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Houston, we might have a problem.
The Rockets sank to their third loss in the last four games in a 125-124 defeat to the Sacramento Kings Sunday, blowing a 14-point lead with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. It was another game defined by offensive miscues down the stretch, as Houston also led 112-107 with possession and a minute left.
With their latest collapse against Sacramento, the Rockets are now 1-4 in overtime games this season, and eight of their nine losses have come in the clutch. For a team that headed into the season as one of the title favorites, Houston's inability to close games has been a major issue, and it could prevent the Rockets from making a run in this year's playoffs.
When Houston traded for Kevin Durant this offseason, the idea was that he would be the go-to closer for the Rockets and anchor their offense down the stretch.
Instead, Houston's clutch-time offense has looked just as poor with Durant in the fold, and the numbers suggest that it will take more than time and patience to fix it. The Rockets have played 85 minutes in the clutch this season, third-most in the NBA, so it's not a small sample size compared to the rest of the league.
The biggest issue with Houston's offense has been turnovers. Other teams have double-teamed Durant down the stretch to try and force the ball out of his hands, and the Rockets haven't figured out how to counter it yet. Houston's 1.7 turnovers per game in the clutch are tied for the most in the league, and the chaos caused by the double-teams on Durant has the Rockets out of sync.
Overall, Houston's 123.4 offensive rating and 8.9 net rating this season are second in the NBA. In late-game situations, though, those plummet to 108.9 and -8.0, a sharp drop-off.
While Houston's late-game offense has some well-established flaws, there are signs that the Rockets could turn it around. Despite their late-game issues, the Rockets lead the NBA in multiple categories in clutch time. Houston is the best rebounding team in the clutch, recording 5.9 per game, and is also the top team in assists with 2.4 per game.
By creating those types of extra opportunities on the glass and moving the ball well, it can only benefit the Rockets and their struggling late-game offense moving forward. Houston has also protected the paint, blocking the second-most shots in the clutch at 0.7 per game.
Until the Rockets can turn it around, however, its clutch-time offense has been its biggest weakness. Sacramento, which came into the game at 6-22 and had lost its last five games, was able to take advantage. Including its previous overtime loss to the Pelicans, Houston's late-game offensive issues have led to losses against two of the bottom teams in the Western Conference.
With two games coming up in the next three days, the Rockets will have to put their string of clutch losses behind them quickly and find a way to improve their offense in close games.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets now 1-4 in overtime games after another late collapse
Continue reading...
The Rockets sank to their third loss in the last four games in a 125-124 defeat to the Sacramento Kings Sunday, blowing a 14-point lead with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. It was another game defined by offensive miscues down the stretch, as Houston also led 112-107 with possession and a minute left.
With their latest collapse against Sacramento, the Rockets are now 1-4 in overtime games this season, and eight of their nine losses have come in the clutch. For a team that headed into the season as one of the title favorites, Houston's inability to close games has been a major issue, and it could prevent the Rockets from making a run in this year's playoffs.
Clutch-time offensive struggles
When Houston traded for Kevin Durant this offseason, the idea was that he would be the go-to closer for the Rockets and anchor their offense down the stretch.
Instead, Houston's clutch-time offense has looked just as poor with Durant in the fold, and the numbers suggest that it will take more than time and patience to fix it. The Rockets have played 85 minutes in the clutch this season, third-most in the NBA, so it's not a small sample size compared to the rest of the league.
The biggest issue with Houston's offense has been turnovers. Other teams have double-teamed Durant down the stretch to try and force the ball out of his hands, and the Rockets haven't figured out how to counter it yet. Houston's 1.7 turnovers per game in the clutch are tied for the most in the league, and the chaos caused by the double-teams on Durant has the Rockets out of sync.
Overall, Houston's 123.4 offensive rating and 8.9 net rating this season are second in the NBA. In late-game situations, though, those plummet to 108.9 and -8.0, a sharp drop-off.
While Houston's late-game offense has some well-established flaws, there are signs that the Rockets could turn it around. Despite their late-game issues, the Rockets lead the NBA in multiple categories in clutch time. Houston is the best rebounding team in the clutch, recording 5.9 per game, and is also the top team in assists with 2.4 per game.
By creating those types of extra opportunities on the glass and moving the ball well, it can only benefit the Rockets and their struggling late-game offense moving forward. Houston has also protected the paint, blocking the second-most shots in the clutch at 0.7 per game.
Until the Rockets can turn it around, however, its clutch-time offense has been its biggest weakness. Sacramento, which came into the game at 6-22 and had lost its last five games, was able to take advantage. Including its previous overtime loss to the Pelicans, Houston's late-game offensive issues have led to losses against two of the bottom teams in the Western Conference.
With two games coming up in the next three days, the Rockets will have to put their string of clutch losses behind them quickly and find a way to improve their offense in close games.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets now 1-4 in overtime games after another late collapse
Continue reading...
