Small Ball Meets Big Ball!
After 2 games from Day 16 of the NBA Playoffs, I’m talking about topics that came up. Today I will be talking about the Houston Rockets and LA Lakers.
(I’m not talking about the Bucks because I’ve done that 2 times, and they still haven’t changed. So no point in writing the same thing 3 times.)
Houston Rockets
After a very tough 7 games series in the 1st round, the Rockets had a quick-turnaround to game the #1 seeded LA Lakers. But the Rockets took it to the Lakers as they dominated in all facets of the game. But can they keep this up and upset LA?
The easy answer would be yes, but can the Rockets do specific things that help them immensely in order to win?
One thing is the defense of All-Star Anthony Davis. Davis was supposed to dominate this series, and while his stats are good, they are misleading. Davis only had 4 free throws on the night, far lower than his season average. The Rockets played him straight up and didn’t give him easy points at the line. On top of that, they forced him into tough jumpshots instead of short paint shots. I don’t think that the Rockets will be able to control AD’s shot selection all series long as he will realize to attack more. But they should look to limit his free throw shots. If AD is cold, he looks for contact and easy points at the line. If the Rockets can cut that out, it becomes much easier to guard AD.
Next is the turnovers. The Rockets had 27 points off turnovers and they forced 15 turnovers. I think that this was key for Houston as they took the Lakers out of their offense as they continually got out in the open floor and got open 3’s. The Rockets are very good at forcing turnovers and need to continue to do that as it really demoralized LA.
So I think that the Rockets have found the keys to success, but the Lakers will make it tougher throughout the rest of this series. But the Rockets are capable to replicating this performance multiple times, and they are a serious threat to take down the Lakers early.
LA Lakers
On the opposite side of the spectrum is the Lakers. It seemed like ages ago they finished the 1st round, and that’s because it was. The Lakers have had so much time to rest and recover, almost too much it seems. Even with all that time, the Lakers had no energy. Now trailed 0-1 in this series, what do they have to do in order to win this series?
Simply, without a 3rd star the Lakers have to get the ball to AD and Lebron. Seems simple. because it is. AD got plenty of opportunities today, but used them poorly. He allowed the defense to force him into jumpshots instead of him going towards the paint. Also, AD was not aggressive enough to get to the line as he only had 4 free throws. He will need to use his touches better.
And Lebron James has to be better. Flat out. He had multiple drives to lane, most of which were successful. It is beyond me why he stopped doing it. He had just 20 points, which is far too low if the Lakers want to win a title. Lets see if Lebron turns it up during the rest of this series, like he did against the Blazers.
The Lakers need their stars to play better and their role players to fill in the grey area. I think the Lakers have to play much better on offense to win this series, and they are very capable of it. The gameplan? Give the ball to AD and Lebron.
What Are Your Thoughts On These Topics? Leave A Comment Down Below!
My Game-Day Report From Day 17 of the Playoffs Will Be Posted Tomorrow!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
