How the Rockets’ defense has been surprisingly clutch all year

Identifying the Rockets’ season-long stingy defense

The Rockets’ clutch defense didn’t just start in the bubble, it’s been clutch all year. The Rockets rank fourth in defensive rating in the clutch and second in net rating.

The Rockets also rank first in opponents field goal percentage allowed at 35.7 percent, while also ranking fourth in 3-point percentage allowed at 27.5 percent. A team that consistently ranks at the top of these major categories in clutch defense can surely have a lengthy postseason.

The Houston Rockets can put up points on any team in the league, from the better defenses, like the Bucks, to the worst defenses like the Mavericks. Regardless of whether the Rockets are shooting 30 percent from 3-point range and being outrebounded by 30, it still comes down to defense.

The Rockets are already the top scoring team in the league, so if they can continue their clutch defensive play in the postseason, there is a great chance they will be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.

Oh yeah, October.