'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#4 Improved Defense
Mike D’Antoni's teams are known for not playing defense and they rely on outscoring opponents instead of trying to contain them. But, championships are not won by playing only on one end of the floor and therefore this season the Rockets have found the perfect balance between defense and offense.
This is the best team that D'Antoni has coached in terms of their defense. In the current 11-game winning streak, they have the best defensive rating with 100.5 as well as the best offensive rating with 117.5.
The addition of PJ Tucker and Luc Mbah A Moute has added defensive versatility to their roster. Now the Rockets have three wing defenders that can defend multiple positions and switch without giving up any considerable size or speed. The lineup of Capela, Tucker, Luc, Ariza, and Paul have the ability to suffocate teams with great offensive talent like the Golden State Warriors. If Harden is put into this lineup, they can get the perfect balance of defense and offense.
Not to mention that they will now have enough bodies to throw at individuals like Kevin Durant and LeBron James to limit their scoring in the playoffs while the D Antonio system works its magic on the other end.
Guess the Lakers players!
