Here's what stats alone won't tell you: there was no decline in ability to stop the Suns in the second half. Beverley went out near the end of the 3rd IIRC. The defense disappeared in the 4th because for most of the 4th we had a team on the floor who had probably never practiced or played defense together, and were mostly interested in hoisting up shots. The Suns kept their rotation guys in minus Chandler and Bledsoe.
from 2014. gotta keep up. http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10689381/patrick-beverley-houston-rockets-torn-meniscus
Hate to say you're probably right. When Donatas first went out in the 2014-15 season, we see him exercising on some space age bike with some sort of uplifting "working hard!" message. The next day we hear his back is made of ground chuck and he's out for the playoffs. I'm not overdoing Beverly's injury here. Just saying the Rockets seem to play injuries very very close to the vest.
Yeah he's going to be out for some time. Houston always says oh yeah it's just a bruise. Few days later JK it's a broken or torn part
Remember when D-Mo was suppose to be out for 10 days and then next thing you know his career is over?
Coach Of The Year can overcome. It is a blessing that Beverly is injured (not the injury), but opportunity for other players to play. At the end of the season, Beverly with time off will be fully healthy for the postseason run.