Philadelphia, PA — The Houston Rockets have not looked like themselves since losing Trevor Ariza and Patrick Beverly in the offseason. Beverly was a pillar for the defensive success when he was with the Rockets. His solid rugged defense, managed to pressure and frustrates many opponents. Trevor Ariza was a solid contributor on offense providing 11-point per game.
He had the ability to provide a strong defensive presence on the wing when guarding elite players. Ariza has averaged 1.5 steals during his career thus far. The Rockets then added Carmelo Anthony; a player that has been one of the biggest names in the NBA.
The Rockets attempted to create a big 3 of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and James Harden. However the formula left Carmelo unable to find a suitable role on the team. Most recently Anthony was released from the Rockets, leaving the team trailing in the West. The Rockets numbers this season has been dreadful to say the least.
Currently the Houston Rockets are giving up 15 points per game in second chance points compared to 11 points last season, and they’re giving up 51 rebounds per game compared to 48 last season.
They’ve lost 6 of their last 8 games, including a 27-point thumping to the Utah Jazz, in a nationally televised game on TNT. In the Rockets 6 losses the Rockets are losing by an average 33 points per game. Based on the numbers, and based on the Rockets ridding the team of two of it’s best defenders and scorers, there shouldn’t be a surprise that the Rockets have struggled.
Most NBA spectators expect the Rockets to perform as they did last season, but a lot has changed. As if the Rockets recent struggles haven’t been enough for Rocket fans, 4 of the Rockets next 5 games are against teams that are currently in playoff contention: The Mavs, Lakers, Grizzlies, Jazz, and Blazers.
The Rockets are not able to replicate the success of last season.. At this point what can Houston do to turn around the situation??
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