3 Things the Houston Rockets must do to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers

Speed the Game up

One of the biggest advantages the Rockets have this season over their opponents is their ability to get out in the open court and get easy buckets. Russell Westbrook, of course, is the main reason the Rockets are currently second in the league in pace of play with his relentless attacks to the rim.

Russell Westbrook absolute filth ? pic.twitter.com/aFdVvV3j9k

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2020

After losing two straight games they had no business losing, the Rockets will need a boisterous Toyota Center crowd to help them every step of the way against L.A. There’s no better way to get a home crowd rocking than turning defense to offense and allowing Russ and James to go wild in the open court.

The Rockets are ranked third in the NBA in offensive rating and their ability to get out on the break is a big reason why. Given that they’re still not quite where they need to be defensively, they will need to be extra efficient at what they do best, which is creating chances in the open court and drilling the long-ball — which leads us into the last key to Houston defeating Los Angeles.

Next: No. 1