[SI] NBA playoffs 2013: Which underdogs could rally from 3-2 deficit?

Shaq2Yao · May 2, 2013

3. Houston Rockets (down 3-2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder)
Upset Threat Level: Simmering

Life without Russell Westbrook has been rough on the Thunder, who are three unbelievably fortunate bounces — on one shot, mind you — away from being on the ropes in this series. Reggie Jackson has done well enough in spots, but Oklahoma City’s usual starting (and high-usage) lineup has been a disaster with him involved, leaving Scott Brooks with little choice but to go small (Houston’s desired playing style) on a more frequent basis. The Thunder had no problem running and gunning with another high-value shot creator in the fold, but the burden on Kevin Durant has made OKC’s offense drag, and the turn to smaller lineups has only helped to highlight some of the team’s defensive blunders. Serge Ibaka has been put in an impossible situation in these lineups, with the Thunder depending on him to be an invaluable rim protector and an out-of-place perimeter defender. That’s a lot to ask of any big man, especially when so many of the Thunder’s lineups feature Kevin Martin, Derek Fisher and the relatively unschooled Jackson on the perimeter.

All of which leaves the Rockets entirely too much offensive freedom and access to too many quality shots. What’s interesting, though: When operating in smaller sets, things aren’t so different for Oklahoma City’s offense working against Houston’s defense. Omer Asik is asked to cover an absurd amount of space and help with incredible frequency, all of which should work to the Thunder’s favor as they look to score against a mediocre defensive team. We saw some of that in play in Game 5 as Oklahoma City finally grasped that the extra wrap-around/dump pass would be there on most every drive after drawing Asik’s rotation, but the Thunder are held back by having worse shooters lining the perimeter and fewer dynamic offensive players overall.

The Thunder are a team built to sustain by way of Westbrook and Durant, and with one out for the postseason, Oklahoma City is very clearly vulnerable. But with Durant still in the fold, the Thunder maintain the edge.
Click to expand...

http://nba.si.com/2013/05/02/nba-pl...o-bulls-golden-state-warriors-denver-nuggets/

Forums

[SI] NBA playoffs 2013: Which underdogs could rally from 3-2 deficit?

Shaq2Yao Member

Share This Page

About ClutchFans

Rockets Content

Support ClutchFans!