3 things the Rockets can do to increase chances at winning a championship

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 15: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to keep the ball away from Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of a NBA playoff game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carmelo Anthony; /

2. Allow More Players to Isolate

The biggest name the Rockets acquired this off-season was Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is well-known for being a “ball stopper” in the past, but with the Rockets system, Anthony’s style of play could be more of a benefit than a negative.

Many were surprised at the style that the Rockets played against the Warriors last season in the Conference Finals. There was a lot of doubt that isolation could defeat the fast paced, pass first, ball movement-centered offense of the Golden State Warriors, yet Houston was one win away from defeating the well oiled machine.

If Houston allow more players, like Carmelo Anthony and Eric Gordon, to isolate against opponents, it will benefit the Rockets because it will provide more rest for James Harden and Chris Paul.

Late in games, James Harden has been criticized for struggling in crunch time situations, but some of those struggles have to do with Harden being charged with creating everything on offense throughout the entire game.

The Rockets acquired Chris Paul, in part, so that Harden wouldn’t have to carry so much of Houston’s offense.

Eric Gordon and Carmelo Anthony have proven in the past that they can create shots for themselves, and the more they can isolate early in games, the more likely it is that they will be able to get in a rhythm.

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