The Rockets chose a difficult defensive path this season, but their players were very committed and no longer looked like a piece of loose sand, and finally achieved results. Video source: Rockets official YouTube channel
The Rockets’ defensive efficiency ranks second in the league, and their offensive efficiency ranks 18th. The Rockets solve all problems with defense, violent physical confrontations, and more breakthroughs in the penalty area. The Rockets have played iron-blooded defensive basketball for two consecutive seasons, creating an alternative style of play. The Magic’s defensive efficiency ranks third and their offensive efficiency ranks 22nd. Even without Banqueiro, the leading scorer who averages 29 points per game, the Magic’s defense is everywhere and they rely on defense to control the rhythm of the game. The Magic are showing all kinds of surprises.
I’m not sure if teams like the Magic and Rockets, which have returned to the defensive basketball and physical confrontation traditions of the 1990s, can go far in the playoffs and play a more playoff-style basketball game. According to the current style of the big three-point generation focusing on offense and light defense, both the Rockets and Magic have the opportunity to become playoff teams and act as dark horses in the playoffs.
Without the sharp three-pointers, the Magic still defeated the Lakers despite all the difficulties. Even if the three-pointers were not good, the Rockets won both games this season against the Clippers. The Rockets and Magic are going against the trend of big three-pointers in the NBA. This year’s NBA is more exciting and dramatic, and the playoffs will definitely see more changes that are unpredictable.
