were exhausted. In this game, coach Ime Udoka demonstrated that he does not tolerate insufficient effort. Despite playing incredibly well, the Rockets’ bench was unable to mount a 24-point comeback. All of the Rockets’ players need to be prepared for every game if they want to finish the season strong.
Limit the turnovers
Although Houston started the season committing the fewest turnovers per game of any team in November before sliding down a bit to the team with the fifth-fewest turnovers in December and January, they were then seventh in fewest turnovers per possession in February, and so far record the ninth fewest turnovers per game in March, Houston still can improve on taking care of the basketball. Houston thrives on second and third-chance opportunities due to its less-than-sellar set offense, and if the players allow the opposing teams the same second chances, they will likely be outscored.
Free Throw Shooting
This is my hill to die on as a fan. Free throws are called free throws because they are FREE which means your players should be making them at a respectable level. Just last week versus Utah, the Rockets shot only 55 percent from the free-throw line, going 10-for-18 from the charity stripe. Missing eight free throws in a close game is a recipe for disaster. Alperen Sengun needs to be better at the line but is improving as the season goes on.
What do ya’ll think the Rockets need to work on/improve in hopes of finishing out the regular season strong and having post season success?