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How the Rockets revamped the Golden State Warriors system

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket on Glenn Robinson III #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 25, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket on Glenn Robinson III #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 25, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors rebranded the game of basketball with their space-and-pace style but Houston has taken it to new heights.

Behind the brilliance of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors changed the game of basketball with their 3-point shooting. Now, the Houston Rockets are attempting to maximize the 3-point shot at a rate we have never seen before.

The Rockets have been trying to replicate the Warriors system for years to no avail. Since the Dubs led the league in 3-point shooting during the 2015-16 season, the Rockets have increased their attempts each year as they have led the league four seasons in a row.

This season, the Rockets are close to an all-time high of 44.0 attempts per game. We can expect this number to increase as Houston traded away all of their big-men to create one of the most unique lineups in league history.

The Rockets have taken small-ball to an incredible level by starting 6’5″ P.J. Tucker at the center position. They have elected to place all their chips on scoring 3-pointers, accepting the fact that they will no longer have a dominant paint presence such as Clint Capela.

Versatile defenders such as Tucker, Robert Covington, Jeff Green and DeMarre Carroll will help the Rockets make up for their lack of a rim protector. This experiment has been working thus far, with the Rockets picking up inspiring wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

The idea here is that the Rockets offensive output will outweigh their defensive inefficiencies. Their small ball lineup puts pressure on opposing centers as it is a task to effectively defend the perimeter for many of the league’s big men.

The spacing this creates is also a plus for James Harden who thrives with the ball in his hands. Harden is elite at creating shots for himself and his teammates. This extra room to operate has helped Harden average 35.2 points this season.

Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook is one of the best attackers in the league. Stretching the floor and pulling opposing big’s out of the paint helps Westbrook finish around the rim with ease.

This is similar to the Warriors patented “death lineup” except for one major twist. The Warriors were always an elite defensive team, the same can not be said for Houston.

The Rockets currently give up over 110 points a game and will struggle mightily when playing against talented offensive big men such as Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic.

It is unclear how far this system will take the Rockets but it is certainly an interesting spectacle to watch out for. With this potentially being the Rocket’s last hope of pushing for a title, I can’t say I blame them for going all-out.

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