Houston Rockets: 4 takeaways from the win over the Suns

4 of 4

PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 16: Tyler Ulis #8 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass under pressure from James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Takeaway No. 4 – It’s the Suns

Yes, the Rockets looked fantastic last night and their offense was clicking. Yes, it was exciting to watch and the previous takeaways are still valid. Still, though, the Suns are not a great team. They are looking to tank and their defense showed. Phoenix is the third-worst defensive team in the league by DRtg.

It was a perfect warm-up game for Chris Paul as he makes his way into the rotation of the Rockets. He got to play against a team that is not the best defensively as he gets back into the swing of things.

This Phoenix team is pretty similar to the one from last year. If you remember, last season the Rockets beat them without James Harden. No wonder the Rockets dropped 90 points in the first half last night.

Phoenix is a young and up and coming team with tons of talent. However, they made quite a few defensive mistakes of which the Rockets took advantage. They fouled the Rockets on 3-point shots multiple times and left players wide open occasionally.

Next for Houston

The next game for the Rockets will be a tougher challenge for the squad. They will play the Memphis Grizzlies, who have the seventh-best defense by DRtg. Memphis, however, will be without their starting point guard and defensive stud Mike Conley. It was just announced that he will be out for the next couple of weeks with soreness in his Achilles and heel.

It will still be a more difficult task for Houston, though. They have already lost two out of the first three games to the Grizzlies this year. Can they even the season series against them on Saturday?

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*All stats via Basketball-Reference*

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