Having gone through the tape for game 3, here are some adjustments the Rockets might consider making for game 4. Offensively 1. Initiating the offense earlier in the shot clock Andre Roberson was a pest on Friday night, hounding James Harden all over the court. As a result, valuable time was wasted off the shot clock and the Rockets struggled to get into their offense. In the first possession of the game for example, 16 seconds elapsed before Harden makes his first pass, and the Rockets ended up getting a shot clock violation. They will want to get the ball and offense moving earlier today so they can get better shots, especially in the first quarter. 2. Occupying the Thunder defense to open up the drive With so much attention on the Rockets’ shooters, there have been opportunities for Harden to drive. Here in the second quarter, the Rockets run Ariza off a double screen, causing the whole defense to shift to the left side of the court. With the lane open, Harden takes advantage of the open lane to the basket, scoring an easy two. The Rockets should look for more opportunities to engage the Thunder defense so they can’t collapse on him, or trap him in the pick and roll. 3. Shooting with confidence Ryan Anderson has been in a horrible slump to be sure but he should be feeling a bit more confident now that he’s finally seen a couple of three pointers go down. Here, Anderson receives the ball from Harden and thinks about shooting but ultimately decides not to. When Anderson is open, he needs to not think and just let it fly. Defensively 4. Slowing down the Thunder fast break The Thunder killed the Rockets in transition in game 3, scoring 19 points off the fast break compared to the Rockets’ 4. The Rockets need to do a much better job here, hustling back, being aware of where the Thunder players are on the court, and not letting Westbrook get a full head of steam. This might be the Rockets' biggest opportunity to improve. 5. Finding a solution for Taj Gibson on D Taj was a thorn in the Rockets’ side on Friday night, shooting 10/13 from the field, for 20 points. It’s time to find another defender to guard Taj on the low block. Of the starters, Ariza, Capela or even Harden could be better options than Ryan Anderson. 6. Not completely ignoring Roberson Look, I get it, we’re helping off Roberson and encouraging the career 26% three point shooter to let it fly. But he’s still an NBA player and in game 3 he made 2/3 from the three point line. It wouldn’t hurt to run at him or get a hand in his face instead of giving him acres of space.
