For last 24 games, Rockets shooting 40% 3s (15-9 W/Ls)

Nets
Denver
Orlando
New Orleans
Atlanta
GS

Difference between wins and losses in these games was 1 or 2 possessions that didnt go the Rockets way.

 

Imperfect data

 

Perfect data

 

Rockets' improved 3-point shooting can open up offense
By Jonathan FeigenJanuary 11, 2016 Updated: January 11, 2016 10:10pm



Since the beginning of December, the Rockets have made 38.3 percent of their 3-point attempts, an improvement over 30.9. Guard Pat Beverley (2) leads the way, having converted 45.7 percent of his long-range attempts in that span. Photo: Bob Levey, FRE / FR156786 AP Photo: Bob Levey, FRE Since the beginning of December, the Rockets have made 38.3 percent of their 3-point attempts, an improvement over 30.9. Guard Pat Beverley (2) leads the way, having converted 45.7 percent of his long-range attempts in that span.
The Rockets are going to take their 3s. As much as has changed, from their record to their reputation to even their coach, that has not.

The Rockets set records for 3-pointers made and taken in a season. They are not going to let the sound of clanging rims stop them.

They are also not going to win often if they keep missing.

There are other repairs to be made and that are needed. But they have that signature part of their offense going long enough to make the misfiring flop at the start of the season seem like the aberration.

"It's a combination of things," said forward Trevor Ariza, who hit five 3-pointers to score a season-high 24 points in Sunday's comeback win over the Pacers. "Shots are falling now. We're more confident in our shots. We're getting more movement and rhythm. Those things help your offense flow."

Whether from the tweaks to the offense to get better shots or progression to the mean, the Rockets have turned things around from deep.

The Rockets headed into December making 30.9 percent of their 3-pointers. They have made 38.8 percent since, a rate that would put them second to the Warriors if they had shot that way all season.

ROCKETS

Rockets report: Running offense through big men creates defensive NBA: Durant lifts Thunder past Timberwolves NBA: Spurs rip Nets, extend winning streak to 8 The Grizzlies have a way of separating the Rockets from the ball. In two losses this season, the Rockets committed 21.5 turnovers per game. Rockets report: Bverley emphasizes need to protect ball vs. Since the beginning of December, the Rockets have made 38.3 percent of their 3-point attempts, an improvement over 30.9. Guard Pat Beverley (2) leads the way, having converted 45.7 percent of his long-range attempts in that span. Rockets' improved 3-point shooting can open up offense
Guard Pat Beverley has led the way, making 45.7 percent of his 3s in those 20 games, but Jason Terry (40.8 percent), Ariza (38.7 percent) and Marcus Thornton (38.6 percent in 15 games) are not far behind. Corey Brewer went from making 22.2 percent through the first month to 35 percent since.

A shooter's confidence

"They'll go in eventually," Brewer said of his turnaround and the improvement of the team's shooting. "I was just missing at the beginning of the year. I was struggling at the beginning. Now I got my shot back. I just have to keep it going.

"It's a confidence thing. Once you see one go in, it makes shots easier. Then you see other guys making shots. We're getting wide-open shots right now. James (Harden) is making the right plays. Dwight (Howard is) playing great. When those guys get us such wide-open shots we just have to knock them down."

It helps when teams need to double-team Howard inside, as the Pacers did Sunday. Howard is second in the NBA in field-goal percentage (61.6) and in his past five games he has averaged 22 points on 70.2 percent shooting, creating opportunities around him.

"We get a lot better looks," Brewer said. "When Dwight gets going, we all get going. James is going to do his thing no matter what. We got to get Dwight involved. Dwight's been involved. James has been distributing the ball really well. It makes it a lot easier."

The Rockets head into a game against the Grizzlies, a team that rarely double-teams Howard. Marc Gasol probably does the best job in the NBA at battling Howard for low-post position. Howard had 12 points in each game against the Grizzlies this season, going 8-of-12.

The Rockets have made 16 of 63 3s (25.4 percent) against the Grizzlies, but those games were played when that was about how they were shooting from 3-point range.

Versatile offense

That has changed, with the Rockets shooting better, but also doing things to get better shots.

"We've been working on it," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "I think we created some easier opportunities for guys because we're moving the ball a little bit more. We're doing all the small things that make guys better shooters."

Force a decision

They have to do those things better than they had been because they also switched to playing two non-shooters - Howard and Clint Capella - together. That can make it easier for teams to clog the lane without leaving 3-point shooters open, but the Rockets have done a better job of having their big men be threats on the move, even passing to one another, to force teams to choose between helping inside or out.

"It still starts with being aggressive and attacking and moving," Bickerstaff said. "Teams that stand are easier to guard. We have to just move more and get to our spots better and those big guys have to do a good job of relocating into open areas so teams have to make a decision 'Do I take away this dunk or do I give up and open 3?' "

Opponents have usually chosen to give up the open 3. The Rockets are happy to take them. The difference is now when they shoot all those 3s, they more often make them.

 

The brightside is GSW is also a high TO team. They play better defense, but Rockets effort can improve the difference on that end. Our shooters can't exactly compete, but Dwight should be advantage us if he's doing his thing.

Rockets doing well, keep it up!

 

Yep. 15-9 isn't really that impressive for a light-out shooting team. How many teams can sustain a 40% 3pt shooting average?

Remember the Atlanta game when we were red hot shooting but still lost?

Tonight we were also hot. But Grizzlies also scored only 91 points.

BTW the best 3pt shooting team is GS at .426.
The second best is SA at .382.
The third? Phoenix at .377.