3 keys to success for the Houston Rockets in Game 2

The Houston Rockets are looking to turn things around and win Game 2 of their series against the Golden State Warriors. What are some ways to do just that and get the victory tonight?

The Houston Rockets came out in Game 1 and lost a close one to the Warriors 104-100. They had plenty of chances to strike and just couldn’t quite get it done, falling in their first road game of the series.

You can certainly blame a part of the loss on the officiating, but in the end, the execution by Houston could have definitely been better. What else can they do as they look to split the two road games and steal this one?

Ignore the officiating and just play

It’s going to be tough for the Rockets to completely ignore the officiating in this one. Scott Foster, a referee that has shown some serious bias against Houston and Chris Paul in particular in the past, will be the head official for the game tonight.

If the Rockets can try to ignore the blown calls and get back on defense after a questionable play, they will be much better off for it. The one play that comes to mind was when CP3 was complaining last game and it led to a Kevin Durant wide open dunk.

If the Rockets play well and play their game, they can definitely overpower the Warriors and win this one.

Harden has to shoot better

While James Harden has certainly had his great moments in the playoffs and is playing well in other aspects of the game, he’s really struggling to shoot the ball so far in the postseason. Part of the Rockets playing their game that I just talked about is having the Beard go out there and have a dominating performance.

Harden has to be smarter out there and realize that he’s not going to draw the whistle on the 3 like he has all season long. Especially with Foster out there, it will be tough for Houston to get that call.

Just go out there and be the MVP of the league that you are, Harden. We’ll live with the results if you’re dominating.

Clint Capela

I wrote a whole article (as did Kelly Iko of the Athletic, I believe) about how important Clint Capela is and how he needs to be better. It’s completely true. Capela can be a huge factor in this series and he didn’t show it at all in Game 1.

Capela has the ability to force the Warriors to go big, something that they struggle with when Cousins is out. He needs to rebound the ball better and be a force on both ends of the court. We’ve seen him do it in the past, he has to be better tonight for the Rockets to have the best chance possible.

Be sure to tune in tonight as the Rockets go for the split! It’s a late start for the game, 9:30 p.m. CT on TNT.