Houston Rockets: 3 keys to defeating the Memphis Grizzlies

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images /

2. Shoot more 3-pointers

Pushing the ball in transition will help Houston in another key area: creating more 3-point opportunities.

The Rockets are shooting 34.6 2-pointers per game, but 44.0 3-pointers a game. This team is launching 3s at a historic rate, and Mike D’Antoni wants them to shoot even more. The Rockets are making 15.1 3s a game, which is the most in the league, but they’ve struggled to convert against Memphis.

The Grizzlies are holding Houston to just 11.5 made 3’s on 38.0 attempts, which is just 30.3 percent. The Rockets were taking less 3s against Memphis largely because they just weren’t going in. But the Rockets offense isn’t as potent when the long ball isn’t falling, and they can’t lose confidence in their 3s against the Grizzlies.

Running in transition off of turnovers and long rebounds will give Houston the edge. The earlier that Houston shoots in the shot clock, the higher their field goal percentage, and that will be especially true against a good defensive team like Memphis.

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